The Assessment Dilemma
By Jennifer Reid, Student Affairs Communications Director
From the student affairs/ student development mindset, it would be hard to argue that we do not do good work. We are intentional about the outcomes we wish to achieve. We want our students to think in a larger sense, shifting their focus away from themselves toward the other. We explicitly design programs and plan events that we hope will lead them to a larger understanding of the world, to the belief that they have voice and influence in this world, and that they can use that voice and influence for the better, the greater good, a way to make the world a more tolerant and just place. It is the same on the academic side of campus. Yes, we want them to acquire skills and experience, we want them to have to have the tools to survive in this complex world, to be able to be good counselors, teachers, engineers, doctors, physical therapists, business executives, etc., but we approach that from the mindset that if one is fair and ethical in one's decisions, if an individual can act in good conscience, ultimately that has influence upon the world in which we all live.
And we assess students with these virtues in mind. In English, for example, we ask them to write papers exploring the effects of globalization on culture and then analyze and evaluate the effects. We ask them to wallow in the complexity of this increasingly complex world with its multitude of goods and evils and how those overlap. And then we grade them on their ability to do so. If this is what we require of students, should we not, then, require the same of ourselves? Isn't assessment a tool with which to do so?
We all have apprehensions about assessment, the mindset that somehow we are being asked to justify what we do, how we think and operate in this complex world. In many ways assessment serves that purpose. It's a useful tool for the university's accreditation, which further allows us, if we justify it the right way, to continue the work we do, work that we inherently know is meaningful. It's a language game, and we play it, and we know if we play it well, we can continue. Grant writing is no different. One must justify why his or her program deserves its funding. We ask this of our students: "Justify what you think. Make me care that your point of view is worth entertaining." In a marketing and advertising proposal, we want to know how the plan will sell the product.
But the product we are selling is the mission. And in the radar of the competitive commerce, being a person for and with others is not necessarily the agenda. So how do we get the market to buy into what we're selling? This is an important aspect of assessment because we have to learn how to attract people (students mainly) to care about what we do. And we need to endow them with the language, the tool, really, with which to do so. But how can we endow them if we do not first endow ourselves? We need a language to talk about what it is we do, and we need expository evidence that supports our language.
Perhaps more importantly, we need to view assessment as an opportunity through which to learn. This is magis, right? The more. How do we negotiate the continual drive to do better, to learn better, to be better, if we do not reflect upon that which we are doing? Aside from the task of justification, we need to view assessment as a tool of the mission. Are we doing what we intend? How do we know? What evidence have we that students who engage in our programs are learning and applying the tools that we hope they will take to the world? What language can we develop to provide a context through which we can talk about what they are dong? And how can we further endow our students with such if we do not have it ourselves? Shouldn't we be somewhat accountable for our actions? We ask our students to be. Shouldn't we look within and find ways to articulate the good work we do? Shouldn't we find ways we can do it better?
Inherently, I believe we do so. But we need to convey this with language. It is the tool through which we comprehend. It is also the tool through which we communicate to others, but more important than this is the benefit of language to ourselves. We understand more when we put our thoughts into words. This is how we understand others. We ask them to communicate, to articulate their thoughts so that we can comprehend their thinking, and while it may be true that language does not control our thoughts, it is the only tool we have to make sense of them. Putting into language what we do, how we do it, and how we know that we are doing what we say is not something to fear. It is an opportunity. We need to embrace this opportunity to learn about ourselves and to add to the ongoing dialogue that attempts to define and, hopefully, better humanity.
Ignatian Preached Retreat
Campus Ministry's Fall Ignatian Preached Retreat is coming up November 14-16, 2008. This silent retreat weekend is centered around a series of talks on aspects of Ignatian Spirituality given by a single presenter, forming into an overall theme for the retreat. The presenter for this retreat is Larry Gillick SJ, from Creighton University, a nationally known retreat director and facilitator.
This year, the Ignatian Preached Retreats are open to all levels of the Marquette community, from students, to administrators, to faculty and staff. All DSA members are invited to this retreat, and registration is open now on the Campus Ministry website at www.mu.edu/cm under the Retreats tab. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Craig Zimmer at craig.zimmer@mu.edu or 288-0522.
Shoo the Flu
In conjunction with the VNA (Visiting Nurses Association of Milwaukee), Marquette University's annual "SHOO The FLU" flu shot drive will take place on campus Monday, October 27th and Tuesday, October 28th from 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. in the AMU 1st floor lobby. Cost this year is $30 (cash or check). The flu shot is a great preventive measure for all college students who want to remain healthy and lessen illness throughout the academic year. Please pass it on to your students! If you have any questions, please feel free to call Student Health Service at x8-7184 or the Center for Health Education and Promotion at x8-5217. See you there!!!
