Editor’s Note: As campuses nationwide look for ways to adapt to enrollment challenges, rising costs, and public confidence levels, student affairs professionals know that one of the best tools to maintain service levels, gain resources for new projects, and validate past investments is through data. In this State of the College Union article, two “assessment nerds” give examples of how uncovering underutilized sources can provide new opportunities to support and build core programs.
Every day, student union professionals collect data—whether they realize it or not. Every reservation, service swipe, maintenance request, work order, staffing schedule, and utilization report tells a story. The question is: Are we listening? When people hear the word assessment, they often think of surveys, learning outcomes, or program evaluations. While these are all important components of assessment, they represent only part of the picture. Assessment is simply the process of collecting information to answer a question and using that information to improve future decisions. Whether you realize it or not, assessment is already part of your daily work.
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Megan Bell currently serves as the executive director of the University-Student Union at California State University–Los Angeles. Prior to that role, she led assessment and strategic initiatives for the Division of Student Affairs at the California State University–Northridge. Before moving back to LA, she spent 12 years working at the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs. While there, Bell served as the interim assistant vice-chancellor of student affairs, executive director of community learning and assessment, and director of the University Center and conference services. She also held an assistant professor appointment in the College of Education. Bell also worked at the University Memorial Union at University of Colorado–Boulder. In addition to her role as an administrator, Bell serves as the chair of the Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Program Team for ACUI.
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Denesha Rolling is associate director of events & technical services at the Lowman Student Center at Sam Houston State University, where she provides strategic leadership for event services, technical services, the LSC Office, and the Kat Klub Bowling Center. She oversees operations, budgets, policy development, and a talented team of professional and student staff dedicated to creating meaningful campus experiences. Before joining Sam Houston State University, Rolling held leadership roles at Prairie View A&M University in auxiliary services and health services. Rolling participated in ACUI's Closing the Gap Mentorship Program and completed ACUI's Advanced Assessment, Evaluation, and Research course.
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