Assessment through Inquiry

Assessment helps us understand how we can improve student learning and development by examining whether our programs and services are working as intended. University of North Florida (UNF) uses a model called Assessment through Inquiry to support assessment in academic- and student-services departments across UNF.

Assessment through Inquiry is an inquiry-based model of assessment, which helps answer the basic question: Are we serving our students effectively, and how can we improve? The model is designed to provide:

• a consistent yet flexible structure for assessment
• centralized support for staff engaged in assessment
• an assessment focus on student needs, participation, satisfaction, and outcomes
• collaboration and support for a culture of inquiry focused on practical and meaningful assessment work.

This work helps us speak to institutional accreditation standards, as well as contribute to institutional goals including the performance-based funding metrics and presidential goals for student success.

View the Assessment through Inquiry Model for the 2023 Assessment Cycle (requires VPN).

Resources

A group of Assessment Fellows – designated staff members with assessment background and expertise – help lead Assessment through Inquiry and provide guidance to participants throughout the process.

Each participating unit is represented by an Assessment Ambassador, or a designated point person to lead the unit’s assessment work. View the current Assessment Ambassadors (requires VPN).

Community of Practice meetings are held the third Friday of each month to provide staff with ongoing training, support, and opportunities to engage with each other, Assessment Fellows, and OIE staff. Schedule of Meetings (required VPN).

Canvas houses a collection of professional development materials for staff working on assessment. Brief videos, exemplars, and best practice information is available. Ambassadors submit assessment updates through Canvas to receive feedback and interact with staff. Contact Jennifer Perkins to gain access to the Canvas course.

Leadership

Assessment Fellows for the 2023 Assessment Cycle include:

Jasmine Elise Graham
Program Assistant, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
jasmine.elise.graham@unf.edu
she/her/hers

Dr. Amy Lorenz
Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life
amy.lorenz@unf.edu
she/her/hers

Dr. Jennifer Perkins
Institutional Effectiveness Specialist
j.perkins@unf.edu
she/her/hers

Dr. Justin M. Sipes
Director, Center for Community-Based Learning
justin.sipes@unf.edu
he/him/his