Academic Assessment at Washburn University
Academic assessment refers to a process of using direct and indirect evidence from a variety of sources to evaluate and improve upon student learning. At Washburn University, we strive to promote assessment practices that are inclusive, holistic, collaborative, and purposeful. We provide support for the assessment of individual courses, programs, learning environment and climate, and University Student Learning Outcomes (USLOs).
If you have any questions please email us at assessment@washburn.edu.
2023-2024 USLO Assessment Initiatives:
- Critical and Creative Thinking
USLOs will be assessed in the relevant general education courses, and using one other measure:
- Critical Thinking: Application of revised AAC&U Critical Thinking Rubric to artifacts from EN300 students
- Creative Thinking: Application of revised AAC&U Creative Thinking Rubric to artifacts from Seniors
Assessment Grant
Deadlines: September 22, 2023 and April 5, 2024
Washburn University’s Vision 2022 statement identifies the development of effective assessment systems as a key strategy for maintaining our academic excellence. The assessment of student learning and the use of assessment evidence to improve teaching are important practices that the Assessment Grant seeks to encourage. The purpose of the Assessment Grant is to provide faculty with resources to facilitate their assessment practices in the courses, programs, and general education offerings.
Eligibility: Full and part-time faculty on ongoing, annual contracts; Full time staff.
Funding Amounts: Maximum of $2,000; $1500 is the maximum amount for a stipend.
Submit an expense request for your grant
Read about recently funded projects
Assessment Awards
The Assessment Rising Star Award and Assessment Achiever Award recognize and honor the efforts of academic departments that have made substantial gains, or demonstrated consistent achievement, in assessment practices at the course, program, and university levels. Departments who receive one of these awards will be given $500 for their general fund.
2022-2023 Award Winners
- Assessment Rising Star Award: Communication Studies
- Assessment Achiever Award: Sociology/Anthropology
Assessment Rising Star Award Eligibility:
- Provide syllabi upon request
- Submission of Program Assessment materials in at least the prior two academic years with average scores of “Target” or “Developing” on assessment plans and findings
- Designation of “meets expectations” or “exceed expectations” for assessment of student learning in their most recent program review
- Have at least one faculty member who earned a CTEL Certificate of Teaching and Learning, or earned at least 10 badges, in the last two years. Preference will be given to departments who have not received an Assessment Rising Start award in the prior three years.
Assessment Achiever Award Eligibility:
- Provide syllabi upon request
- Submission of Program Assessment materials in at least the most recent academic year
- Designation of “meets expectations” or “exceed expectations” for assessment of student learning in their most recent program review
- Have at least one faculty member who earned a CTEL Certificate of Teaching and Learning, or earned at least 10 badges, in the last two years. Preference will be given to departments who have not received an Assessment Achiever award in the prior three years.
