Institutional Effectiveness & Accreditation

Understanding Assessment

Assessment is a data-informed decision-making process that involves collecting, analyzing, and acting on information and evidence with the goal of improving students' outcomes and experiences, therefore supporting institutional effectiveness and accreditation. 

The assessment learning cycle explains the process of continuous improvement:

• Plan and identify outcomes, based on mission and goals
• Establish a plan to collect evidence
• Provide the experience and collect data
• Make meaning and draw conclusions from the findings
• Identify and implement changes
• Repeat

The assessment cycle is ongoing and continuously changing to ensure the highest levels of quality in academics, student support, and institutional development.

• The Assessment Cycle - a general overview of the steps within the Assessment Cycle
• Who, What, Where, When and Why of Assessment - outlining the difference between the various assessment processes at UND: Academic Program Review, University Assessment Reporting, and Essential Studies Assessment

Rationale for Assessment 

The assessment of academic and co-curricular programs, which is a critical component of HLC accreditation, provides an opportunity to engage in regular continuous improvement regarding the quality of educational programs and learning environments across campus. 

What do we Assess?

• Academic Programs
  • Student Learning
  • Comprehensive Program Review
• Co-Curricular/Student Support Programs
  • Student Learning and Development
• Essential Studies Courses

Celebrating Assessment

Annual Assessment Award

The UND Excellence in Assessment Award is presented to a UND employee who has gone above and beyond in their prescribed assessment duties. The recipient of this award is selected by the Office of Assessment & Accreditation and is approved by the Vice Provost for Student Success and the Provost. The recipient has excelled in assessment completion, quality of assessment, how assessment is used to make improvements, how others are encouraged about the importance of assessment, assist others in their assessment, volunteer with assessment and/or accreditation opportunities on campus, and have positive interactions with the assessment office and the assessment committee.

Award Winners

• 2022 - 2023, Sven Egenhoff, Geology & Geological Engineering
• 2021 - 2022, Amber Johnson, Nurse Anesthesia
• 2020 - 2021, Deborah Worley, Education
• 2019 - 2020, Brooke Solberg, Medical Laboratory Science