Universal Themes Assessment

Learn more about the new process for assessing program-level outcomes and general education essential skills.

The assessment process is organized into step-by-step tasks and emphasizes making beneficial changes in programs based on assessment data, rather than simply using data to report on current student performance. The process revolves around three Universal Themes. The Universal Themes are the general categories that guide the entire college on what types of outcomes will be assessed in a two-year cycle. The themes will be mapped to general education essential skills, competencies, and program learning outcomes.

The new process for program-level learning outcomes assessment will include aligning cycle plans to three Universal Themes of Assessment:

  1. Thinking in Action: Spring 2028 - Fall 2029
  2. Practicing Community: Spring 2024 - Fall 2025
  3. Applying Professional Skills: Spring 2026 - Fall 2027

Key Dates for Applying Professional Skills

(Spring 2026 - Fall 2027)

Step

Term

SAAC Due Date

Getting Started (mapping)

Fall 2025

January 19, 2026

Step 1: Identify focus area

Spring 2026

January 26, 2026

Step 2: Design the Assessment tool

Spring 2026

March 31, 2026

Step 3: Conduct Assessment(s)

Spring 2026

April 26, 2026

Step 4: Analyze the data

Fall 2026

October 15, 2026

Step 5: Design and plan changes

Fall 2026

November 25, 2026

Step 6: Implement changes/conduct assessment

Spring 2027

April 25, 2027

Step 7: Reflect and conclude

Fall 2027

October 15, 2027