The Wilkes University Assessment Committee (UAC) will guide each new academic program to set measurable goals for student learning (Student Learning Outcomes) for each approved degree and certificate program. The UAC will also encourage these programs to assess those goals, and to use the assessment findings to improve teaching, learning and the curriculum.
The expected student learning outcomes (SLOs) will be accessible to current and prospective students.
Academic Assessment Policy
New programs will submit an initial assessment plan with their SLOs for review by the University Assessment Committee in conjunction their Curriculum Committee Proposal. The University Assessment Committee may provide feedback on the proposed assessment plan.
Once the initial assessment plan and SLOs are developed, programs will be required to demonstrate regular, systematic review and revision of their SLOs and associated assessment plans before entering the University Academic Program Review Cycle upon one of the following:
- After a sufficient number of program graduates, as agreed upon by the program and the University Assessment Committee.
- After a specified number of years after curriculum approval.
- New Undergraduate Programs: 4 years
- New Graduate Programs: 2 years
Review Schedule
The multi-year academic program review schedule below provides an overview for what type of assessment or program review report (bridge assessment or five-year program review process) is slated to be conducted by each program for the reference period/year.
For instance, reporting based on assessments from academic year 2023-2024 are due by Aug. 1 following completion of that year.
Review Types
Bridge Assessment Reporting
For programs not yet aboard the five-year review process, this provides a vehicle to report on student learning at the program level for the reference year.
Five-Year Program Review Process
This is a review process that begins with a year dedicated to curriculum mapping and assessment planning (Year 1). In years two through five, faculty report on student learning at the program level following the assessment plan created in the first year. A more in-depth and reflective program review component occurs at the transition from year 5 to the next year 1.
The 2nd and subsequent Year 1 of each assessment cycle will include the completion of a reflective program review in addition to reviewing and updating the program's curriculum map and assessment plan for the remainder of the reporting cycle.
The reflective program review form will be uploaded soon. The first cohort of programs to complete the reflective program review form will do so in 2027-2028.
5-Year Academic Program Review Cycle
- Year 1 — Curriculum Map + Assessment Plan + Reflection / Program Review (following full cycle)
- Year 2 — Assessment Reporting
- Year 3 — Assessment Reporting
- Year 4 — Assessment Reporting
- Year 5 — Assessment Reporting
Reporting Forms
Bridge Assessment Reporting
- Undergraduate Program Assessment Reporting Form external website
- Graduate Program Assessment Reporting Form external website
Year 1 Resources & Reporting Templates
The Year 1 Resources & Reporting Templates linked below provides access to a sample curriculum map template, an assessment plan template, the rubric used by the Assessment Committee to review Year 1 materials, and other information to support completion of curriculum maps and assessment plans.
Years 2 - 5 Assessment Reporting Forms & Resources
Reporting Forms
- Year 2 Assessment Reporting Form external website
- Year 3 Assessment Reporting Form external website
- Year 4 Assessment Reporting Form external website
- No Programs Ready for Year 5 Reporting until end of 2026-2027
Reporting Resources
The reporting resources below must be downloaded to complete in Microsoft Word.
The Reporting Preparation Form is shared to facilitate data gathering to report via the appropriate form linked above. Please do not upload the Reporting Preparation Form.
Both the Closing the Loop Form and Assessment Results Templates can be completed and then uploaded to the relevant section of the reporting form. The assessment results template can be customized to accomodate your reporting needs, provided the three categories (# of artifacts reviewed, # that met expectations, & # that did not meet expectations) remain and are completed.
- Reporting Preparation Template external website
- Closing the Loop Form external website
- Assessment Results Template external website
Accessing Previous Reports & Feedback
Archived content linked below is accessible to:
- Provosts
- Deans
- Assessment Contacts (Chairs and Program Coordinators)
- Members of the University Assessment Committee