Catholicism 101: The Mass
Exploring the Liturgy's Movements and Meanings
Learn more about Catholic liturgy, what happens during Mass, and the many meanings behind this source and summit of Catholic life. Join Rev. Edward Mathie, SJ, Director of Campus Ministry, for this insightful look at Catholic liturgy on Thursday, November 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Family.
Catholicism 101 is a regular series, sponsored by Campus Ministry, that is open to all and focused on hot topics related to Catholic belief. Whether you are interested in gaining a better understanding of Catholic beliefs or are seeking to revisit familiar topics for personal enrichment, Catholicism 101 is for you!
For more information, please see: http://www.marquette.edu/um/faith/Catholicisim101.htm.
Student Leadership Summit Planning Team Volunteers Needed
This year the Student Leadership Summit will be held in conjunction with Mission Week. A planning team is currently being assembled, and will meet to determine the focus and outcomes of the program as well as develop plans for the February event. If you are interesting in helping plan this campus-wide leadership initiative, contact Jon Dooley at jon.dooley@marquette.edu by Monday, October 13.
National Depression Screening Day
Marquette University Counseling Center will again participate in National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 9 2008 from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. in Holthusen Hall, Room 205. Screenings are free and completely confidential. The screening is an opportunity for students to learn more about depression and other mood disorders, complete a brief screening questionnaire, watch an educational video, and pick up informational brochures and fact sheets on depression. Students will individually discuss the results of their screening with a mental health counselor. If appropriate, students may be referred for a complete evaluation.
National Depression Screening Day is an annual event held each October on the Thursday of Mental Illness Awareness Week. During this event, local clinicians in all 50 states volunteer their time to offer free educational and screening programs at health facilities, shopping malls, libraries, colleges, workplaces and senior centers. The program was started in 1991 by Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH), a non-profit organization.
Those interested in attending a free screening can find out more information by going online at http://www.marquette.edu/counseling/ or by calling the Counseling Center at 288-7172.
DSA Diversity Committee
The DSA Diversity Committee has been active in these first few weeks of the semester:
On August 29, the Diversity Advocates staffed a table at O-Fest to share their resources and support with students. The next Diversity Advocates Orientation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the Lower Raynor Conference Rooms. (RSVP to mary.ferwerda@marquette.edu if interested in attending).
On September 11, the committee hosted the annual “Meet & Greet.” Dr. Chris Miller spoke to an audience of 80 students, faculty, and staff.
If you are interested in joining our group, please attend our next meeting: Wednesday, October 8, at 1pm in the Multicultural Center.
Birthdays
| Scott Anderegg | October 4 |
| Sean Berthold | October 8 |
| Stacie Dooley | October 13 |
| Nate Pruitt | October 13 |
| Christy Bergen | October 20 |
| Linda Sompii | October 23 |
| Lori Lepak | October 25 |
| Jessica May | October 20 |
| Brad Brown | October 27 |
Dates to Remember
| October 1-31 | American Indian Heritage Celebration |
| October 3-5 | Family Weekend |
| October 4 | Choir Concert |
| October 5 | Band Concert |
| October 10 | Late Night Event |
| October 16-17 | Midterm Break: No Classes |
| October 16-19 | Civil Rights Pilgrimage |
| October 24-26 | Finding God in All Things Retreat |
| October 25 | Late Night Event |
| October 26 | Orchestra Concert |
| October 27-28 | Shoo the Flu |
| October 30 | RHA's HALLoween |
| October 31 | Late Night Breakfast |
| October 31 | MU Experience 19 Retreat |
Newsletter Submission
Material for the next DSA Newsletter is due October 22, 2008.
Submission Suggestions
- Dates: programming dates, conference attendance (before or after), professional development opportunities on campus
- Anniversaries: in 5 year increments
- New staff arrivals
- Staff departures
- Pictures
- Features/Profiles: If you wish to profile a particular individual who works with your department frequently (i.e. think end of the year external awards on a smaller scale, with no award)
- “Articles” on things upcoming in your area
- Requests for committee involvement, volunteers, etc.
- Book recommendations
Manresa Moment
Life is a game- play it.
Life is a challenge- need it.
Life is a dream- realize it.
Life is a sacrifice- offer it.
Life is love- enjoy it
-Sai Baba
With the semester in full swing, we have a tendency to get wrapped up in all the responsibilities and stress of our everyday lives. We have deadlines, meetings, projects, and numerous other duties that--somehow--need to get done every week. Strive this year to let go of the stress and negativity. Strive to sing when the song of life calls you to it. Strive to play, and rise to the challenge without fear. Strive to realize your dreams. Strive to offer up your burdens to the Lord and lay everything down at His feet.
Strive to live, love, and enjoy it all the while!
Careers in Student Affairs
