From the Field: A Portrait of the Director of Assessment—Results of a National Survey

• In Event: The Next 100 Years: Research and Revelations in the Field of Higher Education Assessment

Abstract

As a profession, the role of Directors of Assessment in the American higher education system is little understood despite the fact that the field has grown considerably over the past 35 years in response to public demands that academic programs show continuous improvement of student success. Scant research is available that outlines a clear picture of the roles and responsibilities required for the position making it difficult for institutions to perceive the requisite value of the position and for assessment professionals to estimate their potential worth. By examining the demographics, range of roles and responsibilities, types of methodological skills and knowledge to work with faculty, this study presents the results of the first national survey of Directors of Assessment.

Authors

• Ruth C. Slotnick, Bridgewater State University

• Mark C. Nicholas, Framingham State University