#cssa principles

My main experience with this area of CSSA Values is in the Research and Assessment course which had us learn how to create comprehensive accurate questions. By learning the difference between qualitative and quantitative study I can better digest the results of higher education research. Understanding that results of a research inquiry might not be comprehensive based on sample size, question wording, and other factors allows me to take a critical lens to those ‘findings’ that might otherwise be taken as new facts that apply to all scenarios. In the future, I hope to be a part of more assessment projects simply because I know they are important as we move into a time where all programming and education is fighting for funding amid budget crises. Defending the purpose of your program often means doing well crafted research and interpreting the data received into a high impact and digestible narrative. 

During my two years in the CSSA program I have grown much when it comes to being able to communicate and advocate social justice, diversity, inclusion and true equity encouraging policies. In my assistantship I have had experience communicating policy and process with students who are international, come from a different culture, speak english as a second language or any combination of the above. As a professional, I now see the importance of making policy language accessible and clear for all levels of language learners. I will carry this forward with me into all roles where I am creating student manuals, instructions, or website content. Additionally, my meetings with students have often revealed a pattern of potential bias or inequity where the policies meant to ensure quality of behavior and intellect over punish those who are from a particular non majority background. I would be sensitive to doing assessment on processes in my future workplace to heal any gaps that might be creating inequities or unfairly targeting one population over another. Beyond this experience, I have had the opportunity to grow closer with students in my cohort and in my classes who identify as multiple aspects that are different than my own. By listening to their experiences, and being lucky enough to have friends who call me out on my practices when they are not diligent, I have developed a reaction to content that attempts to be inclusivity and equity first.