Assessment in Higher Education Organizations
Students examine ways that administrators perform effective, high-quality program assessments in a variety of higher education-related environments. We develop a foundational understanding of the scholarship of assessment and a framework for thinking about how professionals conduct assessment successfully to promote educational quality. Students explore data uses and discuss analysis methods. We also explore the larger public policy context that brings assessment to the forefront of the U.S. higher education agenda. Students apply their understanding through developing an assessment plan (e.g., program curriculum, student orientation, faculty initiatives, international partnerships), which could be used to improve effectiveness of a program, department, institution, or higher education-related organization.
Crisis Management and Mental Health Issues in Higher Education Communities
Students develop an understanding of crisis management models and apply these frameworks to address how crises and mental health issues variably impact people in higher education communities. We introduce the concept of crisis (types and stages), the relationship to legal obligations, the managing of internal and external communications, and the prevalent mental health issues among students, faculty, and staff. We use real-world events (e.g., campus shootings, student activism, natural disasters, pandemic) to understand what these crises mean for internal stakeholders (e.g., students, faculty, staff, administration) and for external stakeholders (e.g., first responders, community residents, alumni, local government) and how they can effectively work together. Students also gain Mental Health First Aid Certification, a highly sought-after credential in higher education administration, through certified Northwestern University trainers.
Enrollment Management and Student Success in Higher Education
Students learn the foundation and structure of the enrollment management process, which spans recruitment, admissions, financial aid, retention, and graduation. Higher education professionals are charged with understanding and applying the policies, practices, and tradeoffs necessary to support student success, reflect an institution's values, and achieve its enrollment-related objectives. Students discuss how these professionals address enrollment trends and challenges facing U.S. higher education (e.g., changing demographics, affordability, competition amongst colleges and universities, attitudes regarding the value of higher education, disparities in access to and attainment of college credentials, standardized testing). Students begin the course reflecting on their own college choice and application experience. We deepen our understanding of enrollment management through discussion of real enrollment data, analyzing real case studies, and evaluating enrollment-related policy.