Academic Program Assessment

Overview

In order to seek continuous improvement, academic programs are expected to maintain an assessment plan and present an annual assessment report.  The reports are to be submitted to the Director of Curriculum Review and Program Assessment each year no later than June 1.

Assessment Plans

Each academic program maintains an assessment plan.  Each plan will demonstrate educational achievement and improvement through ongoing assessment of student learning.  An academic assessment plan reflects specific program goals, measurable student learning outcomes, and a clearly defined timeline for implementation, data collection and analysis, and use of findings to support program-level changes and accomplishments.  If any changes are made to the assessment process, a new plan needs to be submitted.  (Assessment Plan Template)

Program Goals 

Program goals are broad general statements of what the program intends to accomplish and describes what a student will be able to do after completing the program.  The program goals are linked to the mission of the university and college.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes are defined in terms of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students will know and be able to do as a result of completing a program.  These student learning outcomes are directly linked to the accomplishment of the program goals.

Assessment Reports

Each year, assessment reports are submitted to the dean of the college/school for each academic program.  The report includes the results of analysis of assessment of student learning outcomes, any changes to degree/certificate planned or made on the basis of the assessment and analysis, and any changes to the assessment process made or planned.  (Annual Academic Assessment Report Template).

For additional information on student learning outcomes and assessment, visit the Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center, Teaching Resources webpage.

Academic assessment plans and reports for each program can be found by clicking on the appropriate college/school and department links below: