6.3.10 University Assessment Committee (UAC) (J)
Approved by Academic Council on May 9, 2014 and by Administration on June 6, 2014.
A. Purpose Organizational Structure and Reporting
The University Assessment Committee is a joint standing faculty-administrative committee that will foster a culture of assessment and evidenced-based improvement at the University. This Committee is charged to provide recommendations to the Provost and Academic Council on matters related to the institution-wide assessment of academic and student development programs at the University.
B. Membership
The membership of the University Assessment Committee will include the following voting members. A committee member may represent more than one group, but will only have one vote.
- Two at-large faculty members appointed by Academic Council, with one from the College and one from another school, appointed for 3-year staggered terms (n=2). At least one member should be from the Academic Affairs Committee on Undergraduate Studies.
- One representative with assessment responsibilities from each school and college, Graduate Studies, the Library, and Student Life appointed by their unit (n=11)
- One representative with assessment responsibilities from University-wide academic programs (General Education, Writing Center, Office of Sustainability, etc.) appointed by their unit (n=3)
- The University's Director of Learning and Academic Assessment (n=1)
- The University's Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (n=1)
The majority of the committee will have formal course teaching responsibilities within the prior year.
The Committee Chair (or Co-Chairs) will be appointed by the Provost in consultation with Academic Council.
C. Committee Roles, Responsibilities and Charges
In its role to foster a culture of assessment and evidenced-based improvement at the University, the University Assessment Committee will have the following responsibilities and charges.
- Develop plans and recommendations for the assessment of University-wide outcomes.
a. Develop, review and revise assessment plans for University-wide learning outcomes. These plans will be reported to the Provost and Academic Council.
b. Recommend or develop specific assessments to be used in the assessment of University-wide and other learning outcomes. These recommendations will be reported to the Provost and Academic Council.
c. Develop, review and revise guidelines for program and unit assessment plans and reports. These guidelines will be presented to the Institutional Effectiveness Committee for review and revision and then to the Provost and Academic Council for review and approval. -
Foster a culture of assessment at the University
a. Collaborate with the Director of Learning and Academic Assessment and the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning in the selection, design, promotion and possible delivery of on- and off-campus programs on faculty development in assessment.
b. Promote the scholarship of teaching, learning and assessment and the recognition of assessment efforts in collaboration with units and pertinent offices, including providing recommendations to the Provost and Academic Council when appropriate.
c. Provide consultations to departments and programs on assessment matters. These consultations may be provided by individual or a group of members of this committee. -
Review the University-wide assessment report on the assessment of University-wide outcomes that will be prepared by the Director of Learning and Academic Assessment.
a. Review the annual report, provide any recommendations for revisions, and eventually provide the Provost with recommendations on the endorsement of the report.
b. Povide recommendations based on the annual report related to guidelines for plans and reports, selection and use, and faculty development in assessment. -
Meet at least monthly during fall and spring semesters and as needed over the summer.