Assessment and Academic Program Review

Overview of Assessment

The assessment offers a systematic mechanism for organizations and their units to engage in reflective self-study, examine progress toward articulated goals, anticipate challenges, and demonstrate continuous improvement.

The purpose of assessment is to ensure alignment of unit goals with the university's Strategic Map priorities through an annual process which includes reviewing the unit mission statement, setting goals, and analyzing results to improve unit processes.

The concepts of assessment are central to Stetson's commitment to continuous improvement and to the accreditation process. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation criteria encourages institutions to integrate assessment plans which align with the institutional mission, employ a variety of assessment methods, and provide evidence of data-driven improvement at the unit level as a result of the assessments.

Stetson's assessment process comprises two parts: the assessment plan and the assessment report. The plan requires units to indicate intended goals, targets, and assessment methods for the next year. The report, which is submitted after goals have been assessed, requires units to indicate the extent to which declared goals were met and to discuss changes made as a result of the findings.

Institutional Research and Effectiveness facilitates the collection of annual university-wide assessment data through the materials provided below. 

Assessment Materials for Instructional Units

Instructional units are those whose primary responsibility is student instruction.

Instructional Assessment Reports are due to IRE by June 15th annually.

• Guides
  • Assessment Guide for Instructional Units
• Form
  • Annual Instructional Assessment Report Submission Form

Assessment Materials for Non-Instructional Units

Non-instructional units include all areas whose primary responsibility is outside of student instruction.

Non-instructional Assessment Reports and Assessment Plans are due to IRE by August 15th annually.

• Guide and Calendar
  • Assessment Guide for Non-Instructional Units
• Form
  • Annual Non-Instructional Assessment Report Submission Form

Assessment Resources

• Assessment Report & Plan Evaluation Rubric
• SACSCOC Resource Manual
• Types and Levels of Educational Objectives (from UCF's Office of Operational Excellence and Assessment Support)
• Learning Outcome VALUE Rubrics (from AAC&U)

Academic Program Review

Academic Program Review at Stetson University is a dynamic, collaborative process designed to create healthy academic programs that are mission-driven, dedicated to continuous self-assessment, analysis, and engaged in strategic planning. Program review at Stetson places emphasis on (1) student learning and achievement; (2) teacher-scholar engagement and excellence; and (3) plans, efforts, and resources directed toward the continuous development of the program's quality and reputation. These emphases ensure that the reviews relate to the attainment of the University's mission and that warranted recommendations for improvement are thoroughly considered and implemented.

Academic Program Review Resources

• Academic Program Review Guidelines
• Academic Program Review Schedule - please note this is the original 2032 Reaffirmation Cycle schedule and updates have been made. Please consult your dean's or Institutional Research and Effectiveness with questions about when your program will be going up for review.