Describe A Program In Your School District, University, Or O

Describe A Program In Your School District University Or Organization

Describe a program in your school district, university or organization that would be a worthy target of evaluation. Explain three (3) reasons for selecting the program. Discuss your views of Weiss and Henry’s claims that “the purpose of evaluation is to bring about social betterment” in relationship to the target of evaluation you selected. Comment on your level of agreement or disagreement with the claim and your reasons why. Discuss two (2) other uses for program evaluation.

Paper For Above instruction

The program I have selected for evaluation within my university context is the campus-based mental health support initiative. This program aims to provide counseling, peer support groups, and mental health workshops for students facing psychological challenges. It has been chosen because of its impact on student well-being, its potential to influence academic success, and its role in fostering a supportive campus environment.

First, the mental health support initiative directly affects student success. Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent among university students, often leading to decreased academic performance, dropout rates, and overall dissatisfaction (Reavley & Jorm, 2013). Evaluating this program can reveal whether it effectively alleviates psychological distress, thereby promoting better academic and personal outcomes. Second, the program is vital for campus safety and inclusivity; students experiencing mental health challenges may be at risk of suicidality or behavioral issues (Hunt & Eisenberg, 2010). An evaluation can determine whether the support services meet the diverse needs of students and promote a safe campus climate. Third, the initiative serves as a reflection of the university’s commitment to student well-being, aligning with broader institutional values and community expectations. Evaluating its effectiveness can inform strategic decisions about resource allocation or program modifications.

Regarding Weiss and Henry’s assertion that “the purpose of evaluation is to bring about social betterment,” I largely concur with their viewpoint. Their claim emphasizes that evaluation should have a constructive purpose, guiding programs toward enhancing social conditions (Weiss, 1998). In the context of the university mental health program, evaluation can identify gaps and areas for improvement, ultimately fostering a healthier, more supportive campus environment. This aligns with the broader goal of education institutions to promote holistic student development. However, I believe this purpose should be balanced with accountability and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that evaluations also serve practical, measurable outcomes that justify resource investments.

Besides promoting social betterment, program evaluation has other important uses. One is accountability; it provides evidence regarding whether the program’s goals are being met, which is essential for securing ongoing funding and support from stakeholders (Patton, 2008). Second, evaluation assists in program learning and improvement by generating insights that inform future practices, enabling organizations to adapt and refine their interventions continuously (Scriven, 1991). Both uses are crucial in ensuring that programs remain relevant, effective, and aligned with organizational priorities.

In conclusion, evaluating the campus mental health support initiative is a worthwhile endeavor with significant implications for improving student well-being and fostering a supportive university environment. While I agree with Weiss and Henry’s assertion about the social betterment purpose of evaluation, I recognize the importance of balancing this aim with accountability and continuous learning. Program evaluation thus serves multiple valuable functions that contribute to organizational success and social progress.

References

• Hunt, J., & Eisenberg, D. (2010). Maintaining top student mental health on campus: What works? Journal of College Student Development, 51(3), 337-350.
• Reavley, N. J., & Jorm, A. F. (2013). Acceptance of a mental health first aid program among Australian university staff. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 7(2), 230–236.
• Patton, M. Q. (2008). Utilization-focused evaluation. Sage Publications.
• Scriven, M. (1991). Evaluation Thesaurus (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Weiss, C. H. (1998). Evaluation: Methods for studying programs and policies. Prentice Hall.