The Departmental Program Review process empowers departments within the Division of Student Life to critically evaluate their work and its effect on the UI student experience through a lens of continuous improvement. The review process is an opportunity for departments to take a comprehensive and critical look at the unit, clearly evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and outline a plan for future action. The review for the Division of Student Life central service units focused on two central questions:

  • “What staffing levels, processes, and resources are necessary to enable the unit to adequately support the fulfillment of the Division’s mission and strategic plan?”
  • “Are current staffing levels, processes, and resources supportive of central services staff member satisfaction, engagement, and well-being?”

Recommendation 1: Expand Training and Professional Development 

Year 2 Critical Tasks

  • Design and finalize the Assessment in Practice Certificate structure and curriculum 
  • Develop assessment and evaluation plan for the certificate program 
  • Create a formal process for recognizing and communicating certificate completion 
  • Implement the Assessment in Practice Certificate 

Success measures and updates

  • Launched the Assessment Development Series (ADS), offering workshops on assessment the assessment cycle, Qualtrics, and artificial intelligence.  

  • Collected feedback from assessment coordinators to evaluate training effectiveness and identify future learning needs.  

  • Established ADS as an ongoing resource for assessment refreshers and foundational professional development.  

  • Built a foundation for the future Assessment in Practice Certificate program (which will build on the ADS).  

Recommendation 2: Increase Visibility and Outreach   

Year 2 Critical Tasks

  • Launch and implement a division-wide communication plan 
  • Conduct targeted “AIR roadshows” or department visits  
  • Finalize and deploy website updates with improved navigation and resource visibility 
  • Develop a consistent “AIR services overview” presentation/toolkit for leaders 

Success measures and updates

  • Developed key messages that clearly communicate AIR services and support offerings.  

  • Integrated information about AIR services into training presentations and outreach materials.  

  • Initiated planning for a broader communication strategy to expand awareness of AIR resources and services and update the website. 

Recommendation 3: Strengthen Support for Assessment Coordinators  

Year 2 Critical Tasks

  • Implement the structured onboarding program for new coordinators 
  • Establish a formal peer learning model within Assessment Council 
  • Define and communicate expectations for the assessment coordinator role 
  • Develop a structured monthly topic schedule for assessment coordinator support 

Success measures and updates

  • Created a structured onboarding checklist for new assessment coordinators.  

  • Partnered with the Assessment Council to review and refine onboarding resources.  

  • Gathered feedback from assessment coordinators on opportunities for peer learning and professional development.  

  • Established plans to expand onboarding support for new DSL staff starting in year two. 

Recommendation 4: Enhance Data Communication and Storytelling  

Year 2 Critical Tasks

  • Expand storytelling training into formal skill-building sessions and resources 
  • Disseminate standardized storytelling templates 

  • Provide targeted consultation on data communication for key reports 

  • Curate and share high-quality examples of impact stories across departments 

Success measures and updates

  • Expanded the Numbers and Narratives initiative by continuing to collect and share stories demonstrating impact and improvement.  

  • Developed a Data Storytelling Guide and accompanying storytelling template for staff.  

  • Delivered a storytelling-focused workshop through the Assessment Development Series.  

  • Advanced efforts to make storytelling resources more broadly available across the Division.  

Recommendation 5: Address Capacity and Scalability  

Year 2 Critical Tasks

  • Communicate clear expectations for departmental assessment practice 

  • Develop and implement clear expectations and accountability for departmental directors related to assessment practice 

  • Explore onboarding for new staff with assessment coordinators 

  • Explore AIR staffing responsibilities optimization 

Success measures and updates

  • Developed a shared statement of assessment values and expectations for the Division.  

  • Engaged assessment coordinators and Division leadership in conversations about assessment expectations and practice.  

  • Expanded foundational assessment training through the Assessment Development Series.  

  • Created new assessment resources, guidance documents, and templates for departmental use.  

  • Highlighted examples of assessment-informed improvement through ongoing Numbers and Narratives stories.  

  • Strengthened AIR's capacity to support the Division through the addition of a new staff member.