International Assessment & Retention Conference June 9, 2007

1. International Assessment & Retention Conference June 9, 2007 Removing Chance from the Equation: Using Assessment to Connect Programming and Students Carl Ervin Southern Illinois University Carbondale www.siu.edu/~studdev/

2. Removing Chance from the Equation: Using Assessment to Connect Programming and Students Program Objectives • Provide background of our programs • Explore inexpensive ways to meet institutional assessment needs • Understand how assessment can be a tool in program development and justification • Relate assessment results to enhance programs, seek budget allocations and public relations • Ways to encourage collaboration with areas outside of student affairs

3. SIUC: Overview of Facts: 2006-07 Carnegie Foundation classification: doctoral research university- extensive Eight colleges, graduate school, two professional schools (medicine and law) 16,294 undergraduate enrollment; 4709 graduate and professional ◊69.3% White; 14.9% Black; 0.5 % Native American; 3.1% Latino; 2% Asian; 5.48% International 4.6 % Other ◊ 1,607 fulltime faculty; executive/managerial 259;842 professional staff; 2,029 support staff

4. Institutional needs and priorities change Understand student satisfaction Measure student learning outcomes Provide information to external audiences: prospective students, parents, alums, donors, legislatures, grant-funding organizations Tight budgets: helps with decisions on programs Accountability a major factor in higher education Helps Student Affairs staff be dynamic and develop programs to meet students needs Measure internal and external demand for programs Study cost, efficiency, process and outcomes Helps compare programs and services with peer institutions Why Assessment?

5. Diversity Philosophy MPS believes that it is the differences that make each of us unique. MPS promotes inclusion and cultural awareness through education, exhibition and exploration. Assessment Instruments Focus groups (qualitative data) Surveys (quantitative data) Student Voice (e-surveys) End-of-month Planning Committee meetings Diversity Programs

6. Sample Survey Results • In the 2005-06 academic year, 70% of the respondents said “Yes”, I have learned about a different culture. • In the 2006-07 academic year, 96% of the students answered “yes” to the question “Did the program enhance your understanding of the featured culture?”

8. Student testimonials about MPS programs • Makes me think twice before I judge • Greek diversity day was an awesome experience; we came together for community service, a debate about diversity and worked to achieve a common goal • MPS programs help me overcome stereotypes • My involvement in cultural programs has helped me value my culture and not feel alienated from campus • Participating in diversity programs has inspired me to seek an understanding before judging, aided in self-reflection, and influenced me to seek knowledge wherever I may travel in life

9. Service Philosophy To prepare students for responsible and ethical citizenship. Help students understand that civic responsibility and active service are deeply connected. Students get a chance to change tomorrow by making a positive difference today. Assessment Instruments Focus Groups (qualitative data) Surveys (quantitative data) Student Voice (E-surveys) AmeriCorps surveys Event Evaluations Volunteerism and Service-Learning

10. Assessment Results • During the 2005-06 academic year, 88% of students involved in Saluki Volunteer Corps either strongly agreed or agreed with the statement “Participation in service has helped me achieve my academic goals”. By contrast, 79% of students not involved in the program were either neutral or disagreed with the statement. • During the 2006-07 academic year, 75% of students Involved in Saluki Volunteer Corps either strongly agreed or agreed with the statement “Participation in service has helped me achieve my academic goals”. In contrast, 72% of students not involved in the program were neutral to the above statement.

12. Student testimonials about Service • Volunteering at the Abundant Health Clinic influenced my decision to study medicine • Involvement is the main reason I stayed at SIUC • Community service helps character development and is so rewarding • Volunteering reflects my values and makes me strive to be a better person • Involvement has strengthened my academic progress through leading by example • Service has heightened my awareness of social issues and elevated my sense of civic responsibility

13. NSP Philosophy To assist new students and their families as they transition to campus life. To prepare students for vast educational opportunities and integrate them into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of SIUC. Assessment Instruments Focus Groups (qualitative data) Family/Student Program Evaluation (quantitative data) Individual Interviews Training Sessions Feedback New Student Programs

14. Assessment Results • During the 2005-06 academic year, 70% of surveyed students that participated in Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration rated the elements of the program (Information fair, academic meeting, involvement panel, campus tour, etc.) as “Very Beneficial” • The 2006-07 academic year assessment is still in process; on-going. The last program will be held on August 18

15. SOAR PROGRAM EVALUATION GOES HERE

17. Student testimonials about NSP • What a great first impression SOAR made for us! • Initially I was scared, but after attending SOAR I felt prepared and ready to go • SOAR was not only a good opportunity to become familiar with campus and what was expected of me, but it also was a chance to begin building new friendships • This was a wonderful program. I appreciate the opportunity for my parents to learn more about SIUC • Very personal, considering the University’s size – nice personal touch! As an out-of-state visitor, this program is very helpful • Everyone was very helpful throughout the entire process

18. Iron Chef Crocodile Tears Dr. MLK Jr. Recognition Week Noche de Gala Day of Service Make A Difference Day National Youth Service Day Week of Welcome Saluki Family Weekend Student Orientation, Advisement, & Registration Student Life Advisor Leadership Program Major Program Examples

19. Conclusion / Lessons Learned • Technology (web, E-flyers, online profiles, and listserv) help market programs with limited money • Collaboration and co-sponsorships are key • Engaging students and discovering their needs versus their wants • Connect assessment data with student retention! • Share assessment results with internal and external constituencies • Recognize/reward engaged students- retention tool!

20. Conclusion/Lessons Learned(continued) • Focus on few programs but strive for quality through well researched objectives • Challenge and guide students to high expectations • Strive to recruit a diverse and large body of students • Utilize talents of Graduate staff and interns • Assessment important for leverage and budget justifications • Celebrate goals and milestones achieved

21. Recommended Readings • Maki, P. (2004). Assessing for learning: Building a sustainable commitment across the institution. Sterling, VA: Stylus and AAHE • Palomba, Catherine A., and Banta, Trudy W. (eds). (2001). Assessing Student Competence in Accredited Disciplines: Pioneering Approaches in Assessment in Higher Education: Sterling, VA: Stylus • Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving College: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition (2nd ed). Chicago: The University of Chicago Press • Astin, A.W. and Sax, L.J. (1998). How Undergraduates Are Affected by Service Participation. Journal of College Student Development. V.39: p.251-263.

22. Recommended Readings (continued) • Kuh, G.D (1993). In Their Own Words: What Students Learn Outside the Classroom. American Educational Research Journal. Vol.30: p.277-304. • Coburn, K.L. and Treeger, M.L. (2004). Letting Go: A Parents Guide to Understanding the College Years (4th ed.) New York: HarperCollins Publishers • Lundin, S.C., Banta, Paul, H., & Christensen, J. W. (2000). Fish!. New York: Hyperion

23. Please complete the survey so we can improve our program Thank you for coming, enjoy the conference and when you depart, have a safe trip home!

27. Presentation Organizers Carl Ervin cwervin@siu.edu Mythili Rundblad rundblad@siu.edu Cordy Love cordy@siu.edu