Student Learning and Development Report 2013-2014
Date: October 31, 2014
Reporting Unit: Student Financial Services Division of Student Affairs
Report Prepared by: Tammie Reger for Jeff Jacobs, Director of Student Financial Services Assessment Plan Information
Mission Statement: The Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) ensures student knowledge and access to financial aid programs which enable them to pursue their educational objectives at North Dakota State University. The specialized services provided by Student Financial Services are sensitive to student needs with emphasis on quality, accuracy and efficiency. In collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs, Student Financial Services enhances a learning environment that supports student growth. The core values of Student Financial Services include integrity, excellence, teamwork, change and innovation.
Status of implementation of assessment plan: In December 2013, Dr. Jeremy Penn met with the current director of SFS, Jeanne Enebo and Tammie Reger to discuss a focal point for developing an assessment plan for the department. Prior to the beginning of the 2014-15 academic year, a new director joined SFS. Initial assessment-related discussions included a focus on students’ knowledge of loan debt. In addition, a new Vice President for Student Affairs joined the university. This is relevant to this report in relation to the potential for change in the structure of the department and/or the Division of Student Affairs.
During the 2013-2014 academic year, four assessments were completed by SFS. The assessments are being used to develop a greater understanding of how the services, programs and resources provided support for academic, professional and personal growth; and, how SFS can continue to assist students pursue their educational objectives at NDSU.
The nature of assessment within Student Affairs is important because it helps quantify and validate the programs and services provided by the department as well as help identify potential areas for improvement.
In conjunction with the Student Affairs Learning Agenda, Student Financial Services strives to educate students in all settings to: 1) lead; 2) serve; 3) negotiate and resolve conflict; 4) execute tasks to completion;
5) function collaboratively; and 6) participate as committed citizens of the community. This is accomplished through a variety of activities ranging from personal interactions with students and staff; collaboration with other campus departments to provide “intrusive” programming and learning opportunities; implementation of proactive and efficient communication methods; participation in cross-training to increase efficiency; and, overall fostering a culture which supports and promotes financial aid awareness and access to all individuals.
With the addition of a new director and a new Vice President for Student Affairs, we look forward to further defining and improving an assessment plan which will include the vision for the Student Financial Services department, the Division of Student Affairs and North Dakota State University as a whole.
Feedback: The previous assessment review indicated a need for developing specific and measurable goals and
outcomes. Initial suggestions included designing an assessment activity where students could define their
financial goals and create a plan to reach their goals. The initial review and associated goals are outlined in the
following rubric.
General Student Learning and Development Goals for Student Financial Services
Goal Activities Learning Agenda
(LA) University Learning Outcome (ULO)
Provide services, programs and resources which support academic, professional and personal growth
Participate in university sponsored events:
• Orientation
• Career Fairs
Participate in other community sponsored events:
• High School Counselor Workshop
• Educational workshops and presentations provided for high school, pre-college and active college students Provide financial educational resources and counseling to students, staff, faculty and off- campus affiliates
Services, programs and resources are connected to following LA objectives:
• lead
• serve
• execute tasks to completion
• function collaboratively
• participate as committed citizens of the community
Activities are connected to the following ULOs:
• communication
• critical thinking
• problem solving
Support and assist students to pursue their educational objectives at NDSU
Provide financial counseling and services which help students successfully and effectively manage their finances.
Services, programs and resources are connected to following LA objectives:
• lead
• serve
• negotiate and resolve conflict
• execute tasks to completion
• function collaboratively
• participate as committed citizens of the community
Activities are connected to the following ULOs:
• communication
• critical thinking
• problem solving
Promote retention and
persistence Actively participate in outreach activities designed to teach students about financial planning and provide services and resources which support students from their initial entry into college through
graduation
Services, programs and resources are connected to following LA objectives:
• lead
• serve
• negotiate and resolve conflict
• execute tasks to completion
• function collaboratively
• participate as committed citizens of the community
Activities are connected to the following ULOs:
• communication
• critical thinking
• problem solving
Assessment Opportunities Implemented in 2013-14:
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR WORKSHOP (FALL 2013)
The North Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NDASFAA) sponsors educational
workshops for persons interested in learning more about financial aid regulations and processes. The workshop
targets high school counselors and others who work with students transitioning from high school to college. It
also provides an opportunity for staff and counselors to network and share ideas within their profession. NDSU
SFS coordinates this annual outreach activity in Fargo which is designed to assist high school counselors increase
their level of services to the student population with whom they work.
