Meeting Notes of the USF Student Affairs
Planning & Assessment Team
April 7, 2009
Attending: Regina Young Hyatt, Chair; Kimberly Mallard, Gary Manka; Steve Milburn, Tom Miller, Dorie Paine, Judi Sherman, Olga Skalkos, Jerry Trotter, Charlene Herreid
Chair Regina Young Hyatt called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
The team reviewed the workshop conducted by Marilee Bresciani on April 2, 2009. Some topics discussed were: should we try to obtain feedback from small groups about the workshop? how “on board” are other units at the university, including academic units? Can we join forces with academic affairs to extend assessment outside of the classroom? Are there units we can partner with? Some units that might be amenable to this are those that were formerly in Student Affairs. SA should take advantage of opportunities to reach out to other units. Student Learning and Engagement group—outside of our units, who has formalized training for student organizations? Can we combine this training or at least agree on basic concepts? Where else are people training students for these common experiences? Some people were concerned over Marilee Bresciani’s focus on learning at the lowest levels, e.g., knowledge and skills. There was the thought that analysis can go on for higher level learning such as behavior and attitude changes. After discussion, it was agreed that changes in knowledge and skills should be demonstrated at a basic level as changes in behavior and attitudes cannot be expected to occur without new knowledge and skills. Dr. Bresciani also emphasized to look for outcomes to be assessed in areas that are under the department’s control or sphere of influence. Therefore, it may be possible to observe changes in behavior and attitudes, if such elements are under a department’s influence.
Team members went on to a review of the glossary. The second definition for the term “benchmark” was chosen. Other small modifications will be made. The final version will be posted on the website.
Regina distributed examples of models for the assessment and planning processes that Judi Sherman produced for consideration. Members were asked give their feedback on which model style(s) they preferred. The final model, with appropriate terminology, will be posted at the Planning and Assessment website.
Outcomes assessment plans that have been collected from Student Affairs units to date were distributed to the appropriate contacts for the assigned departments. Members were asked to review the assessment plans distributed. Review of these plans is for informational purposes to give team members some idea of what to look for in future plans that are submitted for review. Charlene will work on obtaining some sample rubrics for reviewing assessment plans from the USF Office of Assessment.
Members were asked to review the learning outcomes document that includes the revised taxonomy levels and to supply additional action verbs. Members can refer to the website included on the new glossary to get ideas. Please e-mail the additional verbs to Regina before the next PAT meeting on April 21 so that she can update the document.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:37 a.m.
Charlene Herreid,
Planning and Assessment Team