Evaluation specialists work with project leaders at the University of Georgia to conduct evaluation and educational research for the purpose of documenting broader impacts (BI) across campus. In partnership with project leaders, evaluation specialists plan, design, monitor, and evaluate project activities for learning and accountability. Our team consults on projects to provide formative and summative evaluations that are designed to document broader impacts to meet donor expectations.
Specialists are members of the American Evaluation Association and adhere to AEA standards for evaluation practice and guiding principles of:
- Systematic inquiry
- Professional competence
- Integrity and honesty
- Respect for people
- Responsibilities for the general and public welfare
Our work spans disciplinary backgrounds, project objectives, and funding sources. We work closely with OVPR and tailor the evaluation plan to meet the Request for Application requirements.
Our objective is to design, conduct, and disseminate evaluation research on what works to inform decision-making and promote broader impacts of government-funded projects.
Mission
As part of a land-grant and sea-grant university, we uphold the institutional motto, “to teach, to serve, and to inquire into the nature of things.” We are committed to advancing theory, practice, and implementing BI strategies while collaborating with peers to distribute impactful research, education, and capacity building objectives to communities at-large.
A participatory-action method guides our evaluative approach as we believe it is essential to act responsively to evolving educational, social, and economic needs of communities served by UGA. We value input from stakeholders as well as meeting the expectations of funders/grantors. Through evaluation, we seek to improve the well-being of all people, including those from underrepresented and marginalized populations through comprehensive documentation of BI to further enhance the standard of superior research, extension, policy, and practice upheld by UGA.