The mission of Student Life Assessment, Improvement, and Research (AIR) is to lead outcomes-based assessment in the co-curricular setting, support evidence-based decision-making, and promote a culture focused on the continuous improvement of programs and services.

Goals

  • Make assessment as accessible as possible for student affairs practitioners
  • Meaningfully tell the story of the Division of Student Life
  • Collaborate within and outside the Division to support student success

Shared statement of assessment values and expectations

Purposeful Inquiry

Assessment supports meaningful reflection and informed decision making by asking critical questions about our work and its impact on students.

Transparency & Integrity

We commit to honest, ethical, and transparent assessment practices that build trust among students, staff, and campus partners.

Improvement Over Perfection

While celebrating successes is important, our primary purpose is improvement. Assessment prioritizes student learning, growth, and program effectiveness, with a focus on continuous improvement rather than showcasing achievements.

Shared Responsibility

Assessment is a shared responsibility. All staff contribute to a culture of learning and improvement across the DSL. 

Action-Oriented Improvement

Assessment informs action by guiding adaptations to programs, services, and environments to better meet student needs.

Assessment Cycles

Departments and units engage in regular assessment cycles, including goal setting, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

 

Decision Insights

Units use assessment findings to inform programmatic and operational decisions and demonstrate responsiveness to feedback and data.

 

Data-Driven Growth

Units use evidence to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth and improvement.

 

Strategic Goals

Assessment efforts align with divisional priorities and contribute to shared strategic and learning goals.

 

Strategic Prioritization

Assessment informs strategic prioritization by helping focus resources and staff expertise where they most advance the mission.

 

Clear Communication

Assessment results will be communicated clearly and consistently to stakeholders, including students, staff, and campus partners.