Program/Grant Evaluation
Evaluation is a systematic way of determining how well a project is meeting its goals.
The Program Evaluation team in the University Office of Evaluation and Educational Effectiveness (UOEEE) consists of nine analysts with nearly 130 combined years of evaluation and research experience and a myriad of backgrounds across the social sciences. As an independent entity within the Provost's Office, we are uniquely suited to provide independent performance monitoring and evaluation support for research projects, grants, and units across ASU.
In its 35-year history, the Program Evaluation team has worked with a diverse array of governmental, nonprofit and philanthropic clients. Recent funders include the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the US Department of State, the US Department of Education, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Institute for Museum and Library Service, Maricopa County, the State of Arizona, and the Kern Family Foundation.
Analysts within our office fill a variety of monitoring and evaluation roles, as consultants as well as full-service, independent evaluators. We commonly collaborate with projects at all stages of inception, from proposal preparation to final, summative reporting.
How is evaluation related to research?
While research questions often seek to generalize findings and contribute to a current discussion in the literature, evaluation focuses on providing meaningful and actionable recommendations to improve your program while it is funded (and after). Evaluation within a project context can be much more than a compliance exercise--it can determine the extent to which objectives are met; identify areas of success and areas for improvement; and report activities and preliminary findings to both funders and key stakeholders.
Why use an independent evaluator?
An independent evaluator operates as a "critical friend," external to the structure of your unit or research team. This independence is commonly required by funders as it offers an outside, balanced perspective of both the successes of your project and the challenges you've encountered. As an independent entity within the Provost's Office, UOEEE typically meets funder expectations for independence while also offering discounted rates for projects internal to ASU.
Our team takes a strengths-based and utility-focused approach to evaluation, centering project successes and timely, actionable recommendations for improvement. While independent, we work closely with our partners to tailor evaluation plans, activities and reporting to the needs of your project.