Use of University Assessment Cycle in Continuous Improvement

1
Use of University Assessment Cycle in Continuous
Improvement

• Patrice Moulton Veronica M. Ramirez
• Office of University Planning Assessment

2
Introduction

• Northwestern State University adopted an
  official assessment cycle in Spring 2003.
  Components of this cycle were defined as those
  assessment instruments utilized campus-wide.
  While it was understood there would be variance
  in other assessment strategies, the following
  instruments were identified ACT Student Opinion
  Survey, Collegiate Assessment of Academic
  Proficiency (CAAP), Exit Interview, Major
  Competency Exams, and Graduating Student Survey.
  As the University began a new cycle of strategic
  planning, all units were encouraged to identify
  the components of the assessment cycle where
  appropriate.

3
Problem-Statement

• University Goal 1 To create and maintain a
  responsive, student-oriented environment.
• Objective 1 To ensure that student data is
  incorporated into the planning and assessment
  processes of the University.
• Methodology Student Assessment Data
• Expected Outcome 100 participation

4
Strategic Plan Results
5
Expected Learning Outcomes Results
6
Results

• The purpose of the analysis was to identify those
  academic units utilizing University Assessment
  Cycle data in their Continuous Improvement Plan
  (CIP). It was found that 14 (63.6) of the 22
  academic units participating in strategic
  planning used some combination of student
  assessment data.
• Regarding the Expected Learning Outcome component
  of the CIP, 11 (57.9) out of 19 degree-granting
  units utilized the University Assessment Cycle
  data.

7
Discussion

• Less utilization of University Assessment Cycle
  data than anticipated
• Lack of utilization of CAAP data appears to
  support the idea that CAAP is not meeting the
  needs of the University for measuring core
  curriculum outcomes
• Although Major Competency Exam data appears
  underutilized, one must consider that individual
  units are stewards of their own licensure and
  certification information
• While Student Opinion Survey data is not used for
  ELOs, it is not expected because SOS is a
  satisfaction survey and not intended to provide
  evidence of student learning.

8
Changes/Decisions

• Review findings with SACS Leadership Team and
  develop strategies to increase use of University
  Assessment Cycle data in planning and
  decision-making across campus.
• Continue discussions with Provost regarding
  alternatives to current use of CAAP.
• Explore possibility of linking to individual unit
  licensure and certification information from
  University Assessment website.
• Increase campus awareness regarding available
  information on Assessment website.