As an academic program begins the assessment process or design a new academic program, the faculty in the program define the learning objectives, create a curricular map, identify key performance indicators of student success, and develop an assessment plan for the undergraduate or graduate major or graduate certificate.

Creating Learning Objectives

The learning objectives define what students will know, be able to do, and/or attitudes they will possess by the end of the academic program. Learning objectives are unique to each program.

Creating a Curricular Map

A curricular map creates a visualization of which courses within the academic program develop each objective. Because student learning and development of these learning objectives occur within courses, the course-based assessments are also mapped to the program’s learning objectives. For some programs, assessment measures may also extend beyond courses, such as comprehensive examinations within graduate programs.

Defining Key Performance Indicators

Key performance indicators are measures for assessing student success at a broader level than those aligned in the curricular map. Key performance indicators align with the goals and priorities of the academic program. These indicators can be quantitative or qualitative..

Developing an Assessment Plan

Guided by the curricular map and the key performance indicators, the assessment plan identifies which learning objectives will be assessed each year. Because not all learning objectives need to be assessed each year, the plan identifies the timeline for assessing each learning objective, the assessment measures, and performance targets. This provides clarity for planning purposes. Through the assessment plan, administrators within an academic program know which learning objectives and key performance indicators will be assessed and can plan accordingly. Faculty will also know when their course will be involved in the assessment cycle.

To assist programs with this process, the Office of Academic Program Assessment provides a variety of options including resources guides, a do-it-yourself stepwise process, or individualized program support.