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Outcomes Assessment of University Planning & Analysis

(Updated December 2007)

University Planning & Analysis (UPA) conducts periodic assessment of its provided services, processes, and information/data. Based on UPA's mission and defined clients, UPA has developed a set of core outcomes and performance standards, along with appropriate measures to assess the effectiveness of UPA's services, processes and information/data. UPA's objectives are broad statements that reflect what UPA does to ensure that the outcomes can be met. UPA's objectives have also been identified for each of UPA's functional areas. The outcomes and objectives will be considered when developing specific assessment tools (i.e., survey questions).

Mission of University Planning & Analysis (UPA)

The mission of University Planning and Analysis (UPA) is to help decision-makers make informed decisions.

• Through planning, we help the university and its constituent parts articulate broad strategies that address critical challenges and exploit opportunities, so that decisions are consistent with an overall vision.
• Through institutional research, we provide information and analysis, so that decisions are based on the facts.
• Through assessment, we help the university and its parts evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of their initiatives, programs, and services, so that decisions reflect what really works.

This mission is accomplished through UPA’s primary functions that incorporate planning, institutional research and assessment.

UPA's Clients

UPA's clients include those internal to the institution: NC State's executive officers, deans, department heads, faculty, and students; and those external to the institution: UNC-General administration, Board of Governors, North Carolina legislators, federal agencies and accreditors, other universities, the media, and the general public.

Core Outcomes

1. Internal and external clients will obtain information/data as organized and analyzed by UPA, use information/data consistent with data definitions, and apply information/data appropriately for their own uses. (Information/data)
2. Internal clients will appropriately apply and engage in planning and assessment processes. (Processes)
3. Internal clients will determine progress of the university and their units, incorporating processes and measures established by UPA. (Progress)
4. Internal and external clients will be able to use the information, services and processes provided by UPA to assist in strengthening their policy decisions and improving their processes, systems, services, and information/data. (Decision-making)
5. Internal and external clients will report that they are satisfied with UPA processes, systems and services and have the knowledge, information/data, and services they need to make decisions. (Satisfaction)
6. Internal and external clients will have confidence in quality, accuracy, and security of UPA-provided information/data. (Confidence)

Performance Standards

UPA’s performance on all tasks will be:

1. Accurate
2. Timely
3. Useful
4. Strategic/proactive
5. Efficient

Assessment Methods for Outcomes and Performance Standards

Periodic web-based client survey or focus groups.

UPA will conduct either a client-based survey or focus group at least every three years. (Next one: 2009-2010) The survey/focus group will focus most heavily on the outcomes identified in this plan, as well as any emerging issues. If a university-wide survey on administrative issues is conducted, UPA will encourage that it includes appropriate questions for assessing UPA. The outcomes and objectives will be considered when developing survey or focus group questions.

Periodic retreat of UPA staff to discuss how well met objectives and outcomes.

Self-evaluation is an effective tool. Each fall, UPA will meet to discuss how well the staff feel UPA is performing on its mission, outcomes, performance standards and objectives. Problems or challenges will be identified.

Periodic assessment of projects through client focus groups, interviews, or by client’s feedback for the project.

There may be times when special or routine projects or processes will need a focused assessment. UPA will conduct assessment as needed on these specific issues. In addition, notes from assessment of these projects will be kept for review at the next fall UPA retreat.

Annual review of hits on UPA’s website to identify clients and most-wanted information, reports, resources, and data.

By conducting a review of those who use UPA’s website, UPA can gain insight into many of its outcomes. The review of hits will be performed and reviewed each January, conducted on hits for the previous September to November.

Data log/spreadsheet to monitor timelines and errors.

Each functional area keeps an on-going “log” regarding how well deadlines for projects are met (i.e., UNC-GA deadlines, survey deadlines, etc), and list of errors that show problems that UPA can correct. These logs will also be reviewed during UPA’s fall retreat.

Assessment Method for Each Outcome and Performance Standard

	Periodic Client Survey Or Focus Groups- Next: 2009-2010	Periodic Retreat Of UPA Staff – Each Fall	Periodic Assessment Of Specific Projects - As Needed	Annual Review Of Web Hits – Each January	Data Log/ Spreadsheet- On-Going
Outcomes
1. Information/data	X	X	X	X	X
2. Processes	X	X	X	-	-
3. Progress	X	X	-	-	-
4. Decision-making	X	X	-	-	-
5. Satisfaction	X	X	X	X	-
6. Confidence	X	X	X	X	X
Performance Standards
1. Accurate	X	X	X	-	X
2. Timely	X	X	X	-	X
3. Useful	X	X	X	X	-
4. Strategic	X	X	X	-	-
5. Efficient	X	X	X	-	X
X indicates which assessment method will be used with each outcome and performance standard

 

Objectives

UPA's objectives are broad statements that reflect what UPA does to ensure that the outcomes can be met. UPA's objectives have also been identified for each of UPA's functional areas. The outcomes and objectives will be considered when developing specific assessment tools (i.e., survey questions).