Faculty members engage in ongoing and systematic assessment of program learning outcomes. Most programs cycle through their outcomes over 2-3 years, assessing one learning outcome each semester. Different approaches used include using a Junior Qualifying Exam, ePortfolios, and holistic signature assignments. All approaches use authentic assessment, that is, an examination of actual student work. Faculty score the work, then come together at the end of the semester to review the results and discuss ways to use them to enhance learning. Chairs write a brief assessment report summarizing the work.
Assessment reports become part of the documentation required for Program Review and for institutional accreditation by NEASC. The Assessment Advisory Group periodically reviews the reports and provides input on the strength of the process.