Summary: A brief survey was distributed to 40 participants who attended the High School Counselor Workshop. A total of 31 surveys were collected. A brief overall summary of the survey reveals participants received useful information and increased their knowledge base of processes and program regulations as related to financial aid so they were better prepared to provide accurate and informative counseling services to college-bound students. *
Learning Objective Activity/Opportunity to Learn Assessment Summary Use of Assessment Evidence Provide services, programs and
resources which support academic, professional and personal growth
Provide current information and resources related to financial aid to counselors and other professionals responsible for preparing students to enter college.
Assessment focused on the following topics:
• verification process
• college planning
• program updates
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Federal and FAFSA updates
Assessment revealed the information presented was relevant, comprehensive, easy to understand and increased the participants’ knowledge of the subject matter presented.
We will continue to provide this annual workshop and focus on providing the most current information and processes relevant to helping high school students transition successfully in to college.
Support and assist students to pursue their educational objectives at NDSU
Provide workshop participants with current information about financial aid services and processes which can be used to counsel students prior to entering college.
Promote retention and
persistence Focus on importance of
providing relevant information to counselors and other professionals so students will be better prepared to understand financial aid processes and actively participate in planning for the cost of attending college
*SEE ATTACHMENT 1 FOR RELATED GRAPHS.
STUDENT ORIENTATION ASSESSMENT (COMPARISON SURVEYS 2013 - 2014)
The data for this assessment was gathered and compiled by the Orientation and Student Success Programs staff.
A total rate of survey participation is not noted. Participants in the survey were asked to:
• Q12: rate the level of usefulness of information provided in the Financial Aid Session
• Q14: rate the level of clarity of information provided in the Finances at NDSU session
• Q18: provide feedback relating to whether or not Orientation answered their questions about the financial aid process
Summary: A total of 739 responses to Q12 and Q14 and 518 responses to Q18 are noted in the information provided for the survey. The total number of responses decreased slightly from 2013 to 2014. Based on the responses, comparison data indicates there is room for review and improvement of information provided to participants in the Financial Aid session(s) as related to usefulness and clarity of the information provided.
Further, in Question 18, there is a marked decline in the opportunity for participants to have their questions answered about the financial aid process. Looking forward to future orientation sessions, this area will need to be addressed. Based on a need for further clarification, Dr. Penn helped design a follow-up survey to send out to individuals who attended the parent SFS session(s). Information relating to that survey is provided next. *
*SEE ATTACHMENT 2 FOR RELATED TABLES.
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES FOLLOW UP SURVEY (SUMMER ORIENTATION-PARENT SESSIONS)
The nine-question survey was sent electronically to over 750 individuals who attended the SFS session(s) offered to parents of incoming students. Questions were designed to gather additional information about the level of clarity of the information provided in the SFS sessions, the usefulness of the information provided, and whether or not the time allowed was adequate to meet their needs in relation to financial aid.
Summary: The survey yielded approximately a 30% response rate. Results show a total of 81.9% agreed the information provided at the financial aid session was clear and easy to understand. Between 70-80% of those who responded felt that the information provided increased their knowledge about financial aid and that the information was useful. Approximately 66% indicated that the session provided them with the information they needed to make informed choices about paying for college. Additional information gathered in the form of text comments revealed a desire to provide more time for individual questions during and/or after the session.
Several parents indicated they would like to see the session length increased so financial aid topics could be covered more thoroughly, such as specifics related to scholarships, more in-depth information about the cost of college and various options available when financial aid isn't enough to cover the full cost of attendance.
Learning Objective Activity/Opportunity to Learn Assessment Summary Use of Assessment Evidence Provide services, programs and
resources which support academic, professional and personal growth
Provide 25 minute information session for parents during Freshman Orientation to relay current information and resources related to financial aid for the families of incoming freshmen
The Student Orientation Assessment revealed a slight decline in value of information provided during Orientation.
This prompted the follow up survey to gather further information about what parents and/or students need from the session(s).
The follow up assessment was designed to gather more in- depth information about the SFS session focusing on:
• level of clarity of information provided
• usefulness of information provided
• the presentation length was adequate for covering the topic of financial aid
We need to review the current format of the presentations in order to finds ways to provide more time for questions and to address individual concerns related to financial aid.
Support and assist students to pursue their educational objectives at NDSU
Provide current information about financial aid services and processes which can be used to support and assist their student as he/she enters college.
Promote retention and
persistence Same as above Same as above Students will be more likely to
stay in college if their financial plan is clear and resources are in order as they enter college.
