objectives in her on-going training sessions, and administered a post-test at the end of the year. After analyzing the results and compiling a report for the department, Krista has already started to use the data to inform her work in planning next year’s training for her students. When asked about assessment Krista said, “Assessment is not something to do once and then put aside for the rest of the year. This is challenging for people who have multiple responsibilities and do not have the time and energy…that is why I specifically started on a small scale to keep track of the learning of my students so that I could be
of her student affairs background, nor is it part of her job description, Krista finds it to be “extremely informative and guides the work that [she does] to make it more meaningful.” Innovation, intentional change, and improvements take time and effort. They require us to assess our current practices and look forward to better programs and initiatives for our students. However, it is not enough to say that we do assessments or evaluations. Doing them is really just one step in the assessment process. To be effective, we must learn from assessment, integrate it into everything we do,
intentional and doing assessment are essential. We, like Walt Disney and Krista Kohlmann, should embrace assessment and in doing so become better higher education professionals and people. Sarah Grun is a 2012 graduate of the Rutgers Ed.M. College Student Affairs Program.
Assessment is not something to do once and then put aside for the rest of the year. -Krista Kohlmann (Pictured Right)
thorough and intentional about their learning.” Krista also said that the assessment process keeps her on her toes, keeps her feeling invigorated, and keeps her constantly working harder at her job. Her work with the Student Volunteer Council is one small effort within the division of Student Affairs to assess and validate the work we are doing to improve the services and programs we offer here at Rutgers. While assessment can appear to be complex, time consuming, labor intensive, and/or overwhelming, it is possible to start small. For example, a unit may begin with an assessment to measure participation, satisfaction, cost effectiveness, and/or the needs of current students. For units to claim that they contribute positively to students’ lives, there must be data to support those claims. But, you don’t need to have a formal background in assessment to get started. Just ask Krista! While assessment is not part
and make it continuous. It must become a mindset and we must remember to enact intentional changes. Much of Walt Disney’s success came from being a creative innovator who was not afraid to dream and improve upon his own work. He also continuously assessed his products and parks saying, “It’s something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing…and adding to.” Disney understood that there is always room for improvement, but that being Rutgers University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age or any other category covered by law in its programs, activities, or employment matters. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Judy Ryan, Title IX Coordinator for Students & ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs 83 Somerset Street, Suite 101, CAC p. 848-932-8576 ryan@oldqueens.rutgers.edu
Jayne M. Grandes, Director Office of Employment Equity, University Human Resources 57 US Highway 1, ASB II, Cook Campus p. 848-932-3980 grandes@rutgers.edu
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/ OCR/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the Office for Civil Rights that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
Summer 2012
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