Annual A-Day approaching

Every year, Liberty University takes one day to cancel residential classes and receive student feedback through assessments such as surveys and focus groups. With that feedback, the university makes changes in the areas that need improvement. This year’s Annual Assessment Day, or A-Day, will take place March 25.

According to Assistant Director of Analytics Elicia Charlesworth, A-Day is not intended to be a “free day” off from classes. Rather, its purpose is to give the students a voice so that the university knows where to make improvements.
“We’re giving students the opportunity to give feedback about the things that are important to them,” Charlesworth said. “We really need all students to participate because everyone’s feedback is
important.”
This feedback is particularly used when the university submits compliance reports to maintain its accreditation. Accreditation is crucial for students, because employers and graduate schools typically give preference to applicants who have degrees from accredited institutions. In addition, a university must maintain its accreditation in order for students to be eligible to receive financial aid. The input provided by students during A-Day serves as a major source of information that Liberty academic and co-curricular departments use to make improvements, which are highlighted in the university’s accreditation reports.

The planning process for A-Day begins at least six months in advance, according to Charlesworth. However, Charlesworth said she has A-Day on her mind all year round. She solicits input from academic and co-curricular departments and assists them with the design and scheduling of the various assessment activities they wish to conduct.

“Starting a year ahead, I have ideas for the next year,” Charlesworth said. “Right after this Assessment Day, I’m (going to) look at everything that happened … and (say), ‘OK, what could I have done better?’”

Assessment Day is split up into two sessions — one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The morning session is coordinated with academic departments. These assessment activities affect all aspects of academia — including courses, programs and professors. Residential students will be contacted by their department if they have been selected for the morning assessment activities.

The afternoon involves sessions conducted by the co-curricular departments such as the registrar’s office, the bookstore and the LaHaye Student Union. All residential students will be invited to participate in either one of the afternoon focus groups or one online survey.

Many positive changes are the results of students’ feedback on A-Day. According to Charlesworth, these changes include ideas for the new Jerry Falwell Library, an increase in the number of merchants that accept Flames cash and the overall improvement of courses, departments and activities.

For more information about A-Day, please visit Liberty.edu/ADay.

Ritter is a news reporter.