MISSION

The office of Assessment, Research and Planning, in coordination with primary users, develops and monitors data systems that collect, analyze, and distribute information used to support college-wide planning, evaluation and management decisions. The office provides research and data analysis support to all divisions and serves as the liaison with external agencies regarding evaluation processes and products.

ROLE AND SCOPE

The Assessment, Research and Planning Office implements its mission through a defined set of activities, and provides technical support that includes:

. Assessment Activities. Provides information documenting comprehensive quality programs; satisfaction and retention of students; post-education satisfaction and success; economic development and community involvement; sound, effective resource management; and dynamic organizational involvement and development.

.Special Research Reports. Specific data for college-wide planning and evaluation is collected and analyzed in areas such as: student progress and outcomes effectiveness, retention studies, program reviews, systematic surveying, identified educational studies by program areas and information supporting instructional support units.

. Analysis and Communication of Planning and Assessment Results. Routine meetings and reports will be conducted/published to communicate planning and assessment activities and results to all units.

. Monitoring of All College-wide Planning Functions. The college's strategic and operational plans provide structure and direction for college planning and evaluation activities, including determination of college goals, priority initiatives and action plans.

. Liaison Activities with External Agencies. The office coordinates with the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, the Commission on Higher Education and South Carolina Higher Education Assessment Network to ensure that the college is in compliance with all mandated planning, accountability and institutional effectiveness requirements. Coordinates and/or completes Federal, State and accrediting agency reporting requirements.

.Research and Data Analysis Support to All Units. Technical expertise is provided for surveys and other assessment processes that support all major effectiveness initiatives, including state-mandated reports. Support is also provided for classroom-based research activities.

VISION STATEMENT

Midlands Technical College's office of Assessment, Research and Planning is a model for user-oriented planning, research, analysis and reporting. The office is noted for effectively and efficiently coordinating, gathering, analyzing and disseminating comprehensive information on the college's programs and services. It is the primary support service and resource for information required by college administrators, faculty and staff for effective planning, evaluation and decision making.

VALUES STATEMENT

The office of Assessment, Research and Planning supports students' success through the measurement and evaluation of the college's program of institutional effectiveness, and through an effective and comprehensive assessment of student performance and college programs and services. The office values:

Accurate data collection and analysis that supports decision-making.

Collaborative efforts with faculty, staff and other constituencies.

Contributions of all faculty and staff to the college's decision-making processes.

Excellence in planning and assessment processes and products.

The effective and efficient use of human, fiscal and physical resources.

To contact the Office of Assessent, Research and Planning please call Harriete Merrill (803) 822-3583 or email merrillh@midlandstech.edu.

Please send any questions or comments regarding this website to Harriete Merrill at merrillh@midlandstech.edu