The University of Georgia - Student Learning Center

Review, Evaluation and Assessment

The University of Georgia's Student Learning Center (SLC) was opened in 2003. The SLC is an academic facility in the centre of the University campus aimed at undergraduates. It offers the opportunity to integrate instruction, library and computing into "One-stop shopping" that includes classroom, electronic library (i.e. Information Commons) and lab functions). There is an emphasis on direct support of instruction at the SLC.

In order to review the success or otherwise of the learning space at the SLC the University has surveyed users on an annual basis using hard copy and online questionnaires and it has also established student focus groups.

Incentives for completion of feedback were offered to students. The Focus Groups for instance were offered vouchers for the in-house coffee shop and a free pizza lunch.

The surveys used are very short so they are not too onerous for the students to complete. The questions help to inform the University on the types of users that are coming into the building, how they are using the building - e.g. for group work, to write a paper, do research, go to the coffee shop, attend a class, study alone, etc.

Questions covered by the Focus Groups are more in-depth and give a more qualitative response. Students are asked what they use the building for and how their experiences could be improved. They are asked about the types of resources they use in the SLC and are also asked if they are aware of the availability of resources that they may not currently use.

In addition to the Focus Groups and Surveys there is also a suggestions and comments box and board in the building. This is located close to the Coffee Shop. Students post their suggestions or questions into a post box and these are posted up on the board with a response by a member of SLC staff.

As a result of feedback from the various sources the SLC has made the following changes:

• It has created more quiet study areas
• It offers free ear plugs to all users (in response to complaints about noise)
• It advertises all of its services (librarians, chat reference, tutoring) to promote awareness to users
• It has a Question and Answer display to explain policies and give the SLC a 'human' presence
• It has provided a presentation rehearsal room
• It has created a 'media wing'
• It has altered building hours (it's now open later and for longer)