Administrative departments, offices, and functional units in all divisions and at all campuses at ATU have two assessment processes for improvement in professional practice:
These processes are supported through guidance and review by the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee.
Assessment in academic support embodies the Higher Learning Commission's 4th Guiding Value, "A culture of continuous improvement”, which states,
A process of assessment is essential to continuous improvement, and therefore a commitment to assessment should be deeply embedded in an institution’s activities. Assessment applies not only to student learning and educational outcomes but to an institution’s approach to improvement of institutional effectiveness.
Academic support units complete annual (July 1 - June 30) assessment following a standard assessment cycle. Units are required to enter their plans into the Weave assessment management system. These plans support the unit’s comprehensive program review.
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To improve professional practice, academic support units are asked to complete an in-depth self-study review every five to seven years following the guidelines of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).
Founded in 1979, the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) is the pre-eminent force for promoting standards in student affairs, student services, and student development programs. CAS creates and delivers dynamic, credible standards, guidelines, and Self-Assessment Guides that are designed to lead to a host of quality programs and services. CAS aims to foster and enhance student learning, development, and achievement. (CAS, 2023)
The University Assessment and Accreditation (UAA) office offers "CAS Class", an online course in Blackboard and Weave, to assist units in completing a self-study and five-year action plan. The class starts in January and July and is completed in 18 weeks. A course is also available starting in May for 15 weeks. The UAA office coordinates with units to register for the course. For more information about CAS Class and CAS review, please contact the UAA office.
