Penn State Pulse is a survey initiative using Web and phone surveys designed to get a better understanding of students' opinions on a wide-ranging list of subjects. The program was initiated in the Spring of 1995 by the Division of Student Affairs to gather feedback on student issues, expectations, usage, and satisfaction. Click here for more information, including links to Pulse reports, Pulse FAQs, and Pulse employment information.
SARA Assessment Listserv
This listserv is used to distribute assessment-related information to interested parties. To join the list, send an email to l-assessment -subscribe-request@lists.psu.edu with the subject “Subscribe” and the words “Please add me to the list” in the body of the email (although not required, these precautions help ensure that you will make it through the university’s spam filters).
Although the Penn State Pulse program may be the most recognizable of SARA’s initiatives, we provide leadership on a variety of other assessment projects. Links to SARA reports, projects (including NSSE and the Student Satisfaction Survey), and all Pulse reports are provided here.
While there is widespread agreement that assessing the work we do in higher education is both necessary and desirable, many of us approach assessment activities with trepidation and uncertainty. Fortunately there are many resources available to both the novice and seasoned assessment practitioner.
Educational Programming Record
Staff in Student Affairs presented almost 6,000 educational programs in the 2010-11 academic year. These programs include presentations and workshops, information sessions and fairs, community building and social activities, and religious/spiritual services and activities. A summary of these programs is provided annually in early summer. Student Affairs staff record and track presented programs in the online Educational Programming Record (EPR). Access to EPR is granted to eligible staff.