Assessment

Each academic and cocurricular program at SDSU conducts an annual assessment of student learning outcomes in their program(s). Assessment coordinators are designated within their unit and use a tool called Watermark Planning and Self Study to record their assessments.

• Program Assessment Support (InsideState)
• Watermark Planning and Self Study login
• South Dakota Board of Regents Assessment Policy (2.3.9) and Cross-Curricular Skills in Academic Programs (2.3.7.D)

General education is curriculum shared by institutions within the South Dakota Board of Regents system. The curricular requirements are usually completed by students within their first two years of undergraduate study. We assess learning outcomes on a three-year schedule with two goals measured each year. Important resources:

• General Education Assessment Support (InsideState)
• General Education at SDSU (Academic Affairs Overview)
• General Education Requirements (2.3.7)
• General Education Goals and Approved Courses (2.3.7.A)
• General Education Assessment Reporting (2.3.9.A)
• Cross-Curricular Skills (2.3.7.D)

Assessment Cycles

• 2025-26: #2 (oral communication) and #4 (arts and humanities)
• 2026-27: #1 (written communication) and #5 (mathematics)
• 2027-28: #3 (social science) and #6 (natural science)

At the end of each semester, SDSU administers course evaluations to students in courses. Aggregated results per course are provided to faculty and administrators who use it to improve teaching and learning. The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment supports the effort by working with the South Dakota Board of Regents to manage the administration of the course evaluations (aka IDEA surveys) using Anthology Evaluate. For pedagogical support, please see the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence (CPETE).

• Course Evaluation Procedures and Logins (InsideState)