Student Affairs Assessment Workshop Series
The Student Affairs Assessment Committee holds regular professional development workshops regarding assessment and planning topics. Workshops are designed for staff (including student employees) in Student Affairs, but open to campus partners as space allows.
Spring 2026
Wednesday, Feb 18th, 2026 - Working with Student Data: Getting, Cleaning, and Using Data
This presentation explores the role of data in both serving students at Illinois and developing professionally as a student and practitioner in a data-intensive field. Combining storytelling with hands-on application, Ashley Hetrick offers participants an opportunity to learn more about real-world projects and insights, while providing hands-on experience with data analysis techniques using popular software. Participants will practice setting up a development environment, importing and cleaning data, and visualizing results. All skill levels are welcome.
Presented by: Ashley Hetrick, Data Engineer, Office of the CIO
Time: 10:30am - noon
Location: OVCDEI Room 3070, 614 Daniel- 3rd Floor
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 - Qualtrics Introductory and Intermediate/Advanced
This workshop introduces key Qualtrics features and foundational survey design skills, then builds into intermediate and advanced tools for more complex research needs. Participants will learn how to create effective surveys, customize question logic, and manage data collection. Participants will be able to be in either the introductory track or intermediate/advanced track. The advanced session also covers advanced functionalities such as embedded data, distributions, and analytics to enhance project efficiency and insight. All experience levels are welcome.
Presented by: Student Affairs Assessment Committee Members
Time: 10:30am - noon
Location: OVCDEI Room 3070, 614 Daniel- 3rd Floor
Wednesday, March 15th, 2026 - Accessibility in Data Reporting
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the latest standards and best practices for integrating accessibility into assessment, evaluation, and data visualization. Participants will learn practical strategies to design inclusive tools, interpret data responsibly, and communicate findings in ways that support all audiences. This session is ideal for anyone looking to make their assessment work more equitable, usable, and impactful.
Presented by: Dr. Ryan Young, Gabrielle Rodmaker, Dr. Beth Hoag
Time: 10:30am - noon
Location: OVCDEI Room 3070, 614 Daniel- 3rd Floor
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 - Student Affairs Assessment Conference
Join us at the Student Affairs Assessment Conference to explore practical strategies for effective assessment, evaluation, and reporting in co-curricular settings. This conference offers workshops, presentations, lightning talks, and a keynote designed to help practitioners at all levels strengthen their use of data to improve practice and demonstrate impact. Learn from peers and experts about the latest approaches to telling your assessment story and making data actionable. Whether you’re new to assessment or looking to deepen your skills, this event will support your professional growth.
Registration for the Student Affairs Assessment Conference is $50 for staff employed by Student Affairs at Illinois, and $100 for staff, faculty outside Student Affairs at Illinois.
Visit here for more information
Time: 9am - 4:30pm
Location: Student Dining and Residential Programs Building (SDRP)
Fall 2025
Thursday, December 18th, 2025 - Institutional Student Surveys and Campus Data
This session will provide an overview of campus student surveys and highlight new findings. Topics covered include:
- Learning Outcomes
- Student Employment
- Campus Climate
- Sexual Misconduct
- Where to find results
Presented by: Dr. Beth Hoag, Student Affairs, Dr. Linell Edwards, Provost
Time: 3pm - 4:30pm
Location: OVCDEI Room 3070, 614 Daniel- 3rd Floor
Past Events
Thursday, November 20th, 2025 - Logic Model for Planning
Begin with the end in mind. While this is easier said than done, some strategies and models can help you accomplish your goals for each program or initiative. During this session, attendees will learn how logic models can set you up for programmatic success. A logic model is an excellent tool to visualize intentions and goals. Still, more importantly, it helps us connect elements of our efforts to ensure we’ve created a reasonable “theory of change.” Logic models can be used with any size effort, from one workshop to an entire department, to provide a structure for planning, address complicated outcomes, and create an assessment plan. Presented by: Erin Thomas, Illinois State University, Assessment & Data Manager, Student Affairs
Thursday, October 16, 2025 -Assessment in Action: Improving First-Year Experiences at Illinois
Join the Student Affairs staff who coordinate our three core first-year training experiences in this interactive professional development workshop focused on assessment and program improvement. At Illinois, incoming students engage in a series of trainings designed to promote healthy behaviors and foster a welcoming campus community. In this session, we’ll review our learning outcomes, share recent evaluation data, and discuss how our findings have shaped programmatic changes. Whether you're looking to refine your own assessment strategies or gain insights into student development programming, this session offers practical takeaways for using data to drive impact. Presented by: Kristin Manzi, Counseling Center; Shengxi Sun, Counseling Center; Michelle Naese, Diversity & Social Justice Education; Nataly Meza, Women’s Resources Center
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 - Listening for Assessment: Tips and tricks for conducting interviews and focus groups
One of the most important skills in assessment, is the ability to observe and listen. In addition to using surveys and numeric data, University Library conducts interviews, focus groups, UX (user experience) studies and other methods to “listen” to students, faculty, staff and stakeholders and turn what we learn into actionable suggestions. The presenters will share practical knowledge for those who wish to practice these methods for assessment in higher education settings. Presented by: Jen-chien Yu and Belinda Boilvar, University Library
