The PRR: Linking Assessment, Planning & Budgeting PRR Workshop – April 4, 2013 Barbara Samuel Loftus, Ph.D. Misericordia University

(2) PRR Objectives To determine the current status of the implementation of processes for the assessment of institutional effectiveness + assessment of student learning outcomes (Standards 7 & 14) To assess the extent to which linked institutional planning + budgeting processes are in place (Standards 2 & 3)

Institutional Effectiveness + Student Learning Outcomes Demonstration of organized, documented + sustained assessment processes Clearly articulated institutional + unit-level goals – Student learning outcomes at institutional, program + course level Implemented strategies to achieve those goals Assessed achievement of those goals

Institutional Effectiveness + Student Learning Outcomes Used the results of assessments to: – Improve programs, services, teaching, + learning – Inform planning – Inform resource allocation decisions

Institutional Effectiveness + Student Learning Outcomes Note: – Evidence provided of assessment results – Processes + results are documented – Structures in place to ensure success – Evidence of a culture of assessment – faculty, staff, senior leadership – Guidelines, policies, resources + support of assessment initiatives – Communication-sharing of results

Institutional Effectiveness + Student Learning Outcomes Primary Context: – Standard 7: Institutional Assessment – Standard 14: Assessment of Student Learning Resource: Assessing Student Learning + Institutional Effectiveness: Understanding Middle States Expectations

Assessing Institutional Effectiveness Development of linkages: – Institutional Mission + Institutional Goals – Administrative Unit + Academic Program Goals (Annual Reports; Measures of Success; Assessment Results; Budget Resources) – Strategic Plan Goals (Performance Indicators)

Assessing Institutional Effectiveness Examples of Institutional Effectiveness College/University Measurements: – NSSE – Graduating Senior Surveys – Alumni Surveys – Retention + Graduation Rates

Assessing Institutional Effectiveness Strategic Plan Annual Review Process = oversight + tracking progress of strategic plan goals (in terms of goal achievement) Assessment of Key Factors in Strategic Plan: – Timely completion of action steps – Progress of quantitative performance indicators toward goals – Achievement of financial targets – Need for changes in context of plan or implementation

Assessment of Student Learning Academic Programs – Links between program goals, institutional mission and related institutional goals, strategic plan goals + general education program – Program learning outcomes (align course outcomes with program-level outcomes) – Methods of assessment – Implementation of assessment plans – Use of results to improve student learning

Assessment of Student Learning Example: Academic Program Annual Report – Documented program assessment plan – Student learning outcomes assessment report – Anticipated changes based on assessment results – Resources (budget requests) required for improvements

Assess Institutional Effectiveness + Student Learning Summary Points: Evidence of organized + sustained processes Evidence that results are being used to improve programs + services Evidence that results are being used to inform planning + resource allocation decisions

Linked Institutional Planning + Budgeting Processes Thorough overview + analysis of institutions planning + budgeting processes Demonstration of how those processes are integrated + linked Evidence of key planning documents Primary Context: Standard 2: Planning, Resource Allocation, + Institutional Renewal

Linked Institutional Planning + Budgeting Processes Note: – Ongoing planning + resource allocation based on mission + goals – Objectives developed to achieve goals – Use assessment results for institutional renewal – Evidence of strategic plan implementation + resource allocation – Evaluation of success of strategic plan + resource allocation as quality improvement

Budget Process Goals Support the Strategic Plan – Allocate resources needed to implement successfully – Congruence of the annual budget with strategic plan objectives + action steps Support Department + Academic Program Operational Needs = Annual Budget Development Process

Annual Budget Development Process Organization of Administrative Department/ Academic Program Annual Report – Link department/program goals to institutional goals – Enrollment trends/ SWOT/ Student Support – 3-year forecasts – enrollment expectations, faculty/ staff requests, expense requirements, capital needs – Resources required for improvements based on assessment information

Linked Institutional Planning + Budgeting Processes Summary Points Evidence of documented + inclusive processes Evidence of integrated strategic, department + academic program plans – Ensure that institutions mission + vision remain central – Revenues + expenses are in proper relationship – Capital needs are defined