Academic Assessment Process

Each of the academic departments appoints an assessment representative who is responsible for coordinating the assessment process for programs within the department and for keeping abreast of assessment activities university-wide. Typically, these representatives are awarded release time to perform these functions. The assessment includes the identification of goals, association of learning outcomes to the curriculum, implementation of direct and indirect assessment measures, identification of methods to improve student learning, and finally, implementation of improvement strategies. In the event that improvement strategies involve the need for institutional financial support, requests must be justified in terms of student learning outcomes, program enhancement, or new program development. All such requests must be aligned with the University vision and mission. If departments or programs choose to implement curricular changes, the normal contractually defined curriculum approval and ratification procedures are followed. Assessment reports, including resource requests, are submitted to the Deans of the five colleges annually.

Graduate coordinators for each program are responsible for coordinating assessment activities based on faculty-defined programmatic goals. These programs participate in program assessment activities in the same manner as the undergraduate programs described above. Reports on these activities are submitted to the appropriate Dean annually.

The Deans of the five colleges establish contracts for the supplemental release time to ensure departmental accountability. They also review the assessment and planning documents with the departments and Graduate Program Coordinators. Based on departmental recommendations, college priorities and other factors, the Deans make recommendations to the Office of Academic Affairs for faculty lines and major expenditures.

The Associate Provost is responsible for program assessment at SVSU. The duties associated with this role include oversight of the entire assessment process, chairing the Academic Program Assessment Advisory Board, and maintaining electronic archives of all assessment reports. The Associate Provost also coordinates with the Office of Institutional Research to provide statistical data such as enrollments, numbers of majors, and other information to facilitate the assessment work of the departments.

The Academic Program Assessment Advisory Board is chaired by the Associate Provost. The membership in the Advisory Board is comprised of members of the faculty and administration. The Advisory Board supports the Associate Provost in assessment duties. The Advisory Board evaluates the effectiveness of the assessment process for the university and makes revisions as appropriate. The Advisory Board also identifies needs and provides assessment training and professional development to faculty. The Advisory Board maintains a special electronic resource for assessment representatives using the university’s course management software. This site includes institutional data, archived department reports, all forms, workshop materials, and other important information. The Advisory Board examines university-wide needs and develops forums (workshops, faculty development initiatives) to address assessment issues.

The General Education Committee is a contractually-established body to assess the overall effectiveness of the GE program, to oversee the assessment of individual courses within the program, and to govern the addition and deletion of courses from the various categories that comprise the program. The General Education Committee is charged with ensuring that all General Education courses contribute to the development of critical thinking, logical reasoning, and effective communication skills and that the program as a whole is successful in achieving these goals.

In consultation with the Associate Provost and the Academic Deans, the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs makes final recommendations for university planning and resources related to all units within Academic Affairs.