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. Assessment results will be used for program improvement. Such results will not be used to penalize students or faculty. Student performance on assessment instruments will not become part of the transcript. Assessment is to be used to demonstrate current levels of achievement and to improve future performance.