The assessment process at DePaul University is designed to assist curricular and co-curricular programs assess student learning, based on the "assessment loop."
Each year, every academic and co-curricular program will complete one of two assessment projects:
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
At least every other year, programs must assess at least one of their defined student learning outcomes using at least one direct assessment method. Over the course of ten years, each program should assess all of their program student learning outcomes. Programs can assess multiple learning outcomes in a single year.
The basic steps in this process are defined by the assessment checklist and further clarified by the assessment rubric and include:
- Reporting and reflection on the use of the results of previous assessment(s).
- Identification of at least one program student learning outcome as the focus of assessment.
- Description of methodology used to determine students' success in meeting the chosen program student learning outcome(s).
- Reporting of results of the assessment.
- Description of data analysis and interpretation.
- Identification of 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 department, the college, or the division.
Alternate Assessment Project*
All programs must complete an assessment project every year. However, during years programs are not completing an assessment of student learning project, programs may be able to conduct an 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.
Downloads
Access the assessment report templates, checklist, and rubrics.
Timeline
Fall Quarter - Spring Quarter
Plan and complete the annual assessment project.
October 1 - Assessment reports for all programs are due to the Center for Teaching and Learning.
December 1 - Assessment reports for all colleges are due to the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Be sure to consult with your individual department, college, and/or division about the timeline for your program. There will likely be additional requirements (such as submitting an assessment plan to the college) and/or different dates your final assessment reports are due to the department, college, and/or division.
Academic Program Review
Please visit the Academic Program Review (APR) website to access the planning templates and other documents required for APR.