Academic Program Assessment
WCU’s academic programs engage in ongoing student learning outcomes assessment by identifying specific learning outcomes, measuring progress on those outcomes, and implementing data-driven improvements. This process results in the submission of annual assessment documentation in the form of a Continuous Improvement Report, or CIR.
Our academic programs also undergo periodic comprehensive evaluation through our own institutional program review process or an external review by a programmatic or professional accreditation agency.
Both the continuous improvement and program review processes help us support and assure the quality of the student learning experience here at WCU.
We’ve included links to our most frequently utilized resources below. For even more detail on academic program assessment, please visit our SharePoint site (WCU log-in required).
Frequently Asked Questions
Assessing our academic programs ensures that the academic offerings by the University are continuously improving. By keeping track of Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s), such as discipline-specific knowledge or research outcomes, we have a better insight into changes or updates that need to be made to keep each academic program working better for students.
Academic programs are assessed through Student Learning Outcomes, which focus on student performance in specific programs within each academic college. Each program creates outcomes to measure things like knowledge gained, skills learned, and the total benefit the the student gains. The support service units however are assessed using goals that focus on effciency, operational effectiveness, and quality of service.
Assessment Resources
CIR PromptsThis document outlines the questions asked on the CIR; use it as a supplement to completing your CIR in Xitracs.
CIR Fillable Template Use this Word document if you prefer to type out your CIR responses before transferring them into Xitracs.
Academic Program Assessment Plan For academic program assessors. This template provides a basic outline for planning assessment.
EXAMPLE - Academic Program Assessment Plan Review this file if you need guidance on completing your Assessment Plan.
Format Option for Curriculum Mapping Use this document as a template for curriculum mapping.
EXAMPLE - Curriculum Map Review thie file if you need guidance on creating a Curriculum Map.
2023-24 CIR Deadline
Monday, October 7, 2024 by 5 P.M.