Assessment, Research, and Divisional Effectiveness

The purpose of assessment within the Division of Student Affairs is:

• To illustrate what it is that we do;
• To demonstrate why we do what we do;
• To show how well we do it (or don’t do it);
• To ensure we are doing it well (e.g., having an effect, moving needles, improving learning);
• To identify areas for change, improvement, or growth;
• To determine if changes, improvements, or growth actions actually worked;
• To inform policy and practice; and,
• To directly articulate how the Division of Student Affairs contributes to the learning mission of Iowa State University.

The Office of Student Affairs Assessment, Research, and Divisional Effectiveness strives to provide information about the growth and development of ISU students through:

• transparency in data collection, use, and reporting;
• assessment processes integrated into programmatic and service offerings;
• research efforts that provide insight into and evidence of the effect of student affairs on enrolled students and alumni;
• inclusive collection and analysis of data so that no individuals or groups are disadvantaged or excluded; and,
• ensuring that Division of Student Affairs efforts are centered on the student and the academic mission of creating, sharing, and applying knowledge to improve the world.