Moving the Masses:Building a Collective Approach to Outcomes Assessment

Beth Wuest, Director Academic Development and AssessmentLisa Garza, Director University Planning and Assessment

A Member of the Texas State University System

Presentation Goals

Reinforce understanding of the value of outcomes assessment

Understand key elements necessary to implement a comprehensive outcomes assessment program

Identify strategies for effective outcomes development and assessment

Attain insight for establishing buy-in among various groups on campus

Gather tools for developing common reporting styles

Value of Outcomes Assessment A means for continuous improvement of

academic programs and educational support initiatives

A venue for collaborative feedback among stakeholders

Demonstrates accountability to external constituents

Compliance with accreditation requirements SACS Core Requirement 3.3.1

Obstacles along the Way

Skepticism by faculty and staff of the value of outcomes assessment

Wariness of another time-consuming process with little actual pay-off

Fear of potential repercussions for not meeting proposed outcomes

Lack of commitment by the leadership

Key Elements

Leadership Commitment Centralized Support for Assessment A Culture of Continuous Improvement Linkage to Strategic Planning and Other Major

University Initiatives Strategies for Outcomes Assessment

Developing Outcomes and Assessment Methods Analyzing and Utilizing Assessment Results

Strategies for Implementation

Build a common understanding of how outcomes assessment can and will be used

Combine academic and administrative areas

– We’re all in this together! Include all levels

All academic programs

– Bachelor through doctorate All administrative levels

– Department through Division

Insights for Gaining Commitment Begin with plenty of conversations and

collaborations Develop common goals and outcomes Use a straightforward, simple, system-

wide, and strategic approach Build on assessment methods already in

place Provide new ideas and basic techniques

for a program to consider

Tools for Outcomes Assessment

Workshops and Training Sessions

Handouts and TemplatesIndividual Meetings and

ConsultationsA Common Reporting System

Step-by-Step Process

1 Letter from the Provost

2 Introduction to VPs & Deans

3 Series of handouts explaining process and providing support materials

4 Common reporting form

5 Meetings with College and Administrative Councils

Step-by-Step Process

6 Series of workshops and training sessions on developing outcomes and methods

7 E-mail reminders

8 Individual consultation

9 Initial submission of outcomes and assessment methods

10 Follow-up and feedback

Step-by-Step Process

11 Reminder letters on results and action plans

12 Workshops on embedding assessment in routine activities

13 Workshops on data collection, results reporting, and action planning

14 Department consultation

15 Conduct assessment activities

Step-by-Step Process

16 Analysis of assessment results

17 Submission of results and action plans

18 Revision of outcomes and methods for subsequent academic year

19 Implementation of changes to program/initiatives

20 Assessment cycle repeated with attention to program improvement

Common Reporting System

Electronic submission and retention of data

Centralized repository for the university

Accessibility for SACS Reaffirmation

Conclusion

Communicate, communicate, communicate

Build in flexibility Reinforce the value of assessment Always provide and allow for feedback Maintain a culture of continuous

improvement

Questions

and

Comments

Beth Wuest, Director

Academic Development and Assessment

wuest@txstate.edu

(512)245-2112

Lisa Garza, Director

University Planning and Assessment

lisagarza@txstate.edu

(512)245-2780

Honor the PastHonor the PastClaim the FutureClaim the Future

Texas State University-San MarcosTexas State University-San Marcos