What is Assessment?
In higher education, data is collected to support continuous improvement, inform practice, and understand patterns related to programs and services. Assessment is the intentional and systematic process of collecting, reviewing, and using information to improve programs, services, and facilities that support student learning and success.
Assessment involves two primary components:
- The collection or measurement of information related to programs, services, or outcomes; and
- The use of that information to inform decisions about planning, implementation, and improvement.
In Student Affairs, assessment data may take multiple qualitative and quantitative forms. These may include tracking participation and use of services, identifying program strengths and areas for improvement, measuring satisfaction, examining outcomes, and assessing student learning, among other approaches. For example, assessment helps Student Affairs understand how students experience counseling appointments, cultural programming, and career preparation, so programs can build on strengths and continue improving student support.
Assessment is often understood as a cycle of continuous improvement, in which each step informs the next. The process extends beyond reporting findings and includes reflection, discussion, and the use of results to guide future actions and decisions.
The primary steps involved in assessment include:
- Establishing clear goals and outcomes
- Delivering purposeful programs and services
- Collecting data related to programs and services
- Reviewing, interpreting, and sharing results
- Applying results to inform decisions and improve programs and services
