The NIU Provost’s Office hopes to hire a new assessment coordinator by May, said Virginia Cassidy, assistant vice provost for academic planning and development.

The assessment coordinator works with faculty and staff in academic programs to plan assessment programs. He or she works with units such as Student Academic Affairs and Student Housing and Dining Services. Other duties include conducting the alumni survey and other special projects done on a rotating basis, Cassidy said.

Director of Faculty Development Murali Krishnamurthi, said he feels the survey is helpful to NIU and an important part of the job. The surveys help NIU see how alumni view the university after they leave and how new students feel about the school as well, he said.

David Changnon, a faculty member in the geography department, said the assessment coordinator also works with faculty and staff on campus to help provide assistance.

“It’s a difficult job,” Changnon said. It’s a dynamic process. Academics with assessments are continuously changing.”

Changnon said it is helpful to have someone to share ideas with.

A search committee consisting of seven faculty members is currently looking for the new hire. The committee members have a knowledge of assessment or have been on the University Assessment Panel, Cassidy said. The assessment panel meets about twice a month and evaluates the university to ensure it is reaching its goals. The panel uses tests, homework and other measurement tools to determine if the goals are being met.

“A professor can say, ‘My students walk out and they’re great critical thinkers.’ How do you measure that? You have to provide evidence,” Changnon said. “If we’re not a success, then how do we improve ourselves? We have to assess that.”

The committee is now reviewing applications. A meeting is scheduled after Spring Break to discuss the applications it has reviewed. Changnon said at that time the committee will try to narrow it down to fewer candidates. Formal interviews will take place in late March or early April.

Krishnamurthi said the committee will look at how well the applicants fit the job description as well as the feedback from their references.

The new hire will be selected after recommendations are made by the board, although Cassidy – the chair of the search committee – has the final say, Krishnamurthi said.

Former assessment coordinator Craig Barnard left at the end of January for a position at Cardean University, an online college, Cassidy said.

Assessment coordinators must have three years experience in higher education, and direct experience working with faculty college/departmental administrators in individual and group sessions.