End of the Semester Evaluation: 5 Questions to Ask

I am a huge proponent of evaluation and the end of the Fall Semester is one key point for evaluation.  It helps you know what to tweak, adjust, or continue full bore on for the Spring Semester.....AND, it will begin to shape your thoughts for NEXT FALL.

HERE ARE 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1.  WHAT DO THE STUDENTS THINK?
Handing out evaluations sheets at your large group events will get some response and varies in its helpfulness.  More in depth evaluation can and should happen with key leaders.  But, I also think it can be very helpful to sit down with some "Non-Key Leaders" who are reasonably actively involved to get their views on what matters, what doesn't, and what they see most impacting their lives.  Freshmen should be a specific focus for their thoughts and evaluation as well.  REMEMBER, some  freshmen who used to be connected regularly at the start of the fall and who do not come now might just be a key resource for valuable information.

2.  IS IT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS?
Everything we do costs something in terms of time, effort, student man power, etc besides money.  A key question to ask about some of your events or regular programs is, IS THE RESULT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?  It is not always a question of what is good or bad.  Sometimes, it is a question of is it too expensive in some way and those resources would be better spent in another way?

3.  ARE WE DOING IT OUT OF HABIT?
I am all about the value of long term, dug in things that we do where each year builds on top of another.  Yet, we need to ask the question, HAS IT WORN OUT AND WE REFUSE TO ADMIT IT?  This particularly may apply to some of our special, one time events, or fund raisers.

4.  IS MY TIME BEING SPENT THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY?
As the College Minister or leader of the ministry, YOU are the MOST VALUABLE TOOL AND ASSET of the ministry!  I know....pretty scary to realize and admit some times.  But, it is true.  Is your time being invested most in what is priority and what makes the greatest difference in your ministry and in the lives of your students?  This is a good question to ask your students in their evaluation.  We all have pulls on our time....ARE WE LETTING OTHERS SET OUR TIME AGENDA?  This is not all within our control, but much of it is.  Your time is just as valuable or more valuable than the money your ministry has....is it being spent to the best use?  Are you doing what God called you to do?

5.  WHO DO I NEED TO THANK?
The end of the calendar year is always a time that contributors need to be thanked in the most personal way possible and to know their giving matters!  This is where your personal notes may make the greatest difference.  But, are there others who stepped in and did something that helped you?  Is there someone who does some little thing all the time that is a plus to your ministry?  Don't forget to express genuine gratitude to your student leaders....don't take their time and commitment for granted.  Have you thanked the Lord for allowing you to be where you are, doing what you are doing?

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).