Assessment is the ongoing, systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and using information about divisional, departmental, and programmatic effectiveness, in order to improve student learning (Upcraft & Schuh, 1996; Anderson, Bresciani, & Zelna, 2004).
Assessment and feedback can be invaluable to creating and continuing to improve programs and experiences for students across campus. In what ways can these surveys, focus groups, or consultations make a direct impact?
- Make the experience worthwhile and meaningful.
- Give hard facts about our programs matter and need funding.
- Make planning easier and more purposeful.
- Reinforce why we do what we do.
- Show that we are responsible, committed, and always try to improve experiences.
- Celebrate our success.
- Make programs even better next time.
- Learn about the needs, interests, and behaviors of students.
*Adapted from Campus Labs – SUCSS Assessment Planning Worksheet
About Student Services Strategy, Assessment, and Evaluation
Student Services Strategy, Assessment, and Evaluation team provides leadership, support, expertise for assessment of Student Services, and student involvement tracking. Assessment promotes evidence-based service and student life program improvement through the use of surveys, interviews, focus groups, and consultations to enhance the McGill student experience. Areas of responsibility include:
- Program specific assessment, e.g., MasterCard Foundation Scholars' Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, including the African Alumni Study
- National benchmarking, e.g., the National College Health Assessment, Counselling and Mental Health Benchmark Study, Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership
- Annual and strategic planning, including presentations at advisory boards, working groups, and awareness weeks
Review
The University periodically reviews both its academic administrative and service units, alongside the reviews of its academic teaching units.
Student Services recently underwent a cyclical review by an External Review Committee through the Cyclical Unit Review Office (CURO). The Review Committee report presented 13 recommendations for the betterment of Student Services. You can read our full response to the review and see every recommendation here. At the heart of our response is the realization that Student Services needs to make strategic, student-centred changes to its organization, reimagining how its services are offered and communicated, and better collaborating –across its own units, across other University units and faculties, with and across the diversity of our student body –in order to foster a fulfilling and healthy working and learning environment.
