Metrics Representing the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Topic: How did WSU respond to NWCCU’s Recommendation 2 from 2011, reiterated by evaluators in 2013, highlighting a need to incorporate metrics representing the assessment of student learning outcomes among indicators considered essential to mission fulfillment?
Challenge/Opportunity: NWCCU noted in 2013 that Washington State University faculty have greatly strengthened programmatic-level assessment of student learning in degree programs and from the general education core. They indicated that the University needs to demonstrate clearly that this information is used to guide key resource and capacity decisions.
Recent actions/outcomes:
- The 2014-19 strategic plan incorporates specific metrics tightly mapped to specific subgoals, including metrics focused on the assessment of student learning.
- These include metric 16. Percent of undergraduate degrees with all six program assessment elements in place, including use of student learning assessment results in decision-making or planning; and metric 17. Percent of graduate degree programs using student learning assessment results in decision- making or planning.
- The Provost, president, and board of regents receive and discuss regular reports on assessment of student learning as a mission-central priority for decision making and resource allocation.
- Organizational changes at a central level designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of student learning and WSU’s student success efforts have involved Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Information Technology Services, International Programs, Government Relations, University Communication, the Graduate School, and the Office of Research.
Current/future emphasis or next steps: Information from assessments of student learning outcomes will continue to inform resource and capacity decisions, underpinning key indicators selected to represent the Drive to 25 initiative.
NWCCU standards reference: Standard 1.B.2