Closing the Loop

Evaluating the Data

Data should be gathered on all program-based assessments run in a given semester or following a cohort of students.  The compiled data should then be reviewed by all program faculty/staff/administrators.  Questions faculty may want to explore might include:

• Do you see gaps in the skills or abilities of a student completing the program? If so, what is the cause?
• Do you see gaps in their overall experience with the program? If so, where?
• Do you see gaps in the evaluation process itself? If so, why? 
• Do you other issues students experience in participating with the program?

Planned Changes and Action Plan 

What are the planned changes that result from the review of all relevant assessments and your department’s discussion.  Planned changes can include changes to the structure of the program, the activities of the program, evaluation of the forms and other tools used within the program, the request for new equipment or facilities, the request for new personnel,  etc.  Your Action Plan would include the planned changes as well as the proposed participants, timeline, and assessment plan to evaluate the planned changes.

Closing the Loop

Once the assessment has been run, staff/faculty and administrators should close the loop by meeting to discuss the results and to identify all needs of the Student Services program, including personnel, equipment, supplies, necessary workshops/training, etc. which were defined as a result of the assessment data.  These requests will then feed into the Integrated Planning process and resource requests through the Program Review process.