Assessment of Programs and Services

Accountability in higher education is no longer something that is merely addressed with some cursory effort. Justifying the worth of your program is not just a requirement dictated by upper level administration, but rather it is a question of the long-term survival of your organization. This article explains the motivation for the University of Illinois (UIUC) Division of Campus Recreation (DCR) to conduct an organization-wide assessment of the programs of services offered to the students, faculty, and staff at the University. The material explains the development of the three overriding questions the Division felt critical to maintaining a good marketing position with regard to both internal and external competitors. The three assessment methods used in this study were professional/student staff interviews, focus groups and a survey. The results of the data gathered are presented in ten figures. Four summary statements can be made concerning the results: (1) The DCR is considered to be a vital and important of the UIUC campus; (2) No group is clearly under-served by the DCR; (3) The overall image of the DCR is driven by the Intramural-Physical Education Building while other facilities are virtually unknown; and (4) The average user considers the time spent utilizing the DCR programs and services to be a positive force in both their work and academic production.