Relationship-Centered Assessment in Higher Education

This book offers a practical, human-centered framework for fostering meaningful relationships in higher education assessment.Recognizing that the hardest part of assessment isn't the data but engaging faculty and staff, the authors present the RARE Model-Relate, Affirm, Readiness, and Embolden-to provide leaders with the relationship-building skills essential to their success. The text includes a flexible toolkit of concrete strategies, microskills, and reflective exercises within the RARE Model, enabling readers to transform stakeholder connections into intentional, co-designed partnerships tailored to their unique contexts, roles, and needs. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, this book meets assessment professionals where they are, inviting them to experiment with practices that honor the deeply human dimensions of assessment leadership.