The Office of Assessment & Program Review operates within the Office of Academic Affairs. The mission of the Office of
Assessment & Program Review at Marshall University is to support best practices
in assessment of student learning at the course, program, and institutional levels,
resulting in continuous improvement in teaching and learning. To this end, the Office
will endeavor to:
- Promote a culture of assessment throughout the campus
- Conduct a multifaceted assessment program
- Promote faculty participation in assessment at all levels
- Define and assess value-added learning
- Use both local and national measures
- Use assessment results for continuous improvement and accountability
To achieve this mission, we are primarily focused on the following issues:
Assessment of Student Learning
Marshall University has an ongoing assessment program that is firmly rooted in the
University's mission. The assessment initiative grew from both faculty and administration
concern for institutional quality and accountability. The assessment process provides
the institution, colleges, and programs with information regarding institutional
effectiveness.
All segments of the University community—faculty, staff, administration and
students—are actively involved in this process. Of central importance in
the process is the assessment of student learning in the major and in general education,
directed by the University Assessment Committee, which is chaired by the Associate
Vice President for Assessment and Quality Initiatives.
Program Review
According to the WV Higher Education Policy Commission Series 10 Policy Regarding
Program Review:
"Each institutional governing board has the responsibility to review at least
every five years all programs offered at the institution(s) of higher education
under its jurisdiction and in the review to address the viability, adequacy, necessity,
and consistency with mission of the programs to the institutional master plan, the
institutional compact, and the education and workforce needs of the responsibility
district. Additionally, each governing board as part of the review is to require
the institution(s) under its jurisdiction to conduct periodic studies of graduates
and their employers to determine placement practices and the effectiveness of the
education experience."
The Office of Assessment and Program Review is responsible for coordinating this
process.