HED 6700G - Assessment in Student Affairs and Higher Education

Credits: 2

This course will examine the role of assessment in student affairs and higher education, and provide a foundational introduction to designing and implementing assessment plans as an integral element of program development. A brief examination of the context driving the current Accountability Era, including questions from government entities and the public regarding the value of higher education to its students, grounds dialogue around the importance of identifying appropriate strategies across an institution to demonstrate impact. Students will study conceptual models for assessment, direct and indirect measures, learning goals and assessment design, and analysis and application of results. Case studies and exploration of current events will foster understanding of applying ethical standards when implementing assessment and collaborating with stakeholders across campus. The course will be oriented towards preparing students for entry level roles in student affairs and other administrative functional areas, but will briefly explore assessment issues in academic affairs and faculty life, senior leadership, governance, and regional accreditation. Students will apply their learning to designing an assessment plan for a program or activity within an administrative unit on Merrimack’s campus.