Introduction

What Assessment Means, and Why We're Doing It

Learning outcomes assessment at Chapman is designed to serve students, faculty, departments and the university as a whole in achieving our academic vision.

Chapman University has a few reasons to conduct ongoing assessment. For one, it's required by our accrediting agency, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For another, assessment is a proven way to maintain a flexible and dynamic curriculum, where ongoing revision and improvement are based in a culture of evidence (AAHE Assessment Forum, December 1992).

Every department, school, and college at the university participates in assessment through conducting student surveys, requiring senior seminars and capstone courses, and even through formal or informal interactions between faculty members and students. 

Collecting, analyzing, and reporting data from assessment activities helps faculty members, department chairs, deans, and the Office of the Chancellor make data-based decisions that will enhance student learning and development by providing insight into student learning processes.

We're Here to Help

The Office of the Chancellor, in collaboration with the Academic Council Assessment Committee, offers assistance and support for colleges, schools, and departments in the development and implementation of learning outcomes assessment plans. Resources for assessment include:

• Consultation on designing learning outcomes assessment plans and using assessment methods for your programs and majors.
• An assessment resource library of books, journals, and articles available in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Planning and Assessment (Wilkinson 122).
• Workshops on learning outcomes assessment, including guidelines and models for assessment of personalized education, student writing, and other educational goals.
• This assessment website featuring institutional information and resources on assessment, including an assessment starter kit and glossary.

This web site is designed to:

• Share the university’s principles of assessment.
• Help you begin your assessment efforts, provide assistance as you need it, and share what your colleagues at Chapman are doing.
• Show you current trends in assessment and what other universities are doing (see Useful Links).