What is Assessment?

Assessment is a systematic, continuous process of gathering and analyzing evidence of student learning to improve educational effectiveness at an institution. 

University of Massachusetts Global’s commitment to assessment is two-fold: conducting assessment adheres to a requirement from accrediting agencies, but more importantly, assessment is a useful tool in improving student learning. The results are used to inform Faculty, Deans, and Administrators; make evidence-based decisions that will improve the design and delivery of curriculum and institutional planning; as well as improve the educational effectiveness of programs, courses, and teaching methodologies.

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Assessment at UMass Global

University of Massachusetts Global is committed to student success by ensuring academic quality through a culture of continuous improvement.  To that end, the University has put into practice course embedded assessment which permits meaningful direct evidence of student learning at the course and the program level.  By implementing course embedded assessment for program learning outcomes, faculty can authentically measure student learning while aligning course learning outcomes to program learning outcomes. Additional benefits of course embedded assessment include shared assessment processes with adjunct faculty, setting clear expectations for student work and learning and targeting curriculum intervention.  

The University’s process of assessing programs through course embedded assessment is summarized below:

  • Faculty developed clear learning outcomes that are assessable and actionable at the course and program level.
  • The curriculum was aligned with Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) through the use of Curriculum Maps.
  • Assessment Plans were developed for all degree programs that included Program Learning Outcomes, Signature Assignments, Course number and title of the Signature Assignment, Methodology and the Means of Assessment.

Program Assessment and Review Schedule1

  • The data collection and summary will be aided by the use of two electronic systems: Turnitin/GradeMark and LiveText.
  • Signature assignments were identified at the Mastery level for each Program Learning Outcomes.
  • University of Massachusetts Global has established a Program Assessment and Program Review Schedule.  The majority of programs are on a two-year assessment schedule with the exception of annual assessments for credential programs as mandated by CTC and Nursing programs as required for professional accreditation.  Program Reviews are set on a six-year cycle.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Institutional Assessment and Planning

Responsible for oversight, guidance, and reporting of learning outcomes, institutional surveys (e.g., course evaluations, specialized topics surveys), and administration of the university’s assessment management systems.  Assessment of student learning occurs in the undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.