Writing an Assessment Report
Starting in Fall 2024 the University Assessment Team and Academic Affairs has moved to a two-year cycle for assessment reporting to provide time for meaningful assessment analysis and reflection. Full reports that include assessment data will be due every other year, while the mid-cycle year will report assessment plans and progress.
Please check your email for information to determine if you are on a Mid-Cycle or Full Reporting year. Programs were equally divided to provide adequate support to all departments and programs.
We will continue to use the Planning and Self Study application by Watermark to which Department Assessment Coordinators, Program Coordinators and Chairpersons have access to this application.
Introduction to Assessment
Purpose:
Measurement of student learning is a vital component of program improvement. This guide provides tips for developing and implementing effective assessment practices that lead to meaningful course and program enhancements to improve student learning. Drawing from HLC’s accreditation requirements and best practices, this practical guide focuses on measures, results, and actions that will help you strengthen your approach to measuring and improving student learning.
The Assessment Cycle: An Overview
Effective assessment follows a continuous improvement cycle:
- Establish clear learning outcomes
- Develop meaningful measures
- Collect and analyze results
- Implement actions based on findings
- Evaluate the impact of actions in future assessments
Example: NEIU 2-year assessment report
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 | Year 7 | Year 8 (program review) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Cycle | Full | Mid-Cycle | Full | Mid-Cycle | Full | Mid-Cycle | Comprehensive Assessment portion of the report |
*Mid-cycle and full reports will alternate years with the exception of the program review year.
Year 1- Fall (late October): Submit mid-cycle report that includes planned assessments (learning objectives, courses, semesters, assessment methods) and expectations of upcoming assessments. Gather data through planned assessments in specific courses, if applicable, during Year 1.
Year 2- Fall (late October): Submit full report that includes detailed explanation of assessment method, analysis of gathered data, and action plan to improve student learning. Gather data through planned assessments in specific courses, if applicable, during Year 2.
Years 3-7: Alternate mid-cycle report and full report. Data can be gathered throughout the two-year cycle towards specific learning outcomes chosen by the program.
Year 8- Fall or Spring: Programs are welcome to submit the comprehensive assessment from their program review instead of a full or mid-cycle report.
Effective assessment is a collaborative process focused on continuous improvement. By developing meaningful measures, conducting thorough analysis of results, and implementing targeted actions, programs can enhance student learning and demonstrate their commitment to student success.
Remember that assessment is not about proving but improving. Use these guidelines to create assessment processes that lead to meaningful enhancements in your program and, ultimately, better outcomes for your students.
Instructions
- Program Assessment Planning & Report Tips
- Formal Assessment Report instructions (due every other year)
- Mid-Cycle Report Instructions
FY25 Due Date
- The College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office has determined the FY2025 (Fall 2024-Spring 2025) Assessment Report will be due is TBD (expect early Fall 2025)/
Additional Support
Starting in Fall 2023, the Assessment Team members will serve as assessment liaisons working with specific departments. In order to provide timely assistance you can complete the Assessment Assistance form.
Goodwin College of Education
- The reporting process is mainly designed around our local, state and college-specific accreditation requirements.
College of Business and Technology
- The reporting process is designed around AACSB standards.
Program Review
Departments required to complete program review based on IBHE guidelines will utilize the Planning and Self Study application as well. Programs will be notified via Academic Affairs when this review must be completed and timeline for submitting.
Process
The program review process takes approximately 12 months to complete. A general timeline is given below.
- September: Academic Affairs provides the department with the Program Review template and timeline and meets with the department to discuss program review.
- January: Institutional Research provides enrollment and degrees conferred data; Budget Office provides cost analysis.
- Jan. 1: Department submits 3-4 names of external reviewers to Sudha Sriinvas, Associate Provost for Assessment & Innovation, in Academic Affairs.
- Feb. 17: Self-study is due to Academic Affairs.
- February: External reviewer is identified and sent contract and information by Academic Affairs. Self-study is sent to an external reviewer.
- March: External reviewer visits for one full day or two half-days
- Reviewer provides report.
- Academic Affairs meets with department to discuss strengths and challenges.
- September: Program review due to IBHE.
Instructions
Kenny Beyer hosts a meeting with programs that are actively going through this process each academic year and provide technological guidance throughout the process.
