The South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) value academic program and co-curricular assessment. The SDBOR Policy 2:11 states, “The assessment of student learning enhances the overall quality of academic and co-curricular programs.” The policy makes it clear that “at a minimum, each institution’s assessment structure and processes shall: a) support institutional program review or specialty accreditation for each academic program/department…b) include program-level (undergraduate, graduate and co-curricular) assessment plans and processes.” (For more information, see SDBOR Policy 2:11).
As part of the Higher Learning Commission criteria for accreditation, the institution must demonstrate “responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.” (Higher Learning Commission, 2017). The full list of HLC Criteria for accreditation is listed at following site:
Higher Learning Commission Criteria for Accreditation
Specifically HLC identifies assessment of student learning in the following criteria:
Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources and Support
The institution provides high quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.
3.A.2 The institution articulates and differentiates learning goals for its undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate, post-graduate and certificate programs.
3.C.2 The institution has sufficient numbers and continuity of faculty members to carry out both the classroom and the non-classroom roles of faculty, including oversight of the curriculum and expectations for student performance, assessment of student learning and establishment of academic credentials for instructional staff.
Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.
4.B. The institution engages in ongoing assessment of student learning as part of its commitment to the educational outcomes of its students.
4.B.1 The institution has effective processes for assessment of student learning and for achievement of learning goals in academic and co-curricular offerings.
4.B.2 The institution uses the information gained from assessment to improve student learning.
4.B.3 The institution’s processes and methodologies to assess student learning reflect good practice, including the substantial participation of faculty, instructional and other relevant staff members.
Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning
The institution’s resources, structures and processes are sufficient to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational offerings and respond to future challenges and opportunities.
5.C.2 The institution links its processes for assessment of student learning, evaluation of operations, planning and budgeting.