To further the mission and vision of The University of Alabama (UA), the process of ongoing assessment identifies best practices, implements research-based changes and enhances professional knowledge. The process continues with the evaluation or assessment of the impact of those changes until the outcomes are accomplished consistently over time.

At UA, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) annually reviews the assessment processes of all units (both academic and non-instructional) and provides constructive feedback. OIE staff consult on best practices and provide training to any UA personnel who are involved or interested in the process of assessment.

In an effort to continuously improve across all areas and levels at UA, both academic and non-instructional units maintain systematic plans for assessment and submit annual assessment reports. An assessment plan details the unit’s expected outcomes and the unit’s methods for evaluating the extent to which outcomes are achieved. An assessment report includes the assessment plan, assessment results for the preceding cycle, and action/improvement plans based on review and interpretation of results. Expected outcomes should align with UA and divisional strategic plans. Each reporting unit submits an annual assessment report to the appropriate administrative unit and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE). OIE maintains copies of all assessment reports for UA per State of Alabama records retention policy.

OIE reviews the assessment reports of all units (both academic and non-instructional) and provides constructive feedback. OIE staff consult on best practices and provide training to any UA personnel who are involved or interested in the process of assessment and continuous improvement. In consultation with the University Assessment Council (UAC), OIE has developed multiple rubrics that are used for internal peer review (e.g., within a College) and to frame OIE feedback on assessment reports. The rubrics serve as road maps to good assessment and improvement processes geared toward student learning outcomes (SLOs) and/or operational/administrative outcomes (OPOs).

Deadlines for submission of proposals to institutional contacts have been established to assist departments in completing the appropriate forms in a timely manner. Please scroll down to find upcoming deadlines, links to forms and instructions, and other process details. Please contact Carmen Coleman prior to making any academic program changes or beginning the process to propose a new degree program or if you have any questions.

Assessment Resources

The Quick Guides linked below provide instructions, guidelines and information on writing or revising assessment plans, selecting measures and methods, as well as analyzing results and using those results to achieve improvement.