Provost/Vice President's Advisory Committee on Assessment

Like assessment at Truman, the Provost/Vice President's Advisory Committee on Assessment continues to evolve to meet the needs of the university community.  The purpose of the committee over the past ten years has been to assist in the design and selection of assessment instruments, the implementation of assessments, and the analysis, reporting, and use of assessment results.

In the fall of 2002, Vice President Gordon, in an effort to enhance the operation of the assessment program and to more effectively address issues raised by faculty and students during the recent planning process, restructured the Assessment Committee into two separate but complementary working groups: the Design and Implementation Group and the Analysis and Reporting Group.  Together these two groups guide the process of University-wide assessment at Truman.

The Design and Implementation Group is comprised of representatives from every division (who are recommended by the divisions for appointment) as well as selected staff members and student representatives.  The Analysis and Reporting Group is a smaller working group comprised of faculty and staff appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  The two working groups operate as separate components of the Vice President's Advisory Committee on Assessment and periodically meet jointly to coordinate their activities. A common chair for both groups will also ensure coordination and collaboration.

Design and Implementation Group (DIG)

The DIG is responsible for the design, implementation, and dissemination of assessment information at Truman. Some of their responsibilities include:

• On-going review of all assessment instruments and activities, with special attention to the University's progress toward assessing its core outcomes for student learning and development as well as the LSP;
• Encouraging compliance with assessment by, for example, disseminating informational letters, flyers, and newspaper ads to the University community regarding assessment on campus;
• Addressing issues of student motivation and faculty support by, for example, identifying incentives for both students and faculty to participate in assessment;
• Fostering improved dissemination of assessment information and data, including maintenance of the Assessment Almanac; and
• Directing and overseeing the long-term development of the assessment program.

Analysis and Reporting Group (ARG)

The ARG is responsible for analyzing assessment data and reporting the results of their specialized studies to the campus community. This group will consult on a regular basis with faculty, staff, and students in determining annual priorities.  The Analysis and Reporting Group's responsibilities include:

• Identifying questions of importance to faculty and students, conducting data analyses, and providing information that will facilitate decision-making;
• Establishing a process for offering grants to individuals on campus interested in conducting assessment studies;
• Identifying and inviting faculty and staff to act as assessment resources for those on campus who are conducting assessment analyses; and
• Providing opportunities for professional development in assessment by, for example, sending interested individuals to a national assessment conference.

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