The purpose of assessment is to improve student learning and development by identifying the intended student outcomes for each program, providing feedback on the progress toward these outcomes, and using the feedback to modify aspects of the programs to ensure that the outcomes are being achieved and student learning is improved. Assessment plans use multiple approaches to assessment including both quantitative and qualitative data, and multiple indicators of effectiveness that reflect the complexity of the goals of higher education and the diversity of the NDSU campus.
Assessment demands a holistic approach to students and student development.
Assessment plans, where possible and appropriate, make use of existing databases and evaluation programs already in place, e.g., information of admissions, retention, and completion, results from surveys of students, alumni, and employers, findings of accreditation agencies, institutional program reviews, etc. Instruments used for assessment are expected to measure the intended student outcomes determined by the faculty to be important for each program with acceptable levels of technical quality, e.g., validity, reliability, etc. 8. Faculty and students are to be involved in the development of assessment plans, in their implementation, and in the continuing efforts to use assessment to improve institutional and student performance. Effective assessment provides feedback to students and units with implications for improvement. Students will participate in assessment activities.