Summer Assessment Camp: Developing Assessment Leaders in Student Affairs

Martha Glass, Ph.D.Jaime Williams, M.A.Ed.

Introductions

• Who we are• Our roles• What is your role in assessment?

Session OutcomesSession participants will be able to:• Articulate the nature of assessment in the Division of Student

Affairs at Virginia Tech• Describe how the DSA Assessment Summer Camp has

progressed since its inception• Identify changes in assessment culture as a result of Camp

implementation• Take necessary steps to implement an assessment camp or

institute suitable for their own campus• Describe how a culture of assessment can be developed in

student affairs areas

Relevant Competencies

Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech

• How we started– Assessment as an “add-on”

• Our need for accountability• Our need for proficiency• Assessment Roundtable– Evolution

Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech

• Common quotes about assessment:– Blah– Blah– Blah

• Artistic expressions (from the first Assessment Summer Camp)

Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech

• BIG POST-IT PIC

Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech

• BIG POST-IT PIC

Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech

• BIG POST-IT PIC

What Works for Your Campus?

• Important Considerations:– Time of year– Who is already committed?– Fun, “campy” things– Length of camp experience– Food

DSA Assessment Camp: Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

The DSA Summer Assessment Camp provides an introduction, common language, networking, and capacity-building to achieve the Division

of Student Affairs’ and University’s commitment to establishing a culture of

continuous improvement.

DSA Assessment Camp: Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Goals:• Increase assessment capacity within the

Division of Student Affairs• Develop confident assessment leaders• Create an awareness of University resources• Build a community of leaders who can foster a

culture of assessment

DSA Assessment Camp: Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Camp Outcomes:• Understand the role of assessment in the Division of Student

Affairs• Articulate the assessment cycle• Become familiar with assessment terms• Write goals related to department/program mission• Write measureable and meaningful outcomes• Develop an assessment plan• Understand the basics of assessment design and selecting the

correct method• Identify campus assessment resources

The Evolution of Assessment Camp

Year 1• Two identical sessions offered• Focused on providing an overview of

assessment and common language• Attendees consisted of “front-line”

assessment professionals

The Evolution of Assessment Camp

Year 2• Department directors required to attend a

session• Department heads encouraged to send

assessment project "teams” • More time for on-site practice• Assessment “Spotlights”

The Evolution of Assessment Camp

Year 3• Assessment “teams” encouraged again• Split experience into “Advanced” and

“Beginner” camps

Positive Feedback from DSA Assessment Camp

• Blah• Blah• Blah

Example Activity: Outcomes Mad Libs

• I need to refine this some more and then I’ll insert instructions…..

Three Years Later….

• Number of campers over three years…• Survey data• More assessment partners in the Division, job

descriptions…• A more interactive Assessment Roundtable

What’s Next?

• Another year of Advanced and Beginner camps

• Target SP responsible parties for Camp II (I can’t remember what this note means….)