Academic & Support Services Assessment Reporting
As its mission, the University of South Alabama (USA) strives to make a difference in the lives of those it serves through promoting discovery, health, and learning. To achieve that mission, USA provides a wide range of academic and student support programs and services for its academically and demographically diverse student body.
Academic and student support programs, services, and activities are also connected to advancing priorities outlined in USA’s Strategic Plan. Specifically, the Student Access and Success priority states that,
“South commits to creating multiple pathways and partnerships that support admission of students from increasingly diverse backgrounds. South provides access to the tools and resources for a diverse student body to be academically and personally successful at USA and also prepares them to achieve their post-graduate educational and professional ambitions.”
At USA, the institutional assessment process is overseen by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE). In addition, representatives from various academic and support service units serve on the University Assessment Advisory Committee (UAAC) and act as assessment liaisons for communicating assessment expectations, deadlines, and updates.
Assessment Handbook
The assessment handbook is a comprehensive guide to the assessment process at the
University of South Alabama. It provides detailed information and guidance on best
practices for measuring and improving student learning outcomes, as well as tools
and templates for the components of an assessment report, data collection, and analysis.
The handbook is designed to support faculty, staff, and administrators in their efforts
to ensure the quality and effectiveness of our academic programs, administrative units,
and student support services.
Process
Annually, academic and student support service units are expected to document how assessment data are being used to seek improvement within their department. These annual assessment reports are submitted electronically by each unit using Watermark Planning & Self-Study software.
If you have questions or would like assistance, please email assessment@southalabama.edu.
Dates & Deadlines
Due to the implementation of Watermark Planning & Self-Study, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness has extended submission deadlines for the 2022-2023 reporting year.
September Third Friday: Reports due |
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October Third Friday: Feedback given |
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November Second Week: Final Reports Due |
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March As part of the transparency measures, the assessment reports will be published for public access, providing aggregated data and findings to ensure openness and accountability. |
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June Third Friday: Assessment Plans Due |
Resources
Sample Reports