Statement of Purpose
Academic assessment of student learning is a process through which faculty can discern what and how well their students learn. It also is an effective tool through which meaningful conversations can take place about program objectives, curricular content and organization, and the alignment of course and program objectives with institutional objectives. Academic assessment gauges what and how well students are learning and is required for institutional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The NWCCU Standards mandate that 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ develop program objectives and ensure that student learning outcomes results meet program objectives in order for the university to retain its institutional accreditation. This is accomplished by systematic documentation and implementation of assessment plans and ongoing evaluation of courses and programs for improvement. This document states the university's policy on academic assessment.
Entities Affected by this Policy
All 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ units that deliver for-credit instruction at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ are affected by this policy.
Who Should Read this Policy
Deans, associate/assistant deans, chairs/directors, faculty, graduate assistants and all other instructors who teach at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ should read this policy.
Policy
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ requires that all academic programs be assessed systematically and that courses and programs be updated based on data obtained through formal assessment. Courses, programs, degrees, majors, minors, concentrations, emphases, strands, graduate programs, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs, and other groups of courses must be assessed. In addition to degree and minor programs, university-wide programs to be assessed include, but are not limited to: General Education, Honors, Online Education, Academic Certificate Programs, and academic Civic Engagement including Service Learning.
Assessment plans are required for all programs, degrees, majors, minors, concentrations, strands, graduate programs, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs and other groups of courses.
Documentation of systematic assessment and course and program improvement is to be maintained. Reports are to be regularly submitted as determined by the Executive Vice President and Provost.
Related Information
Links
Contacts
Definitions
- Assessment
-
The collection and use of evidence to improve a product or process.
- Assessment Plan
-
A document that outlines planned assessment activities over a five-year period.
- Assessment Report
-
A document that describes assessment activities, information collected and actions taken.
- Program
-
An academic major, minor, or program of study leading to a degree or certificate. An intentional co-curricular opportunity for students provided outside the formal program that enhances the student experience and complements the academic requirement.