Coordinating Divisional and Departmental Student Affairs Assessment

The second edition of "Coordinating Divisional and Departmental Student Affairs Assessment" provides practical advice on how to inform and lead a successful assessment program in student affairs, helping professionals understand the impact of their initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance student learning, development, and engagement. It builds upon the concepts of the first edition and addresses the changing dynamics of leading assessment in a department or division, including using and selecting assessment technology, collaborating with institutional research, and creating equity-centered assessment practices. The book is an ideal resource for graduate students and other practitioners seeking practical information to guide their assessment practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Student affairs assessment is a crucial aspect of shaping the college experience, particularly in the face of ongoing transformations in higher education. As the demand for evidence-based practices and equitable outcomes increases, there is a growing need for effective assessment strategies that inform practice, identify equity gaps, and improve student learning. Coordinating Divisional and Departmental Student Affairs Assessment, 2nd Edition, is a valuable resource for student affairs professionals seeking to develop and lead successful assessment programs.

In this second edition, authors Pamela M. Nieto and Elizabeth A. Segal have expanded upon the concepts introduced in the first edition, providing practical advice and strategies for conducting assessment in student affairs divisions. The book offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the impact of student affairs initiatives, identifying areas for improvement, and making data-driven decisions to enhance student learning, development, and engagement.

One of the key strengths of the book is its emphasis on using and selecting assessment technology effectively. The authors provide guidance on how to choose the right tools for gathering and analyzing data, as well as how to use technology to enhance assessment practices and facilitate collaboration. They also discuss the importance of integrating technology with other assessment strategies, such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to create a holistic view of student affairs programs.

Collaboration with institutional research is another critical aspect of effective assessment in student affairs. The authors discuss how to work closely with institutional research teams to align assessment goals with institutional priorities, collect data that is relevant to institutional goals, and use data to inform decision-making. They also provide examples of how collaboration with institutional research can enhance the credibility and validity of assessment findings.

Creating equity-centered assessment practices is another important theme in the book. The authors emphasize the importance of assessing programs and policies in a way that considers the diverse needs and experiences of students. They provide strategies for identifying and addressing equity gaps, such as using disaggregated data to track progress toward equity goals and developing culturally responsive assessment practices that reflect the diversity of the student body.

The book is organized into four chapters, each covering a different aspect of assessment in student affairs. The first chapter provides an introduction to assessment in student affairs, including its purpose, benefits, and challenges. The second chapter explores the theoretical foundations of assessment, including the importance of evidence-based practice, validity, reliability, and equity. The third chapter focuses on conducting assessment in student affairs divisions, including strategies for identifying assessment goals, selecting appropriate assessment methods, and analyzing and interpreting data. The fourth chapter discusses the implications of assessment for practice and policy, including how assessment findings can be used to inform decision-making, improve programs and policies, and enhance student learning and development.

Throughout the book, the authors use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate their points and provide practical insights into assessment in student affairs. These examples help to bring the concepts to life and make the book accessible to a wide range of readers, including graduate students, new professionals, and seasoned assessment practitioners.

In conclusion, Coordinating Divisional and Departmental Student Affairs Assessment, 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive and practical guide for student affairs professionals seeking to develop and lead successful assessment programs. The book provides a wealth of information and strategies for understanding the impact of student affairs initiatives, identifying areas for improvement, and making data-driven decisions to enhance student learning, development, and engagement. By utilizing the strategies in this book, student affairs divisions can create evidence-based practices that contribute to a more inclusive and supportive campus environment, foster student engagement, and ultimately enhance the educational journey for students. Whether you are a graduate student, new professional, or seasoned assessment practitioner, this book is an essential resource for advancing your assessment practice in student affairs.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032608389
Edition number: 2 ed