We often think of December as the time when a year “wraps up” and things come to a close as we prepare to start a new year, but in the realm of academics, the month of May rivals or exceeds December as a time of closure. We are wrapping up the academic year, colleagues and friends are retiring, we are posting final grades, and looking forward to a little rest and relaxation during summer. So, in other words, this is a perfect time to think about assessment!
Even as the academic year ends, another semester is already on the horizon, which means another academic year is fast approaching. Summertime is a great time to take stock of where you are with your assessment initiatives. Do you need to spend some time analyzing data? Reevaluating your assessment question? Tweaking or changing your assessment instrument? Working with colleagues to develop new assessment strategies?
The Office of Outcomes Assessment is the bridge to the summer resources you need to accomplish your goals. Whether it is attending the Assessment by Design workshop, writing a mini-grant to fund a faculty retreat, checking out resources to drive your assessment, or signing up for a World Café table in August, we have just what you need to make this a great summer, and the next academic year a successful assessment year.
Sheri H. Barrett, Ed.D.