LINKS

Overview of Services
How the Program Works
Consultant/Evaluator Qualifications

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at (651) 646-6166 or by email at collab@collab.org.

The Collaboration’s Program Consulting and Evaluation Services help campuses with a wide variety of initiatives, including planning and evaluating centers for teaching and learning, programs to diversify faculty teaching strategies, curriculum development, and efforts focused on improving the use of instructional technology, strengthening student  retention and assessment of student learning, and diversity.  These services may be structured to fit any stage of program planning or evaluation, from self-studies and needs assessment to goal-setting, program design, mid-course assessment, and final evaluation. 

A primary emphasis is on formative evaluation and planning—helping campuses identify areas and strategies for programmatic improvement.  But the services may also be used for summative purposes, such as identifying program outcomes at the conclusion of a grant or in connection with reaccreditation. As a result, The Collaboration’s Program Consulting and Evaluation Services support both institutional development and external accountability. 

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How the Program Works 

To create the greatest value for clients as well as consultants, The Collaboration usually assigns consultants to work in teams of two.  Most consulting or evaluation assignments take six to eight weeks from start to finish; some involve a series of site visits over a few years.  Consultants are under contract to The Collaboration and receive an honorarium and travel expenses. 

The Collaboration, in turn, markets the program; raises funds and provides opportunities for consultant/evaluator training and mutual support; handles client requests, intake assessment, and billing; selects and assigns consultants; provides overall quality control; and assesses and works to strengthen the program.  The Collaboration is also working to assist campuses in developing internal planning and evaluation skills and in making effective use of external consultant/evaluators. 

The following consultant/evaluator responsibilities are typical. 

• Participate in Collaboration-sponsored training opportunities to promote best practices in faculty development and program evaluation. 

• Respond to Collaboration requests for service, accepting assignments from The Collaboration based on availability and perceived fit with particular campus needs. 

• Once assigned to a campus, consult with Collaboration staff and institutional representatives to establish the goals of the consultation/evaluation, the issues to be addressed, and the timetable.  In conjunction with campus representatives, develop a plan for the consultation. 

• Request and review program materials and evaluation data from the host institution. 

• Develop discussion points and interview questions and conduct a one-day site visit to the host institution to meet with and, if appropriate, interview individual or groups of faculty, staff, administrators, and students. 

• Analyze and interpret site visit results. 

• Prepare a concise but thorough written report, including recommendations or questions to the campus for further study.  Submit the report to the host institution, with a copy to The Collaboration, within 30 days of the site visit. 

• Participate in a follow-up telephone conference with campus representatives to discuss the written report and answer any questions. 

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Consultant/Evaluator Qualifications 

Consultants are selected by a panel of experts and sign an exclusive contract with The Collaboration (excluding pre-existing arrangements and services to their own institutions).  They are current faculty, staff, or administrators at accredited institutions of higher education or have significant recent work experience with higher education.  They must demonstrate evidence of the following: 

• Broad and current knowledge of faculty development to improve college teaching and learning. 

• Practical, hands-on experience managing or overseeing faculty development or other programs to improve teaching and learning. 

• Experience with program evaluation and/or assessment of student learning, preferably in the higher education environment. 

• Ability to provide objective, balanced, and thorough external assessments and to assist campuses with program planning. 

• Interest in working collaboratively with other consultants and institutional clients.  Ability to work with diverse people and institutions. 

• Strong listening, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills. 

• Support for the mission and goals of The Collaboration. 

• Availability to complete assignments, including written reports, in a timely manner. 

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