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 Practicing Community (Spring 2024-Fall 2025)

Step

Term

SAAC Due Date

Getting Started (mapping)

Fall 2023

Jan 19, 2024

Step 1: Identify focus area

Spring 2024

Feb 29, 2024

Step 2: Design the Assessment tool

Spring 2024

March 31, 2024

Step 3: Conduct Assessment(s)

Spring 2024

April 21, 2024

Step 4: Analyze the data

Fall 2024

October 15, 2024

Step 5: Design & plan changes

Fall 2024

Nov 27, 2024

Step 6: Implement changes/conduct assessment

Spring 2025

April 27, 2025

Step 7: Reflect & conclude

Fall 2025

October 15, 2025