SACS Recap – How campuses can leverage OrgSync for assessment

December 15 2011, 4:54pm

Colleges and universities invest a great deal of money and resources in support of co-curricular activities in an effort to foster student engagement. With budget cuts happening across campus, it is more necessary than ever to assess if student involvement actually enhances student success.

OrgSync’ers in front of our booth!

To educate campuses on how the data collected in OrgSync can be used to assess the impact of student involvement on overall student success, we attended the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (“SACSCOC”) Annual Meeting last week. When we asked the attendees how they were measuring out-of-the-classroom learning outcomes, the response we received over and over again was “We can’t.” Of course, the OrgSync team immediately responded, “Yes, it can be done!” Campuses can compare pre- and post-program assessments to see rates of student growth and development, revaluate programs and services based on feedback, and establish a benchmark to measure annual change and development. The outcomes of these analyses will help campuses continuously improve institutional and departmental strategic initiatives and align learning outcomes to the institution’s mission and values. During the conference, we showcased how California State University at Sacramento (“Sac State”) leveraged the involvement data found in OrgSync to show measurable results linking student involvement to increased academic performance and higher retention rates across various student cohorts including underrepresented minorities, transfer students, commuter students and other non-traditional students. The results of the study found that no matter what the starting point was for students coming onto campus, student involvement had a positive impact on graduation and retention rates. By proving that students were learning and developing in their co-curricular programs, the Office of Student Organizations and Leadership at Sac State received the support and funding needed to help its programs flourish. It is very fulfilling to know that we have been able to help those who work with students not only drive student engagement, but turn it into measureable data that can be leveraged for further funding and resources. I invite conversation about how, together, we can reach this goal.