The OACS Advising Assessment Community of Practice (CoP) brings together UW-Madison advisors and student support professionals who are interested in assessing student learning and using assessment practices to strengthen advising.
Assessment involves determining and developing opportunities for student learning and measuring the extent of that learning as a result of engaging in advising programming.
This CoP was created to foster a sustainable culture of assessment by providing a collaborative space where colleagues can share ideas, learn from one another, and build confidence in their assessment practice. Through discussion, resource sharing, and peer support, members will explore how assessment can be used to better understand and improve student learning in advising contexts.
How do I join?
Complete the registration survey below to join the community, receive updates about upcoming meetings, and connect with fellow members through our Teams channel.
We welcome participants with all levels of assessment experience.
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Who is this community designed for?
The Advising Assessment Community of Practice was developed for academic advisors, career services staff, learning support staff, and faculty advisors who are interested in discussion about the assessment of student learning for the purpose of improving practices.
All levels of assessment knowledge and experience are welcome! Whether you are just getting started or have previous experience with assessment, the CoP offers opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect with colleagues across campus.
What is the time commitment?
The Advising Assessment Community of Practice will host:
- Six 90-minute, in-person meetings each academic year
- Opportunities for ongoing engagement through the Teams channel
Dates for upcoming meetings can be found here. Please note: To attend any Community of Practice meeting, you must first join the CoP by completing the registration survey and then register separately for each meeting you plan to attend.
Participation is flexible, and while members are encouraged to attend as they are able, conversations and learning will occasionally build from one meeting to the next.
What will community members gain from participation?
The Advising Assessment Community of Practice is not a formal training program. Instead, it is a collaborative learning community where members learn with and from one another while advancing assessment efforts across campus.
As a member, you will have opportunities to:
- Develop a shared understanding of assessment of student learning in advising and student support settings.
- Learn practical assessment skills, including how to identify intentional program components, student learning outcomes, and meaningful measures of learning.
- Connect with colleagues across UW-Madison who are committed to improving student learning through assessment-informed practice.
- Share ideas, questions, and experiences in a supportive environment where all levels of assessment experience are welcome.
- Gain insight into assessment work already underway across campus and discover strategies for advancing your own efforts.
- Support and learn from peers as you develop assessment goals, outcomes, and measures within your own practice.
- Access a Teams-based resource repository and other campus and national resources to support your assessment journey.
- Contribute tools, resources, and examples that benefit the broader advising community.
Through active participation, members help build a stronger culture of assessment at UW-Madison while gaining practical knowledge, valuable connections, and ongoing support for their own work.
Who can I reach out to with questions?
Please reach out to info.oacs@wisc.edu with any questions about the community.