Assessing undergraduate programs
Although academic programs undergo a rigorous unit review every seven years, the assessment of student learning in undergraduate programs should be an ongoing process. Each program should develop a plan for taking stock of student learning across the program's curriculum and for making adjustments to the curriculum, if needed, to enhance student learning.
To facilitate this process, Directors of Undergraduate Studies (DUSs) should complete an annual assessment report for every degree-granting program for which they are responsible (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs in the same subject area do not need separate reports, however).
The Academic Assessment Coordinator is available for assistance with annual assessment reports and with finding data related to student learning. Throughout the academic year, the Assessment Coordinator is also available to consult with academic programs regarding developing an assessment plan and using assessment data to guide curricular and pedagogical decision-making. For assistance, email matthew-shadle@uiowa.edu.
Assessment plans
An assessment plan is an academic program's strategy for gathering data on student learning and making decisions on how to make improvements to classroom instruction or the program curriculum in light of that data.
The data used for assessment purposes can come from multiple sources, including, but not limited to:
- Completed student assignments from common, required courses (introductory courses, "gateway" courses that are part of the major, or required senior courses)
- Portfolios or other capstone experiences in a senior capstone course
- Student surveys (majors, graduating seniors)
- Faculty surveys
- Input from a student focus group
- Input from student ambassadors or a program-related student organization
Many academic departments have committees devoted to making curricular changes. These committees should be informed about a program's assessment plan and any data collected during the assessment process. Then they can use this data to inform their decisions.
Another tool that academic programs can use is a curriculum map. Curriculum mapping involves identifying where in the major students are introduced to the program's different learning outcomes and where those learning outcomes are further developed. Curriculum mapping not only provides insight into where student learning takes place, it can also help identify gaps in the curriculum or even places where students need more of a challenge.
Assessment reports
Annual assessment reports for undergraduate programs are meant to spur reflection on how data on student learning is being used to improve the curriculum and classroom instruction. Although DUSs are responsible for writing the reports, the reports should reflect the common work of faculty in the program and ideally should be shared with other faculty members in the program.
The assessment report focuses on three areas:
- How previous efforts to improve the student learning experience are being implemented, or whether any proposed improvements had to be put on hold.
- Current areas of focus for gathering data or making improvements to the program curriculum or student learning experience.
- Future areas for data gathering, assessment, or curricular revision.
Assessment reports for the 2024-25 academic year should be completed by June 30, 2025 and submitted to Matt Shadle, the CLAS Academic Assessment Coordinator (matthew-shadle@uiowa.edu).
CLAS Undergraduate Program Annual Assessment Report Template, 2024-25