Assessment

The assessment of student learning is an integral part of the teaching and learning process and Washburn University strives to create a culture of assessment surrounding all of the curricular and co-curricular activities in which students participate.

Valid and reliable assessment is important for three reasons:

• improve student learning,
• provide accountability to stakeholders, such as students, parents, legislators, accrediting agencies, and the public, and
• assist in the process of accreditation, both of the university and of individual programs.

In order to foster this culture of assessment, Washburn University has created a university-wide assessment committee.  The mission of the committee assists the university in providing evidence that the university's mission - enriches the lives of students by providing opportunities for them to develop and to realize their intellectual, academic, and professional potential, leading to becoming productive and responsible citizens - is being met.

To help the committee satisfy its mission, the following are shared expectations:

• Every program/unit/major has a mission statement.
  • The program/unit/major ensures the mission statement is shared with all constituents.
  • The program/unit/major periodically reviews the mission statement to ensure it is appropriate and compatible with the university's mission.
• Every program/unit/major has student learning outcomes.
  • Each outcome is supported by at least one direct measure of assessment.
  • Evidence is consistently collected and accessible to appropriate constituents.
  • Evidence is regularly analyzed based on an established schedule of review set by the program/unit/major.
  • The program/unit/major has an appropriate mechanism to institute changes which are suggested by the evidence.
• Students share the responsibility for the evaluation of student learning by completing assessment activities which provide the data required for reliable analysis of the curricular and co-curricular activities which are undertaken.