Experienced in college outcomes studies, major field evaluations, post-secondary
instructional research (i.e., practitioner-based inquiry studies),
program evaluation, and multicultural studies. Has
been with Alverno since August, 1990.
Member Council for Student Assessment,Problem Solving Department
Consultant
to public and social service agencies on educational policy,
youth services, program evaluation Chair, Higher Education
Assessment. AEA, 1992-97 Reviewer,
Evaluation and Program Planning.
Inter/National Coalition for Electronic Portfolio Research
Recent publications include
Integrated
and systemic assessment as learning: The Alverno College approach to productivity. Emami, Z., Rickards, W. H., & Riordan, T. (2005). Integrated
and systemic assessment as learning: The Alverno College approach
to productivity. In J. E. Groccia & J. E. Miller (Eds.), On becoming a productive university: Strategies for reducing
costs and increasing quality in higher education (pp. 104–117). Bolton, MA: Anker.
Learning-centered
assessment at the program level: Exploring principles, guidelines,
and criteria through the study of practice at Alverno College. Rickards, W. H., Rogers, G., & Mentkowski,
M. (in press). Learning-centered assessment at the program level:
Exploring principles, guidelines, and criteria through the study
of practice at Alverno College. In M. J. Bresciani, J. A. Anderson,
& J. Allen, Outcomes-based undergraduate academic and
co-curricular program review: A compilation of institutional
good practices. Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Portfolio
reflections in a digital environment: Evaluating an unfinished tool. Rickards, W. H., & Ehley, L. (2005, October).
Portfolio reflections in a digital environment: Evaluating an
unfinished tool. In D. Shamatov (Chair), Emerging dimensions
in higher education applications: E portfolios, technology,
and learning. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American
Evaluation Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Scholarly Interests
Curriculum evaluation and evaluation of the major field (incl. teachereducation, nursing)
Evaluation research on portfolio learning and related technology applications
Reflective learning and development of identity in college (as a learner
in general education, as a learner in a discipline, etc.)
Evaluation practice in international education and travel study
