Assessment at UDC

A Short History of Assessment at UDC

The 2005 UDC Self-Study proposed assessment templates and an assessment cycle, documenting assessment reports in academic programs and administrative units. Outcomes assessments at UDC, were implemented in 2006-2007 when a cadre of Assessment Fellows were trained by an Assessment Institute. They became the champions of best assessment practices in their programs and units. In 2012, an Assessment Handbook was developed by a university assessment committee led by the Office of the Provost. Historically there have been periodic assessment workshops (for example, March 22, 2012; May 29, 2014;  June 19, 2014) including a professional development series at the beginning of the fall and spring semester, assessment day in April ( PPT from Dr. Allen Richman and school and college assessment professional development, which provide training opportunities for faculty, program directors, and staff in methods and use of assessments to improve their teaching, programs, and units {“Maintaining a Culture of Assessment” and “Get Ready for TK-20“}. Since then, faculty, program directors, and staff have made data informed decisions to improve their courses, programs, and units.  {For example, see Assessment Resources for Student Affairs.}

Between 2010 and 2013, the university explored many strategies and electronic mechanisms for a central repository for data and for efficiently completing data analysis and reports for the many assessments occurring across the university.   In 2014, the university purchased TK20 and assigned responsibility for its implementation to IRAP. Plans were put in place to populate at least two modules: the Faculty module where faculty credentials would be maintained and where faculty could enter their teaching, scholarship, and service activities; and the Planning module where program directors/coaches could enter their curriculum maps, assessment plans, and generate assessment reports.  Assessment coordinators/coaches for each program have been designated, and training consistently takes place via online training videos and face-to-face sessions.

The University Assessment Committee (UAC), a group of faculty, staff, administrators, and assessment coordinators, has the major responsibility for developing, supporting, and expanding an evidence-based decision making campus culture. The UAC has developed The Firebird Guide to Assessment, to guide all components of UDC towards sustaining its culture of assessment.

1. See The Firebird Guide to Assessment (March 2016)
2. See Charge for the University Assessment Committee.
3. See Schedule of Assessment Calendar.
4. See Course Assessment Template.
5. See Program Assessment Template.
6. See Unit Assessment Template.
7. See example of completed assessment report (Criminal Justice).
8. See Assessment at UDC-CC

The UAC is developing The Firebird Guide to Assessment , expanding on the 2012 Assessment Handbook, to guide all components of UDC towards sustaining its culture of assessment.

Important Documents

University Assessment Committee 2015-2016 Report to Provost (Submitted 12-16-16)

The Firebird Guide to Assessment (March 2016)

Division of Student Affairs Student Life & Services – CAS Best Practices Self-Assessment SWOT Analysis

Guide to Division of Student Affairs Assessment Planning

University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Guide for Developing Program Objectives, Learning Outcomes, and a Career Pathways Map

The UDC Project on Learning Outcomes Assessment Guide for Linking Learning Outcomes and Courses, Developing Syllabi, and Considering Career Pathways Spring Semester 2011

Assessment Resources in Student Affairs