February 27, 2025 - Data Storytelling: Information Wisdom and Student Affairs
What stories can you tell with data? Join Kate McDowell, an award-winning professor and storytelling expert from the School of Information Sciences, for an interactive talk exploring how data storytelling principles can be applied to student affairs contexts. Drawing from her research on storytelling in fundraising, information technology, health information, and libraries, as well as her experience as a former Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, McDowell will share key strategies for transforming data into compelling narratives. The 90-minute session includes an interactive opportunity for participants to explore how these storytelling approaches can be adapted for their specific student affairs contexts, with particular focus on survey data and student success indicators. Presented by: Dr. Kate McDowell, School of Information Sciences
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - Learning Outcomes and Assessment Techniques – Part 2
Are you looking to enhance the impact of your programs and activities? In this session, you’ll learn how to craft clear and meaningful learning outcomes for your programs, activities, or curriculum. We’ll share ways to effectively measuring these outcomes, ensuring you can assess and demonstrate the value of your initiatives. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will provide the tools you need to enhance your assessment techniques. Presented by Dr. Julia Makela
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Trends in Evaluating & Assessing Student Development/Employment
Different units will present their approach to evaluating and assessing their students. This could be student employees or students who are participating in their programs. How do we measure and track student development, what works and what is challenging? Presented by: Multiple Unit Representatives
Monday, May 5, 2025 - Data Visualization Tools and Tips
This session will cover basic principles in data visualizations, tools such as Piktochart, Canva, and Adobe Express, and tips for making sure you data visuals are engaging, high-quality, and accessible. Presented by: Dr. Beth Hoag, Student Affairs
September 19, 2024 - Short Cuts: How to Make Your Assessment Life Easier
Join members of the Student Affairs Assessment Committee as we discuss tips, tricks, and tools on how to be more efficient in conducting your assessment projects.
October 30th, 2024 - Learning Outcomes and Assessment Techniques
Are you looking to enhance the impact of your programs and activities? In this session, you’ll learn how to craft clear and meaningful learning outcomes for your programs, activities, or curriculum. We’ll share ways to effectively measuring these outcomes, ensuring you can assess and demonstrate the value of your initiatives. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will provide the tools you need to enhance your assessment techniques. Presented by Dr. Julia Makela
November 21st, 2024 - Campus Survey Overview
Each office has something to offer in shaping the data story we share with the campus. In this talk, Beth Hoag will share and summarize results from various annual campus surveys and discuss insights into the future of our work in Student Affairs. Presented by Dr. Beth Hoag
December 16th, 2024 - Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of assessment in education. This workshop will explore how AI tools can be leveraged to assess learning in different learning environments. Participants will learn about practical applications, explore case studies, and engage in hands-on activities to begin designing their AI-enhanced assessment plans. Presented by Saad Shehab, Associate Director of Assessment and Research, Siebel Center for Design
February 15th, 2024 - Assessment in Student Money Management
University Bursar's Student Money Management Center provides financial education for students across the University of Illinois System. With limited staff and resources, assessment is an important aspect of supporting students' financial well-being. This workshop will provide a case-study example of assessment in SMMC and some existing tools for assessing financial well-being. Presented by Andrea Pellegrini, Student Money Management
September 14th, 2023: Qualtrics 101
Come learn more about Qualtrics, the campus-wide survey platform.
October 12th, 2023: Data Identity and Assessment Planning
Where are you comfortable with data? How can you continue to improve your skills. This session explores the many facets of data identity and begins the process of assessment planning.
November 9th, 2023: Using CAS Standards
Join Dr. Gayle Spencer, current President of the Council for the Advancement of Standards as she reviews the resources and self-assessment guides available to Student Affairs units via CAS.
December 14th, 2023: Sense of Belonging at Illinois
Student’s feelings of belonging on college campuses is closely tied to student success, retention, and persistence. In this session we will explore sense of belonging measures from campus surveys and the findings from a qualitative interview project.
January 19th, 2023 The Illinois App: Assessment for Direction and Impact
Assessment is a crucial part of every good product. Come learn how the Smart, Healthy Communities Initiative and the Rokwire team utilizes assessment to guide the development of new Illinois App features and to measure impact of the App. Presented by Dr. Mel Fenner, Director Health Technology, Student Affairs Technology
February 16th, 2023: How to Conduct Learning Outcomes Assessment
Presented by: Dr. Julia Makela, Director of Career Development, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
March 23rd, 2023: Survey Design 101
April 20th, 2023: Introduction to Tableau Public
Tableau has revolutionized the data analysis task by allowing users to connect, visualize, and interact with data. Join us for an introductory workshop where you will learn how to make charts (scatter plots, treemaps, word clouds), apply analytics, create dashboards, and publish and share your Tableau visualizations. Presented by Jen-chien Yu, Director of Library Assessment, University Library
Some session materials are available upon request, please contact the Director for Assessment and Planning.
