Assessment Redesign Institute (ARI)

Staff ARI

The Staff Assessment Redesign Institute (ARI) is back! This professional development program will focus on developing meaningful administrative unit outcomes, crafting effective methods to measure success, and "closing the loop" by using this process to inform changes and leverage strengths. 

• WHO: The Staff ARI is open to any non-degree unit interested in developing their assessment plan for Administrative Unit Outcomes. We are limiting participation to 10 units, with 2 representatives from each unit participating. Participation is on a first come, first served basis. 
• WHEN: The Staff ARI will be held January 8-11, 2024.
  • 1.5 hour sessions each day; the final day will be a working lunch meeting with boxed lunches provided
  • Out of class assignments = approximately 3 hours spread out over the 4 days, with the final day focused on participant presentations and reflections
  • Total time commitment = 9 hours
• WHY: The IE Process is designed to strengthen units and their process, but assessment may be a relatively new venture for many units or the individuals leading these efforts. Participating in the Staff ARI will allow units to better understand the why behind the assessment process and become stronger and more effective as a result. Individual participants will strengthen their assessment knowledge and learn how to document professional success, both critical skills to help staff develop and demonstrate their effectiveness as employees. 
• HOW: Complete the online application by December 15, 2023. It is recommended that applicants secure approval from supervisors and/or division heads prior to participating, though that is not required to apply. 

Faculty ARI 

The Assessment Redesign Institute provides faculty the opportunity to review and improve their existing program-level assessment plans in a focused, supportive environment. The ARI will be facilitated by the Director of IEA and members of the IE Planning Group.

Up to five (5) programs will be selected for the 2022 ARI. Each program identifies 2 faculty members (the chair or assessment coordinator and another faculty member) to participate in June 2023. Faculty participants will receive a stipend for their work and leadership in assessment. The Faculty ARI activities will occur during June 5-26, 2023. 

To apply to the ARI, complete the application: ARI Application

Application Deadline: April 14, 2023. Programs selected for the ARI will be notified by April 28, 2023.

For more information regarding the ARI, please contact Amanda Wornhoff, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment (wornhoffa@apsu.edu) or Dale Pickard, Lead Co-Chair, IE Committee (pickardd@apsu.edu). 

Why should a program apply for the ARI?

• Any degree or certificate program that is interested in reviewing and improving its assessment plan is invited to apply. However, the ARI may be of particular interest to:
  • Programs with new chairs or assessment coordinators
  • Programs with recent program or course-level changes
  • Programs that have received feedback from the IE Committee, an external program reviewer, or a specialized accrediting body that suggests a need for improvement int he program's use of assessment for improvement
  • Programs that have an upcoming program review or program accreditation review/visit. (Recommend participating in ARI 2-3 years prior to program review or accreditation review)
  • Programs that wish to make their assessment process more meaningful, practical, or valuable
  • Programs seeking to assess and positively impact equity in student learning and achievement

What are the benefits of participating in the ARI?

• Leave the institute with an outline for your improved assessment plan that can be shared with your colleagues and implemented on a realistic timeline.
• Learn from a supportive group of colleagues and gain knowledge of best practices in assessment of student learning.
• Discover ways to make assessment activities more meaningful and practical in your program’s context.
• Receive individualized support from IE Planning Group members that will continue beyond the ARI summer session.
• Participants will receive recognition for their ARI work, including the opportunity to present at a session during the Faculty Conference and Annual Meeting (f/k/a/ Pre-Semester Calendar. ARI participants will also be featured in the IEA newsletter/website.
• Participating faculty are eligible to receive a stipend from IEA and CAFE for their work and leadership in assessment. 

What is the time commitment for the ARI?

• The program is virtual and activities will take place between June 5-June 26. There will be 3-4 weekly, virtual sessions of 2-3 hours. The synchronous schedule will be planned based on participants' availability, as much as possible. In addition to the synchronous sessions, additional time will be required to complete the ARI activities as a program team, including prior to the first synchronous session. The minimum time commitment is estimated to be 5 hours per week, but this will vary based on program assessment needs.