Understanding the Impact of Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence (LCICE) - Study of LCICE Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison - Evaluation Results

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang

Evaluation findings summarize how the Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence (LCICE) programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison support institutional change and campus climate improvement. The document describes LCICE’s origins and formal launch, then reports impact from a mixed-methods study using course evaluation analysis, participant self-assessments, facilitated discussions, and ripple-effects mapping. Leadership Institute participants show statistically significant pre-to post growth in bias awareness, respectful relationship-building, conflict navigation, and inclusive community leadership, with longer-term ripple effects. SEED course participants report enhanced ability to foster honest social-justice dialogue, think critically about personal and others’ experiences, apply lessons to education and broader life, and practice vulnerability and reflection.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages47

Reading Time1 h 58 min

AccessFree to download

Key Evaluation Findings - Impacts of LCICE

Leadership Institute: Statistical Improvements and Themes

Leadership Institute: Self-Assessment Growth (N=94-96)

Leadership Institute: Longer-Term Ripple Effects

SEED Course: Reported Ability Gains

SEED Course: Goal Attainment and Co-Creating Community

Understanding the Impact of Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence (LCICE) Study of LCICE Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Authors: Jackie Aman, Piere Washington, and Justin Hollis Impacts of Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence (LCICE) Summary of Evaluation Results In 1998, the University of Wisconsin-Madison began offering opportunities for staff, faculty, and students to engage in reflection of our lived experiences in learning communities. In 2012, the Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence (LCICE) unit formally launched, providing dialogueand cohort-based professional learning opportunities with the ultimate goal of creating a better campus climate for all. Wilder Research partnered with LCICE in 2024 to learn the impacts of its two flagship programs: the Leadership Institute (LI – a program for faculty and staff) and Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED – a student program) . The following provides main evaluation findings. KEY EVALUATION FINDINGS – IMPACTS OF LCICE Through a mixed methods study – which included an analysis of course evaluations, self-assessments, facilitated discussion, and ripple effects mapping – results show that LCICE programs help its participants to: Become better leaders and community members Deepen their interactions with others and better navigate conflict Build a stronger inclusive UW-Madison community Work to improve broader systems and communities How do we have these conversations…that include folks that are on both sides…[it’s] hard, sacred work. But I'm learning through my experiences of LI that building authentic community means everybody. – LI participant KEY FINDINGS – LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE By comparing pre-and post-ratings on self-assessments, Leadership Institute participants reported statistically significant improvement in the following areas: Identifying their own biases and the impact of their behavior on others Respectfully interacting and building relationships with people who are different from themselves Navigating conflict with people different from themselves Building strong, inclusive communities at UW-Madison 1. Self-assessment results show significant growth in Leadership Institute participants (N=94-96) I am able to identify my own socially constructed biases, rules, and expectations I am able to identify how my biases, prejudices, and stereotypes reveal themselves in my interactions with others I solicit feedback from others to better understand my impact vs my intent I am able to identify social/cultural differences in verbal and non-verbal communication styles I am able to develop relationships with those different from myself I am able to effectively negotiate conflict in the workplace with others from social identity backgrounds different than my own I am able to respond to prejudices, biases, and stereotypical statements, actions, and insinuations in an effective manner I lead by building an inclusive community which recognizes and incorporates differences in the identities and perspectives of all of its members I lead by identifying what's working welland what we collectively want more of 0 Pre-rating Post-rating 5.03 4.46 4.38 5.06 5.03 4.54 5.00 5.05 7.41 6.99 6.49 7.03 7.73 6.60 6.80 6.88 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 No Moderately confident Total confidence This table presents a selection of survey items that showed statistical significant change from pre-to post-test. For a full listing of all LI assessment survey items and more information on the methods and analysis used, please see the full report, Understanding the Impact of Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence (LCICE) . Longer-term impacts of Leadership Institute: Through two Ripple Effects Mapping sessions, LI participants shared how the program continues to impact their personal and professiona

FAQs

What are the two flagship LCICE programs evaluated in this document?

The evaluation focuses on the Leadership Institute (LI) for faculty and staff and the SEED program/course for students.

How did Leadership Institute participants improve according to the document?

Participants reported statistically significant gains in bias identification, respectful interaction with people different from themselves, navigating conflict, and building strong inclusive communities.

What abilities do SEED course participants report after taking part?

SEED participants report stronger skills for creating community through honest conversations, critical reflection on their own and others’ experiences, and applying course lessons to their education and broader lives.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang