DePaul Assessment Standards
Each year, every academic and co-curricular program will complete an assessment project. At least every other year, the project must be a Direct Assessment of Student Learning. In “off” years, the project may be an Alternate Assessment project. Each type is described in detail below.
Type 1: Direct Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
In this type of project, programs assess at least one of their defined student learning outcomes using a
direct assessment method. Programs can assess multiple learning outcomes in a single year.
Within a 10-year cycle, each program should assess all of their program student learning outcomes. The basic steps for this type of project include:
- Reflecting on the results and recommendations of previous assessment project(s), and any actions taken in response.
- Identifying at least one program student learning outcome as the focus of assessment.
- Collecting evidence of students’ achievement of the selected learning outcome(s). Analyzing and interpreting data.
- Reporting the results of the assessment.
- Recommending actions the program will take based on the assessment results.
The specific process and timeline for assessment is defined by individual units - which may include the program, department, college, or division.
Type 2: Alternate Assessment Project
The purpose of an alternate assessment project is to either request additional time to follow-up on, implement changes based on, or determine the effects of a previous assessment project OR to explore an important area related to student learning that may not be measurable by assessing student learning outcomes.
Potential alternate assessment projects* may include:
- Follow-up on previous assessment of student learning outcome(s) project.
- Extension of a previous assessment of student learning outcome(s) project.
- Needs assessment.
- Curriculum or course project.
- Other
*Please note that this option may not be available for every program or in college or division: All alternate projects must be approved by the offering college or division; please contact your college or division to determine the process for having an alternate project approved.