Assessment in the Residence Life Department: A Common Occurrence
(contributed by Luisa Barry-Hershberger, a Master’s student in the Student Development in Higher Education program and fall intern in OIRA)
The University of Maine Department of Residence Life performs various types of indirect assessments throughout each academic year targeting different groups of students to better understand students’ feelings and opinions of living on campus. Indeed, the department has a subcommittee dedicated specifically to planning assessment projects. In the past, the department has focused on Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) and Themed Communities, curriculum programs, and GPA tracking for retention purposes. Beginning in September, Residence Life sent out a survey to students in all buildings to learn the topics they would most like support in as a student on campus, and what they feel most confident about as an undergraduate student. The department uses the results from such surveys to establish curriculum programs aimed to better support students throughout their upcoming semester (from programs on class registration or how to apply to graduation to internships and career service resources).
More specific assessment projects focused on particular communities are also common. For example, when the Global Neighborhood LLC was disbanded because Knox Hall had to be closed for fall 2020, assessments were performed to identify how to create a semi-virtual, semi in-person community where the students would still feel connected. Currently, the Residence Life Department is working on an assessment project of all the LLCs to better understand what is most successful and appreciated by the students, and what could feasibly be improved via suggestions by students for next semester. Since some of the LLCs are more academic-based (Explorations, School of Nursing, Engineering, etc.) while others are more lifestyle-oriented (Green Living, Outdoor Living, etc.), students’ personal viewpoints are essentials they will help the Residence Life Staff plan not only for the upcoming semester but future years to come.
Establishing an assessment project can take time, however once formulated the benefits will be seen continuously. These projects are helpful, not only for improving students’ residential experiences, but also in meeting the Department’s overall mission to create a welcoming living environment for all students.