Institutional Research and Assessment

An Overview of Assessment of Student Learning at VCSU

Assessment of student learning, “an ongoing process aimed at understanding and improving student learning,” plays a critical role in helping us to determine and respond effectively to student needs (AAHE Bulletin, 11/95).
Over the past decade, understandings of academic assessment at Valley City State University have developed from an initially broad, unclear discussion to a specific, focused use of Abilities to shape curriculum and define outcome measures. In developing its assessment process, VCSU is guided by the AAHE explanation that assessment involves:

• Making our expectations explicit;
• Setting appropriate criteria and high standards for learning;
• Systematically gathering, analyzing, and interpreting evidence to determine how well performance matches those expectations and standards;
• Using the resulting information to document, explain, and improve performance. (AAHE Bulletin, 11/95)

A number of individuals and committees at VCSU are responsible for assessing and improving student learning, from the teacher in General Education or major program classroom to the Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Senate. This office supports various assessment activities and the responsibilities of individuals and groups. It also organizes data and communicates information for those individuals and groups undertaking the process of improving student learning.