What is an assessment plan?

An assessment plan identifies a program's outcomes and assessment strategies. It includes the program's mission statement, program student learning outcomes (PSLOs), measures and overall assessment process. All program's are required to have an assessment plan on file.

How do I get started?

Please read the Academic Assessment Handbook, January 2013 Revision, for an overview of the academic assessment process at UAA.

The Academic Assessment Plan must meet the required categories detailed in the chart on pp. 8-9 of the Academic Assessment Handbook, January 2013 Revision.

Programs do not have to use the template, as long as the plan addresses the required categories. Programs wishing to use the current template can find a link in the appendix on pg. 10 of the Academic Assessment Handbook. If you choose your own format, please be sure to include a date on the Academic Assessment Plan.

After appropriate review on the program and college/school level, the Academic Assessment Plan should be submitted to ayaac@uaa.alaska.edu for review by the Faculty Senate Academic Assessment Committee.

When is our new program's assessment plan due?

Faculty should review both the UAA Curriculum Handbook and their college-level curriculum review guidelines for further information about when a review of their assessment plan by the AAC must be complete.

The AAC welcomes plans at any point in the curriculum review process but encourages submitting draft plans as early as possible. The AAC can be helpful in the early stages of formuation as well as in finalization of the plan.

How do we submit revisions to our assessment plan?

Existing programs making major revisions to their assessment plans should submit the assessment plans to the AAC at ayaac@uaa.alaska.edu. AAC will schedule a review of the plan once it's received. For the review to occur, faculty initiators or a qualified faculty representative must be present.

If you're unsure if your changes are considered major revisions, please contact the AAC for clarification.

Programs making changes to the Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) within their assessment plan, should follow the separate process for PSLO revisions.

What if our program needs more assistance or guidance?

The AAC is happy to assist programs in creating their assessment plans and can be a great resource for all your assessment needs. Please contact the AAC at ayaac@uaa.alaska.edu, if you're seeking assistance. The AAC is available to provide individualized guidance or committee review, as needed by programs.