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Assessment at the University of Dubuque

Overview
The faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Trustees at the University of Dubuque (UD) are committed to providing learners a quality educational experience while enrolled at UD and a valuable degree once they graduate. Assessment is one means by which we ensure that these things happen. Assessment is used to determine if a University of Dubuque education is serving learners’ needs and making a difference in their lives; in the process, assessment can help us to evaluate the effectiveness of our academic programs, learning methods, and services.

Reasons for Assessment
Effective assessment processes and procedures will assist the University in the accomplishment of two very important goals:

1. To insure that we are doing what we say we are doing
2. To help us identify those areas that need improvement

What is Assessment
Assessment involves collecting, reviewing, and using information to determine course, program, and University effectiveness and to improve student growth and learning. The Assessment process provides an important opportunity for learners, faculty, and administration as they participate in the ongoing, evolutionary process of curriculum development. In addition, it provides accountability for learners, faculty, and potential funding agencies. Assessment also enhances the value of a University of Dubuque education.

Steps in the Assessment Process
The steps in the process of assessment are as follows:

1. Define course, program, and University goals/objectives/outcomes
2. Identify instruments or methods for assessing (measuring) achievement
3. Implement the assessment plan and revise as needed
4. Collect data
5. Determine how data feedback will be used to improve learning in courses or programs at the University

Mission Statement for the Assessment Task Force
The mission of the Assessment Task Force (ATF) is to assist in identifying the extent to which the University’s educational outcomes match the University’s educational goals.

The Assessment Task Force operates under the following basic principles:

• Effective assessment begins w/establishment of clear goals & objectives
• Goals & objectives must be translated into specific outcomes
• The ultimate goal of assessment is the improvement of the educational experience provided to learners
• Assessment fosters wider improvement when representatives from across the educational community are involved
• Assessment is most likely to lead to improvement when it is part of a larger set of conditions that promote change
• Assessment is an ongoing activity, not episodic
• Effective assessment involves the use of multiple assessment formats
• Effective assessment requires administrative support at all levels
• Departments should compare existing curriculum to disciplinary guidelines & the University mission in establishing departmental standards
• Departments may choose to focus on a subset of objectives on an annual basis
• Wherever possible, assessment is most beneficial when it is embedded within existing coursework

Forms (PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• Model Syllabus ( Microsoft Word )
• Outcomes and Assessment ( Microsoft Word )
• Program Proposal ( Microsoft Word )
• Course Proposal Form ( Microsoft Word )
• Proposal Completion Instructions Form ( Microsoft Word )