When operating in a space as subjective as "placement" it is important to have detailed guidelines from an approved source to direct the decision.
Ensure accuracy of information when collecting data. Audits can fortify an institutions program.
The most important take away from this section is to make your requirements for what is considered a "placement" crystal clear with all of the folks in the Career Services Department and to use resources when needed
I appreciated the table comparing the different methods of verification, and I see how in my current role each play out. For example, we use surveys and 3rd party verifications. The 3rd party work is always expensive but comes back very accurate. Surveys have been found to vary in acuracy among graduates vs employers.
Although there are many different factors to consider when instituting an employment verification process, It is most important to be clear on what the parameters are. We of course want to meet the standards given by the legislation and accreditation, however, we should strive to aim above those standards for the purpose of providing the most accurate and concise data.
Employment verification is crucial for colleges to ensure graduates are working in their field of study. There are many different ways that data can be collected; however, it is crucial to ensure that all information is correct and that it can be verified. It is important to comply with state regulations and accreditation entities.
There needs to be clearly defined set of parameters to avoid errors, personal interpretation or opinions. There are many variables when considering a student placed, if there are no clear cut requirements reporting will not always be accurate. Using a third party verifier can help with accurate reporting and consistency. Also conducting interviews with the student as opposed to a survey will help the university have a better and more accurate response rate from students
I have learned it is beneficial to use multiple avenues of verification depending on the data you are trying to collect.
