Narrative

Nontraditional Student Programs and Services has two assessment outcome objectives. These were assessed by a phone survey/paper survey. Sixty-seven students responded to all questions. The overall conclusion is that Assessment Outcome #1 needs a more effective method of delivering services and that Assessment Outcome #2 was successful.

Assessment Outcome #1

Students who use the services and participate in programs sponsored by Nontraditional Student Services and Programs will demonstrate a knowledge and use of campus resources.

Survey Results

Survey question: Has the Nontraditional Student Program increased your knowledge of campus

resources? If so, at what level?

Yes = 42 of 67 responses (63%)

*No = 25 of 67 responses (37%)

Yes answers "at what level" were the following:

Excellent = 19 (45%)

Good = 21 (50%)

Fair = 2 ( 5%)

Poor = 0

Commentary

*Many students who responded with a No answer said that they were juniors or seniors and were already familiar with campus resources.

This outcome assessment was not especially viable for the Nontraditional Program because I did not have a method of reaching new students or an organized directory of services.

Plan for next academic year

A. I plan to create a Directory of Services for Nontraditional Students. A specific directory would be a method by which students could increase their knowledge of resources.

B. I plan to assess the outcome by a written or phone survey.

C. I plan to reach newly enrolled nontraditional students with a mailer (if finances permit).

D. I plan to identify new students who are using the center by a short questionnaire.

Assessment Outcome #2

Students who use services and participate in programs sponsored by Nontraditional Programs and Services will develop a sense of belonging to the WSU community through connections with other students and Student Affairs Professionals.

Survey Results

Survey question: Has the Nontraditional Student Program increased your feeling of connection to WSU? If so, at what level?

Yes = 59 of 67 responses (88%)

No = 8 of 67 responses (12%)

Yes answers "at what level" were the following:

Excellent = 33 (56%)

Good = 22 (37%)

Fair = 4 ( 4%)

Poor = 0

Commentary

I feel this outcome was a success. One of the main purposes for establishing a program for nontraditional students is to provide them with connections to campus. Many nontraditional students feel intimidated and unwelcome on college campuses. The Nontraditional Student Program's overall goal is to increase retention of nontraditional students by meeting their practical, academic, and social/emotional needs. First, having a center where students feel they are among peers and where they can use a computer and study in a quiet environment is a method for increasing feelings of connection. Second, sponsoring activities focused on the interests of nontraditional students and families is another method of providing a means for students to meet one another and feel that the university welcomes them.

Plan for next academic year

Now that the Nontraditional Program begins its second year and there are students who regularly use the center, I will receive more input from students for ideas for activities, workshops, and services. I have collected satisfaction surveys for each of our activities and have a list of suggestions for improvement.

A. I plan to provide a balance of activities which include children and activities for adults where free child care is offered.

B. I plan to offer more practical/educational workshops.

C. I plan to begin a peer mentor program.

D. I plan to collaborate more with related departments, e.g. Services for Women Students, Services for Multicultural Students, Veterans programs, etc.