Assessment in the Division of Student Affairs
Using departmental and collaborative data, the division strives for evidence-based decision-making when considering new programs or initiatives or making changes in existing programs to better support our students’ holistic development.
Division Goals
Centering the Student Experience and Voice
In an effort to create more student-centered and vibrant learning environments at USU, we invite student engagement and their perspectives in decision-making to contribute to the overall success of the institution.
Student Engagement and Leadership
In an effort to empower, engage, build citizenship skills and apply learning, Student Affairs aims to give all USU students opportunities to participate in student leadership and community engagement.
Wellbeing
Student Affairs provides wellness services and programs to promote an environment which supports every student’s success with tools to identify safety and well-being needs, and programs to support the development of each student, especially relative to their physical, mental and emotional health.
Belonging
In an effort to encourage student success and engagement, we aim to foster belonging as an essential component of Aggie Culture, inviting all students to be part of the Aggie Family.
Continuous Improvement
In recognition of the evolving needs of students and our community, we strive for excellence and continuous improvement of our programs and our staff in accordance with best practices.
Assessment in the Division of Student Affairs – A Shared Mission
The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (OVPSA) is vital in providing services that enhance and support the university‘s academic mission and the quality of life of USU students.
Various types of data are collected and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs in meeting programmatic, divisional, and University goals. We use this data to understand and enhance their contribution to student the student experiences and success at Utah State University.
Under the leadership of the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, Krystin Deschamps, each unit has been charged with developing a strategic plan connecting their unit strategic goals with University and division goals, beginning with the 2025 Academic Year if the unit did not already have a strategic goal in place. Further, each unit produces the following each year:
- An annual report summarizing accomplishments, student utilization of services, and summaries of assessment projects achieved
- A summary document identifying their progress related to their strategic plan and, if needed, an updated strategic plan
The Office of the Vice President, individual units, and collaborations thereof pursue additional assessment projects which are also reported annually.
Student Affairs Assessment Team
Each unit has a representative on our Student Affairs Assessment Team (SAAT) which is chaired by Dr. Chelsey Ritner, Director of CARE, with vice-chair Reed Phinisey, Associate Director of Programs & Assessment at Campus Recreation. This team:
- Provides units with a professional learning community which discusses trends and tools for higher-education assessment
- Allows units to meet and collaborate on assessment projects
- Supports our Student Affairs Leaders with assessment tasks