Assessing Student Development and Developmental Support Services: some examples from campus experience

Abstract

The 85% of the time college students spend outside formal classes is at least as influential in their learning and development as the time spent in the classroom. Thus colleges and universities design support systems such as advising, recreational activities, art and music series, and job placement services to promote comprehensive student development. Assessment of the effectiveness of these services and their impact on students is an important component of evaluating institutional quality. This paper provides examples of student development assessment activities and of the uses made of assessment findings at representative two‐ and four‐year colleges and universities across the US.