Disruption through Systems Knowledge: Understanding the Relationship between Evaluation, Systems Thinking, and Student Success

Program Type: Learning Lab / Research Snapshot

Professional Competencies: Assessment, Evaluation, and Research, Leadership

Target Groups: Mid-level Student Affairs Professionals, Senior-Level Student Affairs Professional

Institution Types: Large Universities, Mid-Size Colleges & Universities

Certification Domains: Assessment and Evaluation, Leadership

Abstract

Institutes of higher education are complex systems through which student affairs professionals attempt to bridge gaps in student access and success with the goal of community and societal improvement. Millions of dollars are spent in supporting these goals. Missing in these attempts is the understanding of the relationship between evaluation, systems thinking, and student success. This learning demonstration will provide leaders with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to map their institutional systems, create basic plans for evaluation, and connect the dots between evaluation and systems to increase student success.

Presenters

• Jessica Osborne
  Principal Evaluation Associate
  University of Mississippi