Training and Skill Development Opportunities

Assessment 101: Conducting Meaningful Assessment

Assessment serves numerous purposes from continuous improvement of programs and services to compliance with accreditation standards. In this training workshop, attendees will learn why and how to conduct meaningful assessment in their department, program, or service. Specifically, participants will learn about the assessment cycle; how to create effective mission statements, goals, and outcomes; how to design and align their programs, services, activities, operations, etc. with their mission, goals, and outcomes; how to identify current and new data collection methods and instruments for measuring the extent to which their strategies and activities are achieving their respective outcomes and goals; high level overview of how to analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data to inform decisions about their department, programs, services, facilities, operations, etc.; as well as how to report these findings and share their story with a variety of audiences.

Outcomes:

  • Understanding the Assessment Cycle: Master the foundational steps of the assessment cycle to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with university and division vision, mission, and goals.
  • Crafting Effective Mission Statements, Goals, and Outcomes: Learn how to develop clear, actionable mission statements, goals, and outcomes that drive the success of your programs and services.
  • Program Alignment: ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ18 how to design and align your programs, services, and activities with your mission, goals, and outcomes to maximize their impact and effectiveness.
  • Data Collection: Identify and implement various data collection methods and instruments to accurately measure the success of your strategies and activities.
  • Data Analysis: Gain a high-level understanding of how to analyze and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data, turning insights into actionable decisions for improving programs, services, facilities, and operations.
  • Effective Reporting: Develop skills to effectively report findings and share your success stories with diverse audiences, from campus partners to accreditation bodies, in a compelling and informative manner.

Training Offerings:

Ìý ÌýOct. 2, 2024 | 1-2:30 p.m. | C4C S350

Ìý ​ Feb. 5, 2025 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | UMC 417

Ìý ​ July 16, 2025 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Zoom (Virtual)

The Data Whisperer: Translating Numbers into Actions for Continuous Improvement

In this interactive workshop, we delve into the art and science of interpreting data to drive meaningful improvements in student affairs programs, services, and operations. Designed specifically for professionals in student affairs, this training will guide participants through the process of making strategic decisions informed by real-world data. Participants will engage with an example data set and through collaborative exercises and insightful discussions, will learn to draw actionable conclusions and develop a clear roadmap for implementing changes that foster continuous improvement. Join us to transform data from mere numbers into a powerful tool for enhancing student experiences and driving institutional success.

Outcomes:

  • Enhanced Data Literacy: Gain a solid understanding of key data concepts and techniques to confidently interpret data sets.
  • Actionable Insights: Learn how to extract valuable insights from data analysis, enabling you to make informed decisions that positively impact students and staff.
  • Strategic Decision-Making: Develop skills to determine whether to stop, start, or continue specific initiatives based on data-informed findings.
  • Practical Application: Apply your new skills to a real-life example data set, practicing the interpretation and decision-making process in a supportive, hands-on environment.
  • Continuous Improvement: ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ18 strategies for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within your institution by effectively using data to guide and refine student services.

Training Offerings:

Ìý ÌýApril 1 | 10-11:30 a.m. | CASE E351

Micro-Trainings

(Micro-Training) So You Want to Do a Survey?

This training is your guide to crafting surveys that are not just numbers on a page, but powerful tools for transformation. This training is tailored for student affairs professionals eager to harness the power of surveys to assess how well your programs, services, and activities are hitting the mark. We’ll explore the ins and outs of survey design, from pinpointing the right audience and crafting quality questions to timing your survey to fit the academic calendar. You’ll learn how to maximize response rates and draw actionable insights from your data. Plus, discover when surveys might not be your best bet and how to communicate your findings effectively to stakeholders. Get ready to turn your survey data into actionable insights that drive real change!

Outcomes:

  • Survey Strategy: Identify when a survey is the right tool for assessment and how to align it with your goals and outcomes.
  • Design & Implementation Skills: Learn best practices for designing effective surveys, including crafting impactful questions and optimizing timing and scheduling.
  • Actionable Insights: Learn how to extract valuable insights from survey data, enabling you to make informed decisions that positively impact students and staff.
  • Effective Communication: Gain techniques for sharing and reporting survey findings with key partners and audiences.
  • Alternative Approaches: Understand scenarios when surveys are not suitable and explore other assessment methods.

Training Offerings:

Ìý ÌýNov. 7 | 3-4 p.m. | C4C S350

(Micro-Training) Beyond the Survey: Using Creative Assessment Methods for Continuous Improvement

Ignite your imagination with fresh, innovative ways to assess your programs and services. This engaging workshop invites student affairs professionals to step outside the survey box and explore dynamic, creative assessment techniques. We’ll dive into unconventional methods that go beyond traditional surveys, focusing on how to gather insightful data to evaluate and enhance your student affairs initiatives. Whether it’s through interactive focus groups, real-time feedback mechanisms, or experiential activities, you’ll discover new tools to assess the effectiveness of your programs in meeting learning, developmental, and operational outcomes. Leave with a toolkit of creative methods that will keep your assessment practices both effective and exciting!

Outcomes:

  • Creative Assessment Techniques: ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ18 and apply innovative assessment methods beyond traditional surveys to gather meaningful data.
  • Enhanced Data Collection Skills: Learn how to implement varied data collection strategies that capture the full spectrum of program effectiveness.
  • Continuous Improvement Strategies: Use creative assessment results to drive continuous improvement and refine your programs and services.
  • Practical Application: Apply creative methods to real-life scenarios and develop actionable plans based on your new assessment insights.

Training Offerings:

Ìý ÌýFeb. 27 | 3-4 p.m. | CASE E351