To further the mission and vision of The University of Alabama (UA), departments and programs throughout campus engage in systematic assessment and improvement processes. Continuous improvement takes many forms, but it typically begins with planning (What do we want to accomplish?) and identification of aligned measures or metrics (How will we know how we’re doing?). By iteratively assessing/evaluating progress and making data-informed changes to programming or strategies along the way, we can improve until goals and desired outcomes are accomplished consistently over time.

At UA, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) reviews annual assessment reports and provides constructive feedback. OIE staff consult on best practices in assessment and provide training to any UA personnel who are involved or interested in the process of assessment. We also maintain platforms for assessment/improvement reporting. The guidelines for documentation of assessment/improvement activities are summarized in UA’s Continuous Improvement Policy.

Per the Continuous Improvement Policy, both academic and non-instructional units should maintain systematic assessment processes and submit annual assessment reports. The main ingredients of an assessment report are the unit’s goals or expected outcomes, the assessment plan (methods for evaluating the extent to which goals/outcomes are achieved), assessment results for the preceding cycle (including the observed impact of improvement efforts), and forward-looking action/improvement plans based on review and interpretation of results. Goals and outcomes should align with UA and divisional/departmental strategic plans. Each reporting unit submits an annual report to OIE, which maintains copies of all assessment/improvement reports for UA per State of Alabama records retention policy.

As noted above, OIE reviews the assessment reports of all units (both academic and non-instructional). 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, along with the assessment toolkit and examples below, serve as road maps to good assessment and improvement practice.

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.