Assessment

The School of Undergraduate Studies uses a team-based process involving faculty, staff, and students in assessment. By encouraging participative, embedded, longitudinal practices, we can illustrate program success, improve learning, and support good teaching.

Work for Us

UGS Assessment periodically hires graduate students to assist with various projects, including student oral communication and writing skills assessments. If you would like to be notified of future opportunities to work with UGS Assessment, please send us an email.

Core Courses

Core curriculum assessment is required by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and is generally based on the Student Competencies defined for each core area by the Undergraduate Studies Advisory Committee. Assessment data in this area also assists UGSAC in making core curriculum listing decisions for each Undergraduate Catalog.

Flag Courses

Flag courses are assessed regularly to determine whether they are meeting the flag guidelines developed by the Faculty Council and the Undergraduate Studies Advisory Committee.

Signature Courses

Signature Course assessment is guided by the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in partial fulfillment of accreditation reaffirmation requirements. Assessing student learning outcomes and using data to make improvements in student learning experiences are key components of the QEP.

Program Evaluation

The programs and services offered by the School of Undergraduate Studies are periodically assessed and evaluated to identify areas needing improvement.

Assessment Strategies

Our assessment efforts are led by Dr. Cassandre Alvarado, who coordinates with the Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment, the Office of the Provost, and others to implement assessments of the core curriculum, flag courses, Signature Courses, and UGS programs.

Students, faculty and staff may be asked to participate in several different types of assessment activities, including:

• Audit Measures: gathering and examining records and documentation of activities

• Surveys: an ordered series of questions administered to individuals in a systematic manner

• Focus Groups: a small number of individuals who provide information about a chosen topic during a facilitated, interactive group discussion

• Assignment Evaluation: the systematic evaluation of student work products that uses a standard rubric or checklist

For more information, please contact Cassandre Alvarado, Assistant Dean, (512) 232-3997