About

Academic program assessment and review ensure academic quality, alignment with CSUCI’s mission, and compliance with accreditation standards. These processes help departments track student achievement, improve program outcomes, engage in strategic planning, support continuous improvement, and prepare for institutional reporting.  Academic program assessment is an ongoing activity through which student learning is evaluated in relation to Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs).  Program Review is the systematic process of examining the capacity, processes, and outcomes of a degree program or department in order to judge its quality or effectiveness and to support continuous improvement (WSCUC).  Both of these activities support continuous improvement, an ongoing, evidence-based, and participatory process through which a program reflects on its effectiveness at achieving its educational and student success objectives.

• Annual Assessment Cycle

  • Each academic program must assess at least one Program Learning Outcome (PLO) annually.
  • Evidence of student learning should be collected using direct methods (e.g., signature assignments, portfolios, capstone projects).
  • Results are submitted in the annual assessment report to the Faculty Director of Assessment and Program Review.
  • Programs are encouraged to close the loop by using results to inform course content, pedagogy, and advising strategies.

• Curriculum Mapping and Signature Assignments

  • Programs must maintain a current curriculum map (Appendix A) showing where each PLO is Introduced (I), Developed (D), and Mastered (M).
  • Course assignments are linked to course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) that align with PLOs and provide direct evidence of student learning in relation to these specific PLOs.
  • Course assignments should appear in syllabi and reflect institutional and program learning outcomes and associated competencies and skills, including critical thinking, oral and written communication, and discipline-specific competencies.

• Five-Year Program Review Cycle

  • All degree-granting programs undergo comprehensive Program Review on a five-year cycle.
  • Components include a self-study, external review, and a post-review action plan.
  • Areas addressed include alignment between the program and university mission, student learning and educational outcomes, faculty accomplishments, and resource sustainability.

• WSCUC Accreditation

  • CSUCI is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
  • Assessment data and program reviews contribute to WSCUC’s accreditation reaffirmation and interim reports.
  • Departments should document how results from assessments are used to make improvements.
  • For more information about CSUCI's most recent WSCUC Accreditation visit the Accreditation website

• Program Accreditation

  • Academic program accreditation focuses on specific degree programs within an institution (e.g. nursing, engineering, business, or education) rather than on the institution as a whole.
  • Academic programs that undergo program specific accreditation will operate on the schedule and requirements of the accrediting body and do not need to participate in additional program review activities.
  • Departments interested in exploring program specific accreditation should meet with their Dean, the Associate Vice President for Academic Programs and Continuous Improvement, and the Faculty Director for Assessment and Program Review.

• Resources

  • For support, contact Dr. Melissa Soenke, Director of Assessment and Program Review: melissa.soenke@csuci.edu