Student Affairs Assessment

The Student Affairs Assessment (SAA) office is responsible for the leadership and coordination of assessment efforts within the Division of Student Affairs. We focus on division excellence through daily effectiveness, problem solving, responsible decision-making, successful planning and student success.

Why Assessment?

Assessment allows for an intentional commitment to engagement in an organized and reflective process to examine and improve student learning through thoughtful data gathering and analysis (Bresciani, 2006; Culp, 2012). According to Culp (2012), when we create and work within a culture of assessment we are engaged in a continuous learning cycle that asks questions that matter, builds on accomplishments and design and implement programs, processes, and services to help students define and obtain their educational needs and goals.  

Additionally, Maki (2004) describes assessment as “…the means of answering those questions of curiosity about our work as educators” (p. 2). Assessment helps us explore the many facets of evidence that allow student affairs professionals to draw inferences about how students make meaning of their educational experiences based on our practices and programs. At its core, assessment helps us understand whether or not we are doing what we claim to be doing.

Mission

Student Affairs Assessment provides leadership for developing a culture of inquiry, data-driven decision making, and planning that keeps the student at the core of our work. 

History

The SAA office grew out of many years of work by the Student Affairs Assessment Committee. The committee was one of the division's original Campus Compact initiatives.

Consultations

Our office is always available for consultations. Depending on your specific needs, one of us will meet with you to discuss your assessment efforts and questions. Contact us — we are here to help.