The Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (AER) competency area emphasizes the ability of student affairs educators to “design, conduct, critique, and use various AER methodologies and results obtained from them” (ACPA & NASPA, 2015, p. 20).  This skill is applicable to daily work and can be applied at the unit, division, and institutional level.  This competency is important for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data, maintaining standards and accountability, and building a culture of assessment on campus (ACPA & NASPA, 2015).  Understanding different components of assessment and evaluation and being able to demonstrate value and use for continuous improvement is important for success with AER in higher education.

 

I am currently between an intermediate and advanced level of knowledge for terms and concepts.  As an Onboarding Consultant for assessment platforms, I support campus partners with utilizing technology to implement meaningful and interconnected AER processes.  My role is to teach campus administrators how to best utilize software for their planning, outcomes, accreditation, program review, and assessment efforts.  I understand the difference between the concepts and how each area connects to assessment and reporting cycles, annual planning, and institutional strategic planning.  In working with campuses, I first learn about the existing processes, strategies, and workflow on campus, help identify gaps in content or processes, and assist administrators with transferring their concepts into the technology.  I also teach best practices in AER in live and recorded webinars. During the summer and fall of 2019, I led two on-campus visits related to AER in which I facilitated discussions around strategic planning, developing unit assessment plans, and student learning outcomes assessment. I learned about existing campus processes, helped identify gaps and areas for improvement, and translated existing models and desired processes into new software to be implemented on campus.

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I have a foundational level of knowledge for values, ethics, and politics, and AER design.  Through an understanding of company policy regarding data ownership and confidentiality as well as what I have learned from campus partners regarding institutional protocol, I can identify and explain ethical considerations in assessment and research.  Additionally, in HEA 650: Assessment in Higher Education and Student Affairs, I completed the CITI Program certification for Human Research: Social / Behavioral Investigators and Key Personnel as a qualification for conducting research in the future.  During that class, I also practiced writing student and program learning outcomes.  I researched, analyzed, and presented on national assessment instruments, and for a group project I helped create and present a new assessment plan to the Director of New Student and Family Programs at Buffalo State College. In HEA 689: Methods and Techniques of Educational Research, I gained experience in analyzing and synthesizing empirical research articles by completing an annotated bibliography and literature review on research pertaining to gender bias in leadership and perceptions of women leaders. I plan to expand upon this topic and conduct my own research in this area for my upcoming Master's Project. In HEA 617: Student Development and Learning, I am in the process of completing an analysis and literature review on the application of various student development theories for understanding and improving study abroad outcomes.

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Artifacts

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Empirical Article Review

I am able to synthesize the findings in empirical research articles and identify implications and recommendations for enhancing student support services on campus.

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Human Research Certificate

By completing the CITI Program training module, I understand the ethical obligations and requirements for conducting research that involves human subjects.

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Sample Assessment Plan and Annual Report

I am able to apply my knowledge of the assessment cycle, various assessment methods, student and program learning outcomes, and functional area roles to design a comprehensive assessment plan and annual reporting template.

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