University Assessment

"Not everything that can be
counted... counts
And not everything
that counts...
can be counted"
-Albert Einstein

Assessment Statement
The educational experience at John Carroll University provides opportunities for students to develop as total human persons. To this end, the University is committed to providing engaging curricular and co-curricular experiences designed to maximize student learning. An integral component of understanding and improving the student experience is a coordinated program of assessing student learning. Assessment of student learning is a university-wide effort, bridging both academic and student affairs, with the support of the university administration.

The assessment program requires the systematic collection of information in order to both document and improve student learning. Ultimately, the information collected as part of the assessment program serves as a basis for curricular reform, program development, budgets and strategic planning.

The University Assessment Committee (UAC) is the primary oversight body for the student outcomes assessment programs of the university. The UAC is comprised of five appointed faculty, the Director of Institutional Research, the Director of the University Core Curriculum, the associate academic vice president, two appointed representatives from the student affairs division, and an undergraduate and a graduate student. The Director of Planning and Assessment chairs the committee.

Effective assessment of student learning relies on collaboration between students, faculty and administrative staff. Assessment of student learning occurs in the academic major, the core curriculum and in student life. Student participation in the assessment program is essential in meeting the University’s commitment to student learning. John Carroll University requires students actively to participate in the institution’s assessment program by completing surveys, tests, writing assignments, interviews, and other assessment-related activities.