The basis of assessment work within majors and/or programs at Saint Mary’s University involves the setting of foundational program goals and outcomes that clearly define these goals into specific and measurable strands. Each program has created goals that represent the core of their programs. Goals and outcomes are evaluated each year and revised as needed so they accurately reflect the focus of each program. Means of measurement for each outcome are also identified, ensuring that program changes are based on concrete data.

Melissa Luedtke, Faculty Assessment Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Education

507-457-6623, Griffin Hall 203

mluedtke@smumn.edu

Manages the processes of the College Academic Assessment Committee and provides support to faculty and departments in their assessment of student learning efforts.  The Coordinator serves as the primary contact between academic departments/faculty and the Academic Dean, who has ultimate oversight of all academic assessment activities in the College.

The responsibility for decision-making regarding assessment lies within the faculty of each program. Each year, faculty groups decide what assessment work needs to be done and where to begin. Each program looks at program-wide assessment, both direct and indirect, as well as course-embedded assessment, the individual or small group decisions that influence the bigger picture of program effectiveness. Faculty members use data collection tools that are beneficial to their discipline and collaborate in decision-making. All assessment work is faculty owned. The process is designed to improve student learning while documenting decisions for the benefit of present and future faculty.