The St. Mary's Way
St. Mary's College of Maryland lies in a setting of natural beauty and historic meaning which enhances our ability to reflect on our lives in an increasingly complex, technological, and interdependent world. As a member of St. Mary's College of Maryland, I accept the St. Mary's Way and agree to join in working with others to develop this College as a community:
- Where people respect the natural environment and the tradition of tolerance which is the heritage of this place
- Where people cultivate a life-long quest for disciplined learning and creativity
- Where people take individual responsibility for their work and actions
- Where people foster relationships based upon mutual respect, honesty, integrity, and trust
- Where people are engaged in an ongoing dialogue that values differences and the unique contributions of others' talents, backgrounds, customs, and world views
- Where people are committed to examining and shaping the functional, ethical values of our changing world
- Where people contribute to a spirit of caring and an ethic of service.
By choosing to join this community, I accept the responsibility of helping to build on its past heritage, of living its ideals, and contributing to its future.
Welcome to St. Mary's!
Assessment in Student Affairs at St. Mary's College of Maryland
Student Affairs professionals use assessment to better understand the needs of a constantly changing student population, to foster student learning, such as identity and skill development, and to demonstrate the extent to which we are achieving our goals. Assessment is also used to improve the quality and affordability of programs and services.
In addition, assessment helps Student Affairs professionals develop effective College policies and procedures, contribute to strategic planning, and demonstrate to external constituents our commitment to continually change to meet various student development needs and learning styles.
Many assessment methods are used, for example:
- Development of learning outcomes for training programs
- Program evaluations and headcounts
- Surveys
- Statistical analyses
- Bridging Academic and Social Experiences (BASE) conversations
- Open forums
- Program reviews
Student Affairs uses the standards set by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education to assess all aspects of our work. Beginning in the 2009-10 academic year, and on a regular cycle, each functional area in Student Affairs will conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that we are employing best practices. These reviews involve a Review Team comprised of students, faculty, and staff outside the department, and result in an action plan for ongoing improvement of our services and programs, designing new programs, staff development, strategic planning, budget allocation, and helping us prepare for the College's next Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation in 2015.
Assessment Initiative Guidelines for the Division of Student Affairs can be found here.
During the 2009-10 academic year, four functional areas were reviewed:
- Counseling Services: Executive Summary, Action Plan
- Health Services: Executive Summary, Action Plan
- Housing and Residential Life Programs: Executive Summary, Action Plan
- Student Conduct Programs (Judicial Affairs): Executive Summary, Action Plan
In 2010-11, three functional areas were reviewed:
- Campus Activities Programs (Student Activities): Executive Summary, Action Plan
- College Unions (Student Union): Executive Summary, Action Plan
- Service-Learning Programs: Executive Summary, Action Plan
In 2011-12, three functional areas were reviewed:
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Programs and Services
- Orientation Programs
- Multicultural Student Programs and Services: Executive Summary, Action Plan
If you have any questions about assessment activities in Student Affairs, please feel free to contact any of the department heads, the Dean of Students, or a member of the division’s Assessment Team:
Kyle Bishop, Assistant Director of Counseling Services, convener
Clinton Gilbert, Assistant Director of Residence Life
Sola Ogundele, Coordinator of Orientation and Service and Social Change
