Identify Needs and Stakeholders

Below are some steps you can take to identify needs.

1. You should begin this process by identifying the stakeholders that utilize your program (in most cases stakeholders may be students).  However, some programs may include other stakeholders rather than students such as staff members, faculty or outside community members.  For key stakeholders, identify their needs.  For example, what are the student needs?  Why do they become involved with your program and/or service? 
   
   
2. Write down and generate a list of the needs for every stakeholder.  Identify which question(s) these stakeholders may have and determine which stakeholders and which questions will be included in your assessment.  Include their needs for initially becoming involved with your program and/or service.  Ask yourself "why?"  Why are these students interacting or engaging with your program and/or service?  What are their needs?  As a result, you will be able to comprehend what students desire from your program and/or service and then assess whether your program and/or service is fulfilling those needs.   
   
   
3. Analyze how the identified needs correlate with your department’s program and/or service.  Ask yourself, how does your program and/or service meets those identified needs?  What are your own preconceived notions about whether your stakeholders take full advantage of your program and/or service?  What are your opinions as to whether your program and/or service is fulfilling those needs?