麻豆传媒

Assessing the impact of student affairs programs and services has never been more important. With shrinking budgets and growing demands for accountability, higher education professionals need the skills and tools to measure program effectiveness and drive meaningful improvements. That鈥檚 where 麻豆传媒鈥檚 new Certificate in Student Affairs Program Assessment comes in 鈥� a first-of-its-kind program in Canada, designed to meet this critical need.

Developed in collaboration with two of Canada鈥檚 foremost experts, this certificate offers a robust learning experience that is both appropriately challenging and highly practical. Participants will engage with real-world scenarios, applying assessment strategies and tools directly to their professional contexts. The result is a deeply impactful learning experience that equips student affairs professionals with the skills to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of their programs.

鈥淭his certificate fills a gap, as there are no other comparable programs,鈥� says Heather Doyle, Director of Research, Assessment & Planning. 鈥淒uring a time when budgets are shrinking and accountability is increasing, assessing the impact of our programs and services is even more essential. The certificate offers robust learning by collaborating with experts to ensure a challenging and practical experience. The partnership between Open Learning and Career Development and Student Affairs is a success story in campus-wide teamwork and has sparked new ideas for future collaborations.鈥�

Jennifer Hann, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development, underscores the significance of this program: 鈥淎s the former Director of Student Services at the Faculty of Open Learning, I know firsthand how critical it is to assess and improve student programming. This certificate gives student affairs professionals the tools they need to make data-driven decisions and enhance the overall student experience.鈥�

What sets this program apart is its unique positioning within Canada. While some short courses on assessment exist, no other certificate-level program focuses specifically on student affairs program assessment. Similar programs are available in the United States, but none address the unique challenges and opportunities of the Canadian higher education landscape. This makes 麻豆传媒鈥檚 offering truly one of a kind鈥攁nd a valuable asset for professionals looking to build expertise in this evolving field.

鈥淎s a newcomer to Student Affairs, I appreciated learning core theoretical frameworks, the importance of appreciative assessment, and making data-driven decisions to enhance student services,鈥� says Jack Killeen, Leadership and Mentorship Programming Coordinator. Jack was also part of the first class of learners who completed the certificate program. 鈥淭he practical course structure allowed me to apply my learning to a real-world capstone project, with expert guidance and mentorship from instructors. This course has been invaluable, and I highly recommend it to anyone in Student Affairs.鈥�

Equally impressive is the way this program came together. The certificate is a powerful example of what鈥檚 possible when academic units collaborate across campus. This is the first time the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development (OLCD) and Student Affairs have partnered on a certificate program, and the results have exceeded expectations. The synergy created through this partnership has already sparked new ideas for future programs and collaborations. It鈥檚 a model for how universities can leverage internal expertise to create innovative learning opportunities.

Participants in the program will gain practical skills that can be immediately applied to their work. The curriculum includes strategies for designing and implementing program assessments, analyzing data, and using results to inform decision-making. The program balances theory with application, ensuring that graduates leave with not only a deeper understanding of assessment but also the confidence and tools to put that knowledge into action.

For professionals working in student affairs, this certificate represents an opportunity to elevate their practice and make a measurable impact. Whether they鈥檙e looking to improve existing programs, enhance student outcomes, or demonstrate the value of student services to institutional stakeholders, this program provides the framework and expertise learners need to succeed.

For more information on the certificate, including the courses, costs and timelines, visit the program details page or .