Demonstrating Student Success: A Practical Guide to Outcomes-Based Assessment of Learning and Development in Student Affairs

'œThis volume is a wonderful addition to existing resources on assessment in student affairs. Its value is in its focus on a crucial form of assessment: demonstrating how student experiences contribute to the richness of undergraduate life. What's more, institutional illustrations and examples add robustness to this book through detailed treatment of central topics in outcomes assessment.'�'”John H. Schuh, Distinguished Professor, Iowa State University 'œI wish this guide had been available six years ago when we began our learning outcomes assessment journey. The critical elements of outcomes-based assessment are clearly articulated with application at both the program and system levels. The book is practical, concise, and convincing. The criticalness of outcomes-based assessment as an essential element of the student learning experience is clearly communicated. I can't wait to get the Guide into the hands of our student affairs managers. Demonstrating Student Success takes the intimidation factor out of the critically important task of outcomes-based assessment. The concepts and best practices are presented with the student affairs practitioner in mind with ready to use approaches and plans.'�'”Paul Dale, Interim President, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix, Arizona This practical guide to outcomes-based assessment in student affairs is designed to help readers meet the growing demand for accountability, and for demonstrating student learning. The authors offer a framework for implementing the assessment of student learning and development, and pragmatic advice on the strategies most appropriate for the readers' particular circumstances. Beginning with a brief history of assessment, the book explains how to effectively engage in outcomes-based assessment, presents strategies for addressing the range of challenges and barriers student affairs practitioners are likely to face, addresses institutional, divisional, and departmental collaboration, and considers future developments in the assessment of student success. One feature of the book is its use of real case studies that illustrate current best practices in student affairs assessment that illuminate theory, while providing examples of application. The cases allow the authors to demonstrate that there are several approaches to evaluating student learning and development within student affairs; illustrating how practice may vary according to institutional type, institutional culture, and available resources. The authors explain how to set goals, write outcomes, describe the range of assessment methods available, discuss criteria for evaluating outcomes-based assessment, and provide steps and questions to consider in designing the reflection and institutional assessment processes, as well as how to effectively utilize and disseminate results. Their expert knowledge, tips, and insights will enable readers to implement outcomes-based assessment in ways that best meet the needs of their own unique campus environments.

The Authors: Marilee J. Bresciani is Professor, Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education, at San Diego State University. Megan Moore Gardner is Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration at the University of Akron. Jessica Hickmott is Student Affairs Assessment Coordinator at Weber State University.