Assessment Overview
THE ASSESSMENT CYCLE
At any level, assessment is a continuous cycle. Each cycle should lead to improvements over time.
Collection of meaningful data and insightful analysis should lead to action. Interventions should be informed by the data and implemented before reassessment.
Reflection on the process and outcome of assessment is essential to continuous improvement.
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES
BACCALAUREATE CHARACTERISTICS
- The baccalaureate graduate of ²¨É«µ¥Ë« will read, write, speak, calculate, and use technology at a demonstrated level of proficiency.
Measurable Student Learning Outcomes:
- Read: Locate, interpret, and analyze various types of texts.
- Write: Communicate thoughts, ideas, and information though effective and contextually appropriate writing.
- Speak: Confidently demonstrate contextually appropriate public speaking skills.
- Calculate: Develop quantitative and analytic reasoning skills and strategies to solve real world problems.
- Technology: Use appropriate technology in the acquisition, processing, and dissemination of information.
- The baccalaureate graduate of ²¨É«µ¥Ë« University will understand the major approaches to knowledge.
Measurable Student Learning Outcome:
Demonstrate an ability to apply the fundamental principles, methodologies, value systems and thought processes employed in the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, while acknowledging the influence of technological change.
- The baccalaureate graduate of ²¨É«µ¥Ë« University will understand the place of faith, religion, and spirituality in the search for truth and meaning.
Measurable Student Learning Outcome:
Evaluate theological, particularly Christian, answers to questions of human existence and meaning within an interdisciplinary context.
- The baccalaureate graduate of ²¨É«µ¥Ë« University will understand and prepare for moral and ethical decision-making.
Measurable Student Learning Outcome:
Evaluate ethical issues from multiple perspectives and apply those considerations to scenarios of personal integrity and socially responsible engagement.
- The baccalaureate graduate of ²¨É«µ¥Ë« University will become an informed, involved, and responsible citizen of a diverse yet interconnected national and global community through a grounding in economic, political, social, and historical influences that are inherent in shaping, developing, and advancing nations and the world.
Measurable Student Learning Outcome:
Articulate how culture, society and diversity shape the informed, responsible citizen within a global society.
- The baccalaureate graduate of ²¨É«µ¥Ë« University will think critically and creatively.
Measurable Student Learning Outcome:
Employ critical and creative thinking skills by articulating or crafting an argument’s major assertions and assumptions and evaluating its supporting evidence, using both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- The baccalaureate graduate of ²¨É«µ¥Ë« University will possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to enter or advance a career, or to begin graduate study.
Measurable Student Learning Outcome:
Demonstrate programmatic competency and a defined plan for career and personal development through lifelong learning.
GRADUATE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Critical Thinking: The ²¨É«µ¥Ë« graduate student should be able to synthesize knowledge to articulate a critical issue in the field of study.
- Creative Problem Solving: The ²¨É«µ¥Ë« University graduate student should be able to formulate creative responses to complex issues in the field of study.
- Ethical Perspective: The ²¨É«µ¥Ë« graduate student should be able to articulate ethical issues in their field of study from a “global” perspective.
EVIDENCE
Assessment data for institutional learning outcomes is collected from a variety of direct and indirect measures ranging from juried assessment of common assignments, aligned program assessments, and student and alumni surveys.
Institutional learning outcomes are assessed on a rotating basis. When an outcome is due for assessment, the University Assessment Committee and a taskforce of disciplinary experts review data from the prior assessment and engage in critical reflection of the results and recommended actions. The taskforce then designs and executes an assessment strategy, reflects on the new results and recommends action items.
Beginning in the 2021-22 academic year, one of four university presentations from the Performance Indicator Review Committee (PIRC) has been dedicated to communicating university assessment.
Share ➤