Brenda Woods, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Assessment, Student Affairs

The Cycle of Assessment (COA) is the process of continuous assessment within the Division of Student Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Engagement in meaningful assessment work demonstrates results and impacts programs and services within the Division. In the fall of each year, unit directors submit contributions to the development of an annual Assessment Plan for the Division of Student Affairs. The plan's content is reflective of the COA and consists of:
1) Learning and/or Operational Goals which are broad, often abstract statements of desired or intended results;
2) Outcomes that pertain to the benefits or changes for students after participation in a program. Outcomes may relate to behavior, skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, conditions or other attributes;
3) Evaluation Strategies which are specific methods used to evaluate the degree to which outcomes are being achieved;
4) Methods for Disseminating and Using Information for Improvement such as who is looking at it? Who is reflecting on it? And, what are they doing about it?;
5) Summary of Results that describes what is important; and
6) Actions Taken as a result of the results obtained. Actions taken have included policy changes, content revision, resource allocation, discontinuation of a program or service, etc.

In the spring of each year a Final Assessment Report is published for the Division of Student Affairs. These reports are available on the Office of Research and Assessment for Student Affairs Web site. The final assessment report demonstrates completion of the assessment cycle by summarizing findings and identifying ways to use the data for improvement purposes. Assessment work throughout the Division of Student Affairs continuously reflects our commitment to students, faculty, staff and those beyond the campus. We take pride in an increased accountability and commitment to an evidence-based, systematic process of assessment.