Program Assessments

Curriculum Mapping

Curriculum mapping depicts where the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are addressed. All PLOs must be mapped to required courses and experiences.  It involves crating a matrix, with PLOs along one axis and required courses/experiences along the other axis, to illustrate where in the curriculum the PLOs are introduced, covered, and assessed. Faculty can use this sample matrix to create their curriculum map. See the Curriculum Map Video Tutorial for more information.

Direct and Indirect Measures of Student Learning

Developing an assessment plan and designing assessment activities provide a framework for data collection, analysis, and reflection. While each unit determines how and when its program learning outcomes (PLOs) will be assessed, the process must include at least one direct measure of student learning.

• Direct measures involve students' demonstration of acquired program learning outcomes (PLOs), such as research papers, exams, portfolios, student performances, and direct observation/evaluation of student performance by practicum supervisors.
• Indirect measures supplement direct measures by providing proxy information and additional insights into attainment of PLOs, such as students' self-assessment and reflections, alumni interviews, employer questionnaires, course evaluations, and exit surveys as students graduate.

Closing the Loop

Closing the loop involves using assessment results to implement changes in teaching methods, course design, assessment of learning, or resource allocation. It also involves monitoring trends over time, to determine whether changes we make lead to improvements in subsequent assessment cycles.

Compliance with HLC Criterion 3.F. Program Review involves improving our curriculum based on periodic program review.

Assessment Report Resources

The following resources are meant to aid in documenting the systematic approach to assessment of program learning outcomes (PLOs):

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Program Assessment Report Video Tutorial
• Program Assessment Report Template A or Template B (or use a template created by your college)
• Feedback Form for Program Assessment Reports
• Assessment Reporting for Continuous Improvement

In addition to these annual 2-pg. reports covering PLO assessment, the 5-year Academic Unit Review (AUR) process covers in-depth program review (i.e. budget; space; student-to-faculty ratios; faculty development and productivity; student services and support; student recruitment, enrollment, retention, graduation, and employment rates; and future directions for the program).

Summer Assessment Grants

For over a decade, the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs has supported innovative faculty projects that improve student learning outcomes assessment. While projects may vary considerably in nature and scope, projects that pursue assessment activities outside the scope of normal, required assessment activities will be prioritized.

Funding is available to provide stipends during the summer to faculty members; funds may not be used by staff members or for operating expenses. Upon completion of the project, a brief report summarizing the summer grant work is required.

Proposals (no more than 2 pages total) are solicited from faculty members, working individually or in teams of two or three faculty members. Each proposal should include the following information:

1. Project goals and objectives
2. Background and rationale for the project, including a statement as to how the project relates to department, college, and/or University assessment plans
3. Description of project activities and anticipated results
4. The amount of funding requested (up to $500.00 per faculty member, not to exceed a total of $1,500 per faculty team)
5. Support for the project provided by the department or college (e.g., supplies, graduate assistant wages, etc.) as appropriate
6. Name(s) of faculty member(s) who will carry out the project
7. Affirmation that the department chair and college dean are aware of the project and endorse it

Completed proposals should be submitted by March 1. Proposals will be reviewed by members of the University Assessment Committee.  Awards will be announced before the end of each spring semester.  All work must be completed and the final report submitted by June 30.

Faculty members who apply for summer assessment grants must be current employees who are returning to Ball State in the following fall.

Submit a proposal

View the Summer Assessment Grant FAQs for more information.