Impact

Our work is informed by student developmental frameworks as well as national and institutional data that suggest the experiences and interventions that best prepare our students for success in and beyond their education. The value of the 4D Experience is that it is a university-wide approach and ethos integrated through both curricular and co-curricular learning environments at DU. This ethos advances the experiences, relationships, structures, and resources that collectively support longitudinal student success.

Impact Metrics

We track six areas of impact metrics that are critical to delivering on the 4D Experience. These metrics consider the experiences, relationships, and skill development that we know to be critical to long-term flourishing and workplace engagement.

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Engagement and Participation

  • Assessing whether students have had key programs and experiences that support their success (e.g. high-impact, 4D signature experiences and programs)
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Mentorship and Support

  • Assessing whether students have had the positive support that contributes to their success (e.g. having a mentor, feeling cared about as person, feeling energized in one’s learning)
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Satisfaction and Impressions

  • Assessing satisfaction and enthusiasm with events, programs, and services
  • Evaluating impressions of DU (e.g. expressing confidence in DU’s commitment to issues like well-being)
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Retention, Persistence, and Completion

  • Examining what percentage of students in 4D-aligned programs are being retained and persisting over time and in comparison to the general student population
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4D Student Growth and Development

  • Assessing growth and development across the Four Dimensions across institutional and program-level assessments
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Positive Life Outcomes

  • Assessing work and career outcomes (e.g. job placement, workplace engagement, and career readiness)
  • Assessing flourishing outcomes (e.g. well-being, purpose, and emotional attachment to DU)

Framework Connections

4D is intentionally aligned with established national learning frameworks and is also designed to support and complement DU’s undergraduate and graduate learning outcomes, providing a cohesive structure for student growth and development. Explore how competencies and skills within each of the Four Dimensions map on to other national frameworks and models. The 4D Experience connects to and builds upon these frameworks while offering a unique, holistic, and integrated approach to student growth and development.

Annual Reports

For more detailed information about the 4D assessment and impact, please review the following annual reports.