Student Learning Outcomes Assessment

Indiana University of Pennsylvania has identified the assessment of student learning outcomes as an essential component of its commitment to student success. All academic and support programs assess student learning and implement action plans for program improvement.

What is Assessment?

Assessment is an ongoing and systematic process of identifying objectives and means to measure them. Furthermore, assessment also includes gathering measurements and data and using the information to implement improvements.

Why do we do Assessment?

The four main goals of assessment are:

1. To improve – Data gathered from assessment should be used to determine methods for improving the program or unit.
2. To inform – As a part of the process, information should be shared with key constituents to inform them about the contributions and impact of the program or unit.
3. To prove – Assessment should demonstrate what the program or unit is accomplishing to students, faculty, staff, and outsiders.
4. To support – The process of conducting assessment should provide support for campus decision making activities (e.g., strategic planning), as well as external accountability activities (e.g., Middle States Accreditation).

How do we do assessment?

IUP programs and units routinely engage in assessment through their quinquennial program review process. As a part of this process, programs are required to comment on how they are helping students meet both programmatic learning outcomes and IUP’s Expected Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes (EUSLOs). In addition, IUP uses several specific instruments for evaluating our student learning outcomes. More information on each of these instruments is contained on the Student Learning Outcomes Measures page.

The Division of Student Affairs maintains a webpage dedicated to highlighting and detailing their strategic planning and assessment initiatives.

How can I find out more about our assessment initiatives?

The University Assessment Committee produces and annual report highlighting assessment efforts from all across the IUP campus. These reports are available in PDF format through the links below.

University Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan, 2015-16

University Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan, 2014–15

Liberal Studies Pilot Assessment Report (Executive Summary), Summer 2014

University Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan, 2013–14

University Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan, 2012–13

University Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan, 2011–12