1. Renewing Commitment to Outcomes Assessment: Practical Means to Attaining University-wide Participation
Dr. Beth Wuest, Director
Academic Assessment and Development
Ms. Lisa Garza, Director
University Planning and Assessment
December 10, 2007

2. Presentation Goals
Reinforce understanding of the value of outcomes assessment
Understand key elements necessary to implement a comprehensive outcomes assessment program
Identify strategies for effective outcomes development and assessment
Attain insight for establishing buy-in among various groups on campus
Gather tools for developing common reporting styles

3. Value of Outcomes Assessment
A means for continuous improvement of academic programs and educational support initiatives
A venue for collaborative feedback among stakeholders
Demonstrates accountability to external constituents
Compliance with accreditation requirements
SACS Core Requirement 3.3.1

4. Obstacles along the Way
Skepticism by faculty and staff of the value of outcomes assessment
Wariness of another time-consuming process with little actual pay-off
Fear of potential repercussions for not meeting proposed outcomes
Perceived lack of commitment by the leadership

5. Key Elements Leadership Commitment Centralized Support for Assessment
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
Linkage to Strategic Planning, Program Review, and Other Major University Initiatives
Strategies for Outcomes Assessment
Developing Outcomes and Assessment Methods
Analyzing and Utilizing Assessment Results

6. Strategies for Implementation
Build a common understanding of how outcomes assessment can and will be used
Combine academic and administrative areas
– We’re all in this together!
Include all levels
All academic programs
– Bachelor through Doctorate
All administrative levels
– Department through Division
Show exec summary – highlight info on method & response bias. Rates by dept of major. Main findings.

7. Insights for Gaining Commitment
Begin with plenty of conversations and collaborations
Develop common goals and outcomes
Use a straightforward, simple, system-wide, and strategic approach
Build on assessment methods already in place
Provide new ideas and basic techniques for a program to consider

8. Tools for Outcomes Assessment
Group Orientation
Workshops and Training Sessions
Handouts and Templates
Individual Meetings and Consultations
A Common Reporting System
Reminders

9. Step-by-Step Process First Semester -- 1 Letter from the Provost
Introduction to VPs & Deans
3 Series of handouts explaining process and providing support materials
4 Common reporting form
5 Meetings with College and Administrative Councils

10. Step-by-Step Process Second Semester --
6 Series of workshops and training sessions on
developing outcomes and methods
7 reminders
8 Individual consultation
Initial submission of outcomes and
assessment methods
10 Follow-up and feedback

11. Step-by-Step Process Third Semester --
11 Reminder letters on results and action plans
Workshops on embedding assessment in
routine activities
Workshops on data collection, results
reporting, and action planning
14 Department consultation
15 Conduct assessment activities

12. Step-by-Step Process Fourth Semester --
16 Analysis of assessment results
17 Submission of results and action plans
Revision of outcomes and methods for
subsequent academic year
Implementation of changes to
program/initiatives
Assessment cycle repeated with attention to
program improvement

13. Common Reporting System
Electronic submission and retention of data
Centralized repository for the university
Ability to generate reports by program
Accessibility for SACS Reaffirmation

19. Conclusion Communicate, communicate, communicate Build in flexibility
Demonstrate use of data
Reinforce the value of assessment
Always provide and allow for feedback
Maintain a culture of continuous improvement

20. Questions
and
Comments

21. Contacts Academic Development and Assessment
Beth Wuest, Director
Academic Development and Assessment
150 J.C. Kellam
Texas State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, TX
Lisa Garza, Director
University Planning and Assessment
1080 J.C. Kellam