Connecting assessment and strategic planning to advancing equity on campus

Abstract

Institutional inquiry has an important role in understanding issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion and the connection of these issues to campus environments. Institutions have a responsibility to better understand the environments on their campuses and how they affect students, with clear attention to campus climate and the impact of equity and inclusion initiatives. One way to increase understanding and provide institutional direction is through assessment, research, and evaluation. Using the context of a student affairs division at a large research-intensive institution, the authors connect assessment and strategic planning to advancing equity on campus. A literature review explores critical constructs such as the importance of diversity, establishing a culture of inclusion, developing a culturally competent student body, and institutional climate. Following the literature review, a discussion of assessment frameworks includes multiple model examples and connects assessment to strategic planning. Finally, a proposed assessment will be offered as an example of connecting inquiry to issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.