Assessment Tools
Westchester Community College uses a variety of assessment tools to obtain reliable information for evaluating and enhancing campus-wide programs in support of continuous improvement. Assessment results are analyzed and presented by Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness in various formats. The data are used as performance measures for the strategic plan.
Survey Policy & Procedures
Survey Policy & Procedures
Surveys are used often at Westchester Community College as tools for assessment and improvement of programs and services and to solicit input from various stakeholder groups.
Most surveys are conducted by or in collaboration with Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness
All surveys must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness prior to being implemented
These policies and procedures have been established in order to ensure that surveys are methodologically sound and of good quality, as well as to minimize survey fatigue and collection of duplicate data. Additionally, these policies and procedures ensure appropriate distribution and use of survey results and maintain a thorough and accessible record of survey tools and findings.
Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness has access to applications for web-based surveys and will provide consultation and assistance to faculty and staff who want to conduct surveys online or by other methods.
Major Institutional Surveys:
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) – This is the nation’s core post-secondary education data collection program. This comprehensive system allows the comparison of Westchester Community College to peer institutions.
Voluntary Framework of Accountability (VFA) – The VFA is the principal accountability framework for community colleges with measures defined to encompass the full breadth of the community college mission and the diversity of students’ goals and educational experiences.
Student Centered Surveys:
Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) – this is a nationally administered survey of student’s perceptions about various aspects of a particular campus. These data allows for benchmark comparisons between Westchester Community College and peer institutions. This survey is typically administered every three years.
Graduate Survey – This survey provides information about Westchester Community College graduates, their experiences at Westchester Community College, and where they are in their respective careers or their continued education.
Student Opinion Survey (SOS) – This survey is administered by American College Testing (ACT). The SOS measures students’ satisfaction with programs, services, and other parts of their college experience. This survey is typically administered every three years.
Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE) – SENSE measures students’ first impressions of the college, how students spend their time, and how students assess their relationships with faculty, advisors, other students, and their academic experience.
