Processes (P)

1P11 Determining Student Assessment Processes

Assessment is key to student growth and development. Western designs assessment to improve instruction and student learning. The Assessment and Benchmarking Committee guides assessment initiatives for the campus. Forms of assessment are given in 1P13.

The Assessment and Benchmarking Committee determines the assessment tool used for measuring general education outcomes for graduating seniors. Each department determines which senior exit assessment to use for its graduates. In some instances departments will determine standardized outcome measures, or external criteria, for passing specific courses (e.g. developmental reading and mathematics).

The Missouri Legislature has given Western an applied learning designation as a part of its mission. In recognition of the importance of that mission, and to facilitate growth in the quantity and quality of applied learning, Western has created the position of Director of Applied Learning. The director has done much to institute quality measures. This work and results are given in section 1R3. In the five-year program review, departments evaluate students’ performance in light of the program’s goals (1C2).