Academic departmental assessment focuses on improving student learning within academic programs.
Each year, the process should involve:
- Direct measurement of student proficiency in one or more program-level learning outcomes
- Broad engagement of program faculty in analysis and discussion of assessment findings
- Planning and implementing change in response findings and analysis
- Reassessment of learning following changes made in prior years’ assessments
Annual reports on academic program assessment of student learning provide evidence to the college, the institution, external accreditors, and our multiple and varied constituents that faculty and administrators are invested in providing optimal learning experiences for our students. Documentation about how assessment practices and reflection on student learning guide curricular, instructional and administrative decision-making demonstrates intentionality and accountability to all audiences. All NMSU departments are expected to be engaged in ongoing outcomes assessment for the purposes of improved student learning.