Assessment Details
Academic Year: 2021-2022 Level: Undergraduate
Campus Department: Mission & Ministry [UG and Grad]
Program Type: Co-Curricular Program [UG and Grad]
Program Name: Liturgy Arts Group (Link)
Description of Data Collection:
1. Three focus groups were convened in 2021 by Katherine Weiss Romano, esq. ’04. The alumni classes ranged from 2004-2019. Each group had at least 15 members. Those who could not participate directly submitted comments to the convener outside of the Zoom calls.
2. In addition to the focus groups, we also analyzed data from the National Survey of Student Engagement 2016 & 2020 (NSSE) and the Boston College Undergraduate Experience Questionnaire 2018 (BCUEQ).
3. Results from focus groups were then analyzed by our assessment team of Burt Howell (Director of Intersections), Carly Anderson (4Boston Campus Minister), and Joelinda Coichy Johnson, (Assistant Director of Orientation, Leadership & Student Engagement First Year Experience). This group offered valuable feedback and insight into data and transcripts in assessment of each other’s SLOs. Toward the end, Alyson Bane Hammond (Director, First Year Experience) replaced Joelinda upon her departure from the university
Review Process:
The University Mission & Ministry Assessment Team mentioned above met regularly over a two-year period to discuss the SLOs and review the focus group transcripts. In addition, the current LAG Executive Board has been apprised of the ongoing meetings and consulted for feedback.
Resulting Program Changes:
COVID necessitated a number of interim changes in the way the LAG operates. Initially, no wind instruments or group singing was allowed. LAG had to find ways to serve the worshipping community, while respecting COVID guidelines and restrictions while remaining relevant and recruiting new members. The mission was successful as the core group remained intact while adding significant numbers for both the 2020-21 & 2021-22 academic school years. This approach gives way to a return to normalcy as COVID restrictions wane.
From the cohort’s feedback on the focus groups and consultation with the undergraduates, it is clear that some LAG alumni struggle with finding a church home after graduation. There is no “quick fix” recommendation for this, but an opportunity to keep alumni connected via the LAG fall retreat has possibilities. A proposal to invite alumni to give witness talks via Zoom during the fall retreat was met with great enthusiasm by the current E-Board. In addition, a return to summer orientation Masses affords alumni to reconnect, contribute and grow while transitioning to parish families of their own.
A significant observation that cannot be overstated is the longstanding commitment that the alumni have to the ministry. Several times a year, alumni are invited to participate: Summer Orientation Masses (7), Laetare Sunday Mass, Alumni Reunion Mass, Alumni Veterans Celebration, Alumni Weddings, Funerals and other celebrations.
Date of Most Recent Program Review:
COVID necessitated a number of interim changes in the way the LAG operates. Initially, no wind instruments or group singing was allowed. LAG had to find ways to serve the worshipping community, while respecting COVID guidelines and restrictions while remaining relevant and recruiting new members. The mission was successful as the core group remained intact while adding significant numbers for both the 2020-21 & 2021-22 academic school years. This approach gives way to a return to normalcy as COVID restrictions wane.
From the cohort’s feedback on the focus groups and consultation with the undergraduates, it is clear that some LAG alumni struggle with finding a church home after graduation. There is no “quick fix” recommendation for this, but an opportunity to keep alumni connected via the LAG fall retreat has possibilities. A proposal to invite alumni to give witness talks via Zoom during the fall retreat was met with great enthusiasm by the current E-Board. In addition, a return to summer orientation Masses affords alumni to reconnect, contribute and grow while transitioning to parish families of their own.
A significant observation that cannot be overstated is the longstanding commitment that the alumni have to the ministry. Several times a year, alumni are invited to participate: Summer Orientation Masses (7), Laetare Sunday Mass, Alumni Reunion Mass, Alumni Veterans Celebration, Alumni Weddings, Funerals and other celebrations.
Attachments (if available)