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Dr. Beth Wuest , Director Academic Assessment and Development Ms. Lisa Garza , Director

Renewing Commitment to Outcomes Assessment: Practical Means to Attaining University-wide Participation. Dr. Beth Wuest , Director Academic Assessment and Development Ms. Lisa Garza , Director University Planning and Assessment December 10, 2007. Presentation Goals.

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Dr. Beth Wuest , Director Academic Assessment and Development Ms. Lisa Garza , Director

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  1. Renewing Commitment to Outcomes Assessment: Practical Means to Attaining University-wide Participation Dr. Beth Wuest, Director Academic Assessment and Development Ms. Lisa Garza, Director University Planning and Assessment December 10, 2007

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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 • Perceived lack of commitment by the leadership

  5. Key Elements • Leadership Commitment • Centralized Support for Assessment • A Culture of Continuous Improvement • Linkage to Strategic Planning, Program Review, and Other Major University Initiatives • Strategies for Outcomes Assessment • Developing Outcomes and Assessment Methods • Analyzing and Utilizing Assessment Results

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Tools for Outcomes Assessment • Group Orientation • Workshops and Training Sessions • Handouts and Templates • Individual Meetings and Consultations • A Common Reporting System • E-mail Reminders

  9. Step-by-Step Process First Semester -- 1 Letter from the Provost • 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

  10. Step-by-Step Process Second Semester -- 6 Series of workshops and training sessions on developing outcomes and methods 7 E-mail reminders 8 Individual consultation • Initial submission of outcomes and assessment methods 10 Follow-up and feedback

  11. Step-by-Step Process Third Semester -- 11 Reminder letters on results and action plans • Workshops on embedding assessment in routine activities • Workshops on data collection, results reporting, and action planning 14 Department consultation 15 Conduct assessment activities

  12. Step-by-Step Process Fourth Semester -- 16 Analysis of assessment results 17 Submission of results and action plans • Revision of outcomes and methods for subsequent academic year • Implementation of changes to program/initiatives • Assessment cycle repeated with attention to program improvement

  13. Common Reporting System • Electronic submission and retention of data • Centralized repository for the university • Ability to generate reports by program • Accessibility for SACS Reaffirmation

  14. Conclusion • Communicate, communicate, communicate • Build in flexibility • Demonstrate use of data • Reinforce the value of assessment • Always provide and allow for feedback • Maintain a culture of continuous improvement

  15. Questions and Comments

  16. Contacts Beth Wuest, Director Academic Development and Assessment 150 J.C. Kellam Texas State University-San Marcos San Marcos, TX 78666 512.245.2112 wuest@txstate.edu Lisa Garza, Director University Planning and Assessment 1080 J.C. Kellam Texas State University-San Marcos San Marcos, TX 78666 512.245.2780 LisaGarza@txstate.edu

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