Fostering Students' Evaluation Capacities with Campus-wide Data: Insights from the Student Assessment Challenge

In 2025, the University of North Texas (UNT) Division of Student Affairs Assessment Office introduced an innovative initiative: the first-ever Student Assessment Challenge, inviting all UNT students to engage in meaningful analysis of campus data. This program aimed to harness the rich knowledge and diverse talents within the campus community. Students, paired with faculty mentors, explored insights from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) to enhance their understanding of the student experience. Highlighting the culmination of this effort, one of the challenge's winners will present her findings in a compelling report titled "Regret: It's All about the Students' Experience." This session will delve into the collaborative journey of the participants, sharing both the challenges faced and critical lessons learned throughout the process. Ultimately, the Assessment Challenge exemplified the power of collective leadership and community engagement in enriching the evaluation and assessment capabilities of students, fostering a deeper connection to their university experience.

James Uanhoro; Sheila Bustillos