1.Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to affirm the University’s responsibility to engage in institution-wide, systematic, and continuous assessment of the effectiveness of the institution and to establish clear, consistent, and sustainable processes for doing so. Institutional effectiveness activities are generally shaped by the University’s strategic plan, and many results of those activities provide evidence of progress on the strategic plan.
2.Scope
Institutional Effectiveness should be demonstrated in all aspects of the University’s activities. As such, this policy applies to all academic and administrative units within UNCG.
3.Policy
3.1Definitions
3.1.1
Assessment is the process of determining whether we are meeting our goals established in division, unit, and department operational plans. Assessment is conducted by each academic and administrative unit on an annual basis, following the fiscal calendar.
3.1.2
Institutional effectiveness is defined as a process that demonstrates achievement in accomplishment of the institutional mission by providing for review of the institution’s mission and related goals and outcomes, which results in data-informed approaches that lead to continuous improvement.
3.1.3
Institutional Effectiveness Committee (IEC) is a representative body of staff and administrators who consider issues related to assessment of administrative programs and activities, review assessment reports to ensure consistency with institutional expectations for administrative assessment, and who communicate to those entities the actions and decisions of the IEC.
3.1.4
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is UNCG’s institutional accrediting agency.
3.1.5
Student Learning Enhancement Committee (SLEC) is a representative body of faculty who consider issues related to assessment of academic programs, review assessment reports to ensure consistency with institutional expectations for academic assessment, and who communicate to those entities the actions and decisions of the SLEC.
3.2Requirements
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro must engage in an Institutional Effectiveness process that determines the extent to which the University is operating within its mission and is meeting the goals and objectives set forth in the Strategic Plan. The process of assessment is defined in such a way to ensure the University’s ability to meet the Institutional Effectiveness standards set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Assessment is conducted by each academic and administrative unit on an annual basis, following the fiscal calendar. The culmination of the annual assessment process is the annual planning report that documents objectives or outcomes; targets; results; action plans for divisions, units, departments, and academic programs as appropriate; and action plan follow-ups that document the results of action plans. Assessment results are used to inform programmatic and administrative decisions, strategic planning, budget requests, and resource allocations. It is an institutional expectation that each division and unit will reference and incorporate its assessment outcomes during the annual budgeting process.
4.Administration and Enforcement
Support for the implementation of the UNCG Institutional Effectiveness Policy is provided by two standing university committees: the Student Learning Enhancement Committee (SLEC) and the Institutional Effectiveness Committee (IEC). The Office of Assessment, Accreditation, and Academic Program Planning provides administrative support and oversight of these committees. Appropriate personnel and fiscal resources to support these assessment processes are allocated to the Office of Assessment, Accreditation, and Academic Program Planning which also assists with developing and delivering periodic training on planning and assessment.
Ultimate oversight of IE activities resides with the Chancellor. Responsibility for enforcement of this policy within each division or unit resides with the Provost, Deans, Associate Vice Chancellors, and Vice Chancellors.
5.Policy Review
The Institutional Effectiveness Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in University staffing or structure, revision of accreditation standards, or continual improvement of the IE process.
6.Contact
Comments or questions? Call the Office of Assessment, Accreditation, and Academic Program Planning at 334-5535 or email [email protected].
Revisions
| Revision Date | Revision Summary |
|---|---|
| 06/21/2023 | Office Name Change |