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: Expand Training and Professional Development 

Year 1 Critical Tasks

  • Relaunch the Assessment Development Series with expanded training sessions on topics including Swipe, Qualtrics, and AI.
  • Explore methods for offering annual refreshers on assessment to staff.

Recommendation: Increase Visibility and Outreach   

Year 1 Critical Tasks

  • Draft key messaging about AIR services and get feedback.
  • Draft communication plan with various outlets about services.
  • Review website, draft edits, obtain feedback on changes, and implement changes.

Recommendation: Strengthen Support for Assessment Coordinators  

Year 1 Critical Tasks

  • Develop onboarding plan for new assessment coordinators.
  • Outline options for peer learning during assessment council meetings.
  • Obtain feedback from assessment coordinators on opportunities for peer learning outside of assessment council meetings.
  • Explore onboarding for new staff with assessment coordinators.

Recommendation: Enhance Data Communication and Storytelling  

Year 1 Critical Tasks

  • Regularly collect story ideas for Numbers and Narratives to share in VP Hansen's staff newsletter.
  • Develop storytelling one-pager.
  • Post storytelling one-pager and share with assessment coordinators and DSL Leadership Team.
  • Implement a storytelling workshop for DSL staff.

Recommendation: Address Capacity and Scalability  

Year 1 Critical Tasks

  • Develop a shared statement of assessment values and expectations for departments and units.
  • Create a visual framework (e.g., infographic) that illustrates the role of assessment in student learning and continuous improvement.
  • Host facilitated conversations with assessment coordinators to align understanding of shared statement of assessment values and expectations for departments and units.
  • Develop case studies showing how data led to programmatic changes.
    Pilot foundational training modules (e.g., assessment basics, using data for improvement).
  • Begin development of a centralized resource hub with templates, timelines, and FAQs.
  • Begin conversations with VP about feasibility and funding models for potential staff/graduate student.