The Division of Student Affairs created the Office of Research and Assessment within the division to promote a better understanding of UTB/TSC students and their experiences. The intent of the Division of Student Affairs is to foster students’ development and success through the creation of a learning-centered institution. Specifically, the office of Research and Assessment supports the work of the division by:
Profiling current and changing student demographics and constituencies to help define priorities and directions;
-
Developing a means for evaluating the effectiveness of the allocation of division resources and their alignment with institutional and Division of Student Affairs priorities;
-
Promoting continuous quality improvement by supporting Student Affairs staff in the development of and methodology used to conduct ongoing and ad hoc effectiveness studies, thereby encouraging the division’s commitment to a “culture of evidence” for planning and decision-making;
-
Developing a means for informing professional practice within the division based on student development theory;
-
Identifying and facilitating opportunities for enhancing professional capabilities and commitment of division staff; and,
-
Developing opportunities for collaboration with academic and other institutional units.
Each component of the Division of Student Affairs is responsible for developing and managing a:
-
Biennial Department Action Plan developed to support the UTB/TSC Strategic Plan, the Division of Student Affairs Strategic Plan, and to incorporate improvement objectives resulting from analysis of relevant data and information;
-
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan focusing on the priority expected learning outcomes of the Division of Student Affairs and outlining assessment methodology and criteria for each department within the division;
-
Process of comprehensive program review of their department through a Program Self-Evaluation that guides compliance, effectiveness, efficiency and the integrity with which each department operates. Regular Peer Evaluation Program Reviews regularly follow the program self-evaluation, further demonstrating the division’s commitment to self-assessment and accountability.