Annual Program Assessment Policy
Purpose
The primary goal of academic program assessment is to enhance student learning experiences through a continuous, systematic, and faculty-driven process. This involves evaluating the effectiveness of academic programs in achieving defined student learning outcomes (SLOs) and implementing improvements based on assessment findings.
Assessment Process
Each academic program at SMU is required to engage in the following annual assessment activities:
Following the submission of reports, the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness, in coordination with the SMU Assessment Committee, provides detailed feedback to academic programs. This feedback highlights strengths, identifies areas for refinement, and offers suggestions for improving the assessment process. The feedback cycle is designed to promote a culture of continuous improvement and ensure alignment with institutional goals and standards.
Roles and Responsibilities
Assessment is an iterative process aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Programs are expected to regularly review and refine their assessment strategies to ensure they effectively measure and enhance student learning outcomes. By adhering to this policy, SMU reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and the ongoing enhancement of its educational programs, supporting the university’s mission of fostering student success and institutional effectiveness.
The primary goal of academic program assessment is to enhance student learning experiences through a continuous, systematic, and faculty-driven process. This involves evaluating the effectiveness of academic programs in achieving defined student learning outcomes (SLOs) and implementing improvements based on assessment findings.
Assessment Process
Each academic program at SMU is required to engage in the following annual assessment activities:
- Establish Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): Define clear, measurable outcomes that specify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students are expected to acquire upon completion of the program.
- Develop Assessment Measures:
- Direct Measures: Utilize tools such as exams, portfolios, performances, or other student work that provide tangible evidence of student learning.
- Indirect Measures: Incorporate surveys, interviews, or reflective essays that capture students' perceptions of their learning experiences.
- Set Performance Targets: Determine specific criteria for success that indicate the expected level of student achievement for each SLO.
- Collect and Analyze Data: Gather data systematically using the established assessment measures and analyze the results to evaluate the extent to which students are meeting the SLOs.
- Develop and Implement Improvement Actions: Based on data analysis, identify areas for enhancement and implement action plans aimed at improving curricula, instruction, or support services to elevate student learning outcomes.
- Document and Submit Reports: Prepare an annual assessment report summarizing the SLOs, assessment methods, performance targets, findings, and actions taken for improvement. These reports are due to the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness (OIPE) by July 31st each year.
Following the submission of reports, the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness, in coordination with the SMU Assessment Committee, provides detailed feedback to academic programs. This feedback highlights strengths, identifies areas for refinement, and offers suggestions for improving the assessment process. The feedback cycle is designed to promote a culture of continuous improvement and ensure alignment with institutional goals and standards.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Program Coordinators: Lead the assessment process within their respective programs, ensuring the development, implementation, and documentation of assessment activities.
- Assessment Liaisons: Serve as the primary contact between academic programs and the OIPE, providing support and ensuring compliance with assessment requirements.
- Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness (IPE): Provides guidance, resources, and feedback to programs to facilitate effective assessment practices and continuous improvement.
- SMU Assessment Committee: Collaborates with the IPE to review reports and offer constructive feedback for program enhancement.
Assessment is an iterative process aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Programs are expected to regularly review and refine their assessment strategies to ensure they effectively measure and enhance student learning outcomes. By adhering to this policy, SMU reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and the ongoing enhancement of its educational programs, supporting the university’s mission of fostering student success and institutional effectiveness.