Celebrating innovation and impact: Highlights from inaugural Student Affairs Assessment Showcase

Student Affairs and the Office of Assessment and Strategic Planning hosted the inaugural Assessment Showcase, bringing together Student Affairs professionals and graduate students together to celebrate a shared commitment to data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement in student support.

The showcase served as a dynamic platform for departments to present their assessment initiatives, share insights and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The day’s agenda featured two interactive workshops —Power BI 101 and Qualtrics 101. These sessions empowered attendees with practical skills in data visualization and survey design, reinforcing the division’s emphasis on building assessment capacity across all levels.

A highlight of the event was the interactive poster session and luncheon, where attendees engaged with over a dozen poster presentations spanning varied areas of student life. Topics ranged from improving access to medical services through self-scheduling to analyzing student conduct trends during football gamedays to evaluating the impact of fraternity and sorority life on student development.

Each presentation reflected a thoughtful use of data to enhance services, promote student well-being and strengthen community engagement.

The event also spotlighted the collaborative spirit of Student Affairs, with contributions from teams across the division. Each poster underscored the division’s dedication to fostering a student-centered environment grounded in evidence and innovation.

Vanessa Harrison, director of the Office of Assessment and Strategic Planning, emphasized that assessment is not just about data collection — it’s about using that data to grow, improve and make a real difference in the student experience. The showcase embodied this philosophy, offering a space for reflection, learning and inspiration.

As the first of its kind, the 2025 Assessment Showcase set a high bar for future events. With strong participation, engaging content and a clear focus on student success, it marked a significant step forward in cultivating a culture of assessment and strategic planning at Auburn.