Assessment at GVSU
The fundamental question we must be able to answer is: Are our students truly learning and benefiting from our programs? Assessment provides the evidence needed to document student learning and guide improvements in both classroom instruction and co-curricular experiences. At GVSU, assessment occurs within a comprehensive, multi-level framework that involves faculty, students, and administrators. This collaborative approach supports a continuous cycle of improvement, ensuring the quality of student education through data-informed decision-making.
Who Oversees Assessment at GVSU?
The University Assessment Committee (UAC), a standing committee of faculty governance, is responsible for developing the formats for the assessment reports around student learning outcomes (SLOs) and student-centered outcomes (SCOs).
Grand Valley State University uses student outcomes as the primary measure of assessment within each unit: SLOs for academic affairs programs and SCOs for some co-curricular units.
Each program/unit with curricular (undergraduate and graduate) or co-curricular activities is required to generate learning outcomes for their students. For each learning outcome, programs/units determine how they will assess and measure progress and then how they will make improvements when justified based on data collected. Each program/unit is expected to report progress annually regarding assessment of SLOs and SCOs. For more information on assessment expectations, visit the UAC website.
The UAC is the only shared governance committee that evaluates both academic and co-curricular programs; as such, UAC membership includes individuals from outside of Academic Affairs to share the workload. The committee reviews all assessment plans, reports, and self-studies (via GVAssess) while providing feedback and guidance to units for using assessment findings to drive programmatic improvements.
The UAC works closely with the Strategic Planning, Assessment, and Accreditation team to provide assistance to units for their continuous improvement activities.
What are Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Student-Centered Outcomes (SCOs)?
SLOs are measurable statements of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and habits of mind that students acquire as a result of the learning experience. SLOs define the fundamental student learning competencies for a program. SLOs focus on content mastery and skills that students should know or be able to demonstrate upon completion of the program.
SCOs are a measurable statement based on intentionally designed activities, programs, and services that reinforce the institution’s mission and values and complement the formal curriculum. SCOs are intended to be used by some co-curricular entities such as study abroad, advising centers, and many student services units.
Assessment Planning
Effective assessment planning ensures that SLOs and SCOs:
- are determined through faculty collaboration for their programs and/or requirements of accrediting agencies.
- are clear, measurable, and easily understood by students.
- appropriately address student knowledge, behavior/skills, and attitudes.
- help the institution achieve its mission and college, departmental, and unit goals.
Assessment Implementation
Effective assessment implementation includes:
- designation of the party/parties responsible for collecting and analyzing all pieces of data;
- clarity about the audience (e.g., faculty, students, dean, alumni, etc.) and distribution of all reports/findings;
- reliable and well-defined measures of key outcomes;
- regular, frequent data collection and analysis based on a clear plan.
Assessment Follow Through
Effective follow through with assessment data includes:
- reviewing results to assess how well programs are achieving their goals;
- using results to continuously improve the educational content and learning experiences provided;
- facilitating feedback mechanisms to improve assessment processes and plans;
- sharing findings with faculty, other programs, and stakeholders as models, resources, etc.
Resources
Resources for assessing student learning, including development of learning objectives, rubrics, and surveys, can be found on the UAC and General Education websites. Additional resources are available through the Pew Faculty Teaching & Learning Center, as well as our Resources and Support page.