Information for Planning & Decision Making

1. Information for Planning & Decision Making

2. SACS Compliance Audit • Core Requirement 2.5 • The institution engages in ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research-based planning and evaluation processes that incorporate a systematic review of programs and services that (a) results in continuing improvement and (b) demonstrates that the institution is effectively accomplishing its mission. (Institutional Effectiveness)

3. Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 Institutional Effectiveness: The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results.

4. Assessment instruments Hollins has administered that might be useful: • NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) • HEDS Senior Survey • HERI CIRP Freshman Survey • HERI YFCY (Your First College Year)

5. What is NSSE?(pronounced “nessie”) • National survey that evaluates the extent to which first-year and senior students engage in educational practices associated with high levels of learning and development • Administered at Hollins in 2004 and being administered again in 2005-06 • Administer every 3-years for cohort tracking?

6. College Activities Course Emphasis and Education Programs Community Service and Volunteerism Student Satisfaction Time on Tasks Arts, Culture, Spirituality, health and Wellness Civic Engagement Quality of Relationships 65 questions about…

7. NSSE 2004 Response Rates • Hollins’ response rate = 43% • 203 FY and 181 SR • 38%overall for all NSSE 2004 institutions • 47%for Bac-LA institutions

8. Some Good Signs… • Our students say they are asking questions and contributing to class discussions more than their peers

9. They say they are including diverse perspectives in class discussions and writing assignments

10. and they are having serious conversations with students of a different race, ethnicity, religious background, political opinion, personal values, etc.

11. They are discussing ideas from readings and classes with others outside of class

12. The are attending art exhibits, plays, dance performances.

13. 70% of seniors said they’ve done a culminating senior experience (e.g., senior comprehensive exam, capstone course, thesis or project)?

14. Some results where we were below the mean… • Our students are working with other students on projects and class assignments, during and outside of class, less than their peers

15. FY students report less prompt feedback from faculty on their academic performance

16. And they perceive less emphasis on spending significant amounts of time studying and on academic work

17. FY students reported a lower level of improvement in their writing ability

18. During past year prepared two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in:

19. Overall quality of academic advising you have received at your institution:

20. Example of Use at Small College • Finding: Students not working with class-mates outside of class to prepare class assignments • Action: Created more opportunities for group work in the curriculum

21. HEDS Senior Survey • Designed to learn more about the undergraduate experience and future plans of graduating seniors. Results can be used to evaluate existing programs, design new ones, and advise current and future students • Administered annually

22. Report compares our responses with 6 peer institutions Dickinson Furman Gettysburg Rhodes Scripps Union

23. Hollins’ Response Rate Response rates ranged from 56% to 97% for our peers (2004)

24. Enhanced ability to

25. Frequency of activities

26. Satisfaction with academic experience

27. Mean satisfaction with campus services

28. Satisfaction with campus life

29. Supplemental questions (2005)

30. How Do I Find Out More? Jamie Redwine jredwine@hollins.edu Alison Ridley aridley@hollins.edu NSSE Website www.iub.edu/~nsse