Assignment:
Discussion: The Underlying Issues
Data is essential in making good decisions. However, the data sometimes can reveal conflicting information, particularly when the issue under investigation is something as complex as student satisfaction and engagement. As a higher education professional, you will be challenged to analyze data and determine how to resolve apparent discrepancies.
To practice this skill, consider the following scenario and discuss your potential response with your colleagues.
As the executive director of student support services for your small, rural two-year college, you are responsible for regularly assessing student perceptions of the campus climate and their satisfaction with programs and services.
You are concerned about some recent survey results that appear to be contradictory. Results on the satisfaction survey are relatively high, but results on the last climate survey are low. Few students report being engaged in many of the support programs and services provided, and they don't find the campus climate engaging or welcoming.
Assignment:
Post your analysis of the issues underlying the scenario.
What are some possible reasons for these contradictory results?
How would you go about further investigating them?
Why would you choose that course of action?
Explain how you might address the issue of high satisfaction rates but low climate ratings.
Learning Resources
Note: To access required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Focus On
As you explore Learning Resources, focus on the uses of assessment in understanding campus environments and making improvements to support programs that focus on student learning and development. Consider the variety of goals that assessment may address, from identifying issues in existing programs, services, and environments, to evaluating the impact of a new or enhanced program. In particular, note the links between assessment goals, indicators of effectiveness, measures and data sources, and processes used to turn data into action.
Required Readings
McClellan, G. S., & Stringer, J. (Eds.). (2016). The handbook of student affairs administration (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Wiley.
• "Understanding Campus Environments"
Banta, T. W., Pike, G. R., & Hansen, M. J. (2009). The use of engagement data in accreditation, planning, and assessment. New Directions for Institutional Research, 2009(141), 21-34.
The use of engagement data in accreditation, planning, and assessment. New Directions for Institutional Research, 2009(141) by Banta, T. W., Pike, G. R., & Hansen, M. J. Copyright 2009 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS. Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Culp, M. M. (2005). Doing more of what matters: The key to student success. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2005(131), 77-87.
Doing more of what matters: The key to student success. New Directions for Community Colleges, (131) by Culp, M. M. Copyright 2005 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Kinzie, J., &Pennipede, B. S. (2009). Converting engagement results into action. New Directions for Institutional Research, 2009(141), 83-96.
Converting engagement results into action. New Directions for Institutional Research, 2009(141) by Kinzie, J., &Pennipede, B. S. Copyright 2009 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS. Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Oburn, M. (2005). Building a culture of evidence in student affairs. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2005(131), 19-32.
Building a culture of evidence in student affairs. New Directions for Community Colleges, (131) by Oburn, M. Copyright 2005 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Optional Resources
The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration
• "Implementing Assessment to Improve Student Learning and Development"
Leinbach, D. T., & Jenkins, D. (2008). Using longitudinal data to increase community college student success: A guide to measuring milestone and momentum point attainment. Community College Research Center (CCRC) Research Tools, 2, 1-24.
Asera, R. (2008). Change and sustain/ability: A program director's reflections on institutional learning. Stanford, CA: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
American College Personnel Association. (2009). The ACPA ASK Project: Assessment skills and knowledge content standards for student affairs practitioners and scholars. Washington, DC: Author.