CANCEL/WITHDREW DATA RELATED TO FINANCIAL REASONS (SPRING - 2014)
Dr. Penn gathered data from the VPSA cancel/withdraw database (spring 2014 and summer 2014). A total of 157 responses were drawn from the database. The summary of the responses is listed below.
Can't afford it; too expensive 35.67%
Can't afford it; didn't receive Financial Aid 22.93%
Didn't receive FA due to academic reasons 6.37%
Unable to obtain a loan 4.46%
Other 11.46%
No Response: 19.11%
Summary: The initial review of the data is directly related to withdrawal after spring semester and the affordability of attending the following summer session. Financial aid resources are more limited during that time frame and students were finding it too expensive to attend. Many appear to take off the summer months and return in the fall when financial aid is more readily available.
Learning Objective Activity/Opportunity to Learn Assessment Summary Use of Assessment Evidence Provide services, programs and
resources which support academic, professional and personal growth
Support and assist students to pursue their educational objectives at NDSU Promote retention and persistence
Pulled data from existing VPSA database in order to define reasons for students cancelling or withdrawing after attending Spring 2014.
Data shows cost of attendance and availability of financial aid for summer session are prohibitive to summer attendance.
Further research is needed in this area to investigate reasons for cancellation or withdrawal which are related to "financial reasons" during other terms of attendance.
Reflections about Student Learning and Development: Going forward into 2014-15 we will continue to build on former processes and procedures related to assessment. Research information is available through various national surveys (e.g. Cooperative Institutional Research Program, Your First College Year, the Diverse Learning Environments survey, and the College Senior Survey). Longitudinal data may be more readily available through these resources relating to more overall trends in education. Using this information in conjunction with the National Financial Wellness Study (NSFWS) which will begin to include NDSU during the 2014-15 academic year may provide a stronger foundation from which to build on our current assessment processes.
Dr. Penn has been instrumental in assisting NDSU to become co-investigators in the NSFWS. This project involves the use of an 81-question, online survey administered by Ohio State University. It includes a random sample of students attending each of the universities participating in the project. The survey will involve a variety of colleges from across the United States. By design, the project will provide information about
attitudes, practices and knowledge of undergraduate students as they relate to financial concerns. One goal of the study is to develop a greater understanding of the financial state of undergraduate students and their overall financial wellness.
Students participating in the survey must be at least 18 years of age, be enrolled as an undergraduate student
and have not invoked FERPA. Implementation of the survey begins November 1, 2014 and a report of the data
collected will be provided to each participating institution June 1, 2015. It is our intention to use the findings of
this assessment refine and improve our overall services to students. Further, this process should also provide a
useful platform for developing our assessment plan going forward.
ATTACHMENT 1: HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR WORKSHOP (FALL 2013) Q1: The Verification Process
Participants were asked to rate the session on a scale of 1-5:
1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree
Categories: a. Relevant; b. Comprehensive; c. Easy to understand
Participants were also asked to rank their topic knowledge, skills and confident before and after attending the session. Categories: Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent
Q2: College Planning and Program Updates
Participants were asked to rate the session on a scale of 1-5:
1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree
Categories: a. Relevant; b. Comprehensive; c. Easy to understand
Participants were also asked to rank their topic knowledge, skills and confident before and after
attending the session. Categories: Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent
Q3: Satisfactory Academic Progress
Participants were asked to rate the session on a scale of 1-5:
1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree
Categories: a. Relevant; b. Comprehensive; c. Easy to understand
Participants were also asked to rank their topic knowledge, skills and confident before and after attending the session. Categories: Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent
Q4: Federal and FAFSA Updates
Participants were asked to rate the session on a scale of 1-5:
1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree
Categories: a. Relevant; b. Comprehensive; c. Easy to understand
Participants were also asked to rank their topic knowledge, skills and confident before and after
attending the session. Categories: Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent
Follow up comments from the High School Counselor Workshop participants:
• Scholarships: (need more information about) what resources are out there for students?
• Other options for students who may not be "college material" yet.
• College costs a lot of money -- how can we better prepare students for paying for college?
• Other options for paying for college: loans vs. other?
• I understand the verification process a lot better now. Thanks for providing this session.
• It's good to get out with others in the field! Thanks!
• Having ability to meet others who can share ideas with is excellent!
• Program updates are crucial. This event always provides good information!
• Providing updates gives us the tools we need to do our job with students better.
• Good use of time!
ATTACHMENT 2: RESULTS OF STUDENT ORIENTATION COMPARISONS (2013 AND 2014)
The following data was gathered and provided by the Office of Orientation and Student Success at NDSU.