Guidelines for Completing the Program Assessment Plan
(Alternative 1)

The Program Assessment Matrix represents cumulative assessment documentation continuously collected over a several years' period. The Program Assessment Matrix is originally created as the Program Assessment Plan. It consists of three sections:

A. Program Strategic Objectives (objectives common for all programs as well as objectives specific for particular programs)

B. General Education Learning Outcomes (common for all programs; however, methods of assessment may differ from program to program) and

C. Program Learning Outcomes (specific for the particular program. Keep the list of learning outcomes below ten.)

A table (as shown below) is created for each strategic objective/learning outcome. The upper part of the table is the part of the Assessment Plan.  The bottom rows provide space for documenting assessment activities and results, recommendations based on the analysis of the assessment results, and actions taken or to be taken.  A generic form for the Program Assessment Matrix is provided, and may be used as a starting point in creating the program assessment plan.

Program Learning Outcome:  Define learning outcomes as skills and knowledge that the students will have at the time of graduation (Graduates will be able to , or Graduates will have knowledge of) Questions to Ask:  What would you like to know about students? This will help you define methods of assessment and criteria for evaluation. Primary Targeted Courses:  Target primary courses (limit to one or two) in which the particular outcome is being developed and, therefore, can be assessed.   Timeline (frequency) / Date:  Synchronize the assessment timeline with the program review cycle (5-year or 3-year base). Target to complete the assessment cycle a year before the program review is due. Not all outcomes need to be assessed each semester or year. Criteria for Evaluation:  How will you know that the desired outcome is achieved? When possible, express these criteria quantitatively (percentages, numbers).

Tips for documenting assessment results and data analysis:

The assessment activities, assessment results, and their analysis are documented continuously, over several years, so that the completed Program Assessment Matrix, at the end of the assessment cycle, contains cumulative assessment information (documentation) that will be used in the program review.

Assessment Activities and Results → Explain what assessment method has been used, date or timeframe when the assessment was done, and what kind of data you examined. Describe the results and conclusions that you determined in relation to the outcomes. Be specific. Recommendations →  Give recommendations that you have for improvement or revision of the curriculum, program, and assessment plan based on the assessment results. Action taken →  What action or revision has been implemented for program improvement or revision as a consequence of the assessment results.