Assessment and Research

We promote the use of data to inform decision-making while advancing institutional understanding of the impact that Student Life programs and services have on student success and well-being. In addition to overseeing division-wide research initiatives, we work with our units to provide guidance on data analysis and research design.

The 6-Week Survey is aimed at understanding how incoming students transition into UB, and provides crucial data for helping UB achieve broad institutional goals related to student success and retention. This survey is administered annually to new first-year and transfer students, and includes questions related to their academic, social and emotional well-being.

The UB Next Survey gathers information from recent UB bachelor’s degree recipients on their post-graduation outcomes. The survey is administered annually in the fall and asks respondents about their employment status and post-graduate pursuits. The survey results help us identify opportunities for new graduates, better serve our alumni, and assist current and future students in achieving their goals.

The Student Life Assessment Council serves as a collaborative forum for Student Life assessment efforts. Through the Council, members:

• Learn about the results of major research initiatives within the division
• Discuss progress toward each unit’s assessment goals
• Receive additional information on institutional data sources and research design

In addition, the Council fosters collaboration on assessment across units to reduce the number of overlapping assessment efforts.

The Council includes at least one member from each unit in Student Life.

The Survey Policy helps ensure that surveys are coordinated, do not cause survey fatigue among students, and meet UB guidelines. Please review the entire Survey Policy before requesting a survey.

• Craig Orcholski - Assessment Specialist
  
• Alexandra Lawson, PhD – Senior Research and Data Analyst
  
• Ashlee Wilde, PhD - Data Analyst