Fair to showcase assessment efforts

Faculty, staff and students from departments across campus are invited to gather next month to learn the results of individual and departmental assessment efforts aimed at improving student success at NAU.

The fourth annual Assessment Fair begins at 4 p.m. April 6 in Ashurst Auditorium, where more than 40 presenters will display posters of their assessment projects, including the findings of student satisfaction surveys, retention studies, student learning outcomes and other such activities.

"This is a chance to recognize the efforts of those who conduct assessment above and beyond all their other job responsibilities," said Margot Saltonstall, assessment coordinator for Student Affairs and coordinator of the fair.

Assessment is an essential part of everyone's job, she added, particularly considering the accountability movement in higher education.

"Presenters will demonstrate the usefulness of assessment to the varied work of the university, helping us all better understand whether we are achieving our institutional, departmental and program goals," Saltonstall said.

Fair-goers can vote on their favorite poster presentation, with the winner receiving a $100 award from the Provost's Office.

To participate in this year's Assessment Fair, submit a 50-60 word abstract about your project by 5 p.m. March 20 to Margot.Saltonstall@nau.edu. To see abstracts from last year's fair, click here.

The fair is organized by the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, the Faculty Development Program, Center for Science Teaching and Learning, Center for Learning in Electronic Environments, and the offices of Academic Assessment and Planning, Budget, and Institutional Research.

For information, call (928) 523-7985 or e-mail Margot.Saltonstall@nau.edu.