Self-Study
An internal review that documents current practices, outcomes, and needs.
Have Questions? We have answers.
Contact Us
Purpose of Assessment
Assessment in Enrollment and Student Affairs serves as a vital tool for understanding and enhancing the student experience in higher education. It provides evidence-based insights into student learning, development, and engagement outside the classroom.
Through systematic evaluation of programs and services, assessment helps ensure alignment with institutional goals and promotes continuous improvement.
Ultimately, it empowers student affairs educators to make informed decisions that support student success and equity.
Need Assistance?
Assessment consultation services are available to MSU Denver Enrollment & Student Affairs staff involved in assessing student success, student learning and development, and program review.
Request a ConsultationEnrollment & Student Affairs Overall Impact
Annual Assessment & Departmental Goals
Every department within Enrollment and Student Affairs must complete an Annual Report. The process involves setting goals, planning, collecting data, reviewing data, and making improvements. This continuous cycle helps enhance services and student learning.
FY26 Timeline
- August 30 – Department level goals due.
- December/January – Mid-year check-in.
- June 12 – Department Annual Reports due
Access current and prior year reporting here (MSU Denver login required): Annual Reports
Purpose of Program Review
The purpose of program review is to provide each department an opportunity to reflect, self-assess, and plan for the future. By stimulating department or program planning and encouraging department-based strategic planning, the program review process can advance MSU Denver’s overall mission.
Program review in Enrollment and Student Affairs at MSU Denver emphasizes:
- Involvement of all department staff to accurately portray the varied experiences of the department across all stages of organizational membership and function;
- Collaboration within and across the MSU Denver community to craft a reflective self-study review, including applicable data and information;
- Conversations about the future of the department with Enrollment and Student Affairs leadership, emphasizing improvement, planning, decision-making, and resource allocation.
- Program reviews aim to generate a sense of shared purpose and connection to the Enrollment and Student Affairs and University mission and reinforce the need for coordinated planning for the future.
Cycle of Program Review
| Fiscal Year | Department Name | |||
| 23-24 | LGBTQ SRC | |||
| 24-25 | Student Care Center | Dean of Students | ||
| 25-26 | Classroom to Career Hub | Orientation | Access Center | Transfer and Adult Student Services |
| 26-27 | Admissions | Recreation and Well-being | ||
| 27-28 | Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion | Immigrant Services | Registrar | |
| 28-29 | Veteran and Military Student Services | Financial Aid | Health Center at Auraria | |
| 29-30 | Counseling Center | All SA | ||
Phases of Program Review
External Review
An objective assessment by outside reviewers to confirm strengths and identify improvement areas.
Final Report
A summary of findings with recommendations to guide future planning and action.
Resources
Student Surveys
Interested in surveying students? Get more information on conducting surveys.
Institutional Resources
Data & Analytics, housed in University Strategy and External Affairs, supports effective decision-making through innovation and actionable information that leads to positive growth for MSU Denver. The Data & Analytics branch of University Strategy and External Affairs is comprised of three distinct, interconnected units: Business Intelligence, Institutional Research, and the Enterprise Data Warehouse. Submit a data request.
Additional Resources
Terminology – coming soon!
Templates – coming soon!