Assessment
The retreat's evaluation methods will include a systematic collection of qualitative and quantitative data. We will conduct several assessment surveys of the participants' understanding of vocation and discernment. We will also measure participants' competence and confidence in integrating the use of purpose and vocation in their respective work with students. We will also consider implementing a campus culture survey to investigate understanding of vocation and attachment to the university mission.
Based on project goals, we would work with our Director of Educational Effectiveness to develop appropriate learning outcomes and measurements to assess them. At this point, we have identified these preliminary outcomes. Participants will be able:
- To explore, define, and understand vocation in the context of Lutheran Higher Education.
- To integrate vocation in student leadership programs, mentoring, and advising.
- To incorporate vocational reflection into experiential learning.
- To collaborate across disciplines and campus offices to create holistic student experience.
Participants will be required to report at least two opportunities in which they have integrated vocation in their work through program development and course integration by submitting a report of these activities during our follow-up meetings. We will also measure the number of proposals that are submitted by our participants in the following year to identify if the program has encouraged the integration of vocation in their respective field of work. At the end of each grant year, all reports and data will be collected and reviewed by the Advisory Board to complete a Year End Report as well as the Annual Performance Report to be submitted to NetVUE. These will be used to critically examine the impact the program has had on its participants and to plan for the following academic year. Based on this assessment, all aspects of the retreat and the mini-grants awarded will be reviewed for effectiveness and the progress of the project in achieving its objectives.