Furman University

Assessment and evaluation

• The Division of Student Life will develop a culture of assessment which assumes that the entire university is a learning community.  As a result, all activities, programs and services of the division should be implemented on the premise that they will be intertwined as a part of a comprehensive plan which integrates the student’s academic and personal development.

• Departments within the division will use assessment and benchmarking techniques to consistently evaluate the programs and services provided to Furman students on an annual basis.

• Benchmarking research will include comparison studies with the Associated Colleges of the South, comparable and aspirant institutional lists.

• The Departments within the division will use the learning outcomes model of evaluation on all major programs on a three year rotation basis (i.e. every major program will be evaluated at least once every three years using this model) to ensure that our activities continue to meet the overall educational mission of the university.

• As new staff members join the division, they will receive in-service training related to learning outcomes assessment. The division will also continue to conduct regular assessment “refresher” in-service programs to help departments enhance their overall evaluation processes.

• The eventual goal would be for all major division activities and services to be based on the learning outcomes model.

2011-12 Division of Student Life Assessment Report [PDF]