Assessment focuses on identifying expected outcomes for each university department, determining the extent to which these outcomes are met, providing evidence of improvement based on these findings and periodically reporting the results.
Assessment Goals
Maximize buy-in for assessment with all stakeholders throughout their affiliation with the University.
Promote a culture of assessment
Provide levels of resources needed to effectively carry out assessment.
Promote an assessment model that is effective, systematic, integrated, collaborative, and used for growth and positive
Assessment Process
Determine what the desired outcomes are and what measurements will be used to determine if your unit is meeting those outcomes. Be sure to choose measurements that will provide a continuous stream of data from year to year. Each program should have 2-4 desired outcomes, and at least 2 means of assessment per outcome. Set your expected criterion at an achievable but ambitious level. Use baseline data if available. (An assessment plan template is available on the Training Materials page).
Report as soon as possible. Long delays in reporting can lead to loss of information or documentation. Determine whether the criterion has been met, not met, or unknown. Describe results using same language used in criterion statements. (A data collection template is available on the Training Materials page).
Documentation may include, but is not limited to: grade sheets, exam copies, sample research papers, surveys, flyers, sign-in logs, and/or email communications. When choosing how to document your assessment results, remember that your goal is to prove that there is good assessment going on in your department. Student and staff names can be removed from documents to protect confidentiality. In cases where the documentation cannot be attached for confidentiality reasons, please note this on your assessment submission. Be aware that you will be expected to keep unattached documents in the office for the entire 10-year SACS cycle.
Once results are reported, determine what actions need to be taken to ensure continued success, and describe these actions as precisely as possible. Provide implementation timelines.
By describing:
- If the planned actions actually took place
- How the actions are (or are not) affecting short-term change.
- How these actions will help the department in the long-term.
Not getting useful information? Want to add a new measurement for your outcomes? All units will have the opportunity to submit a new assessment plan to the university every three years. In the interim, minor changes to the current plan can be made with the approval of the Associate Division Chair and the Director of Assessment.
Contact Us
The Office of Institutional Research & Decision Support
504-520-7525