Program Assessment

New Programs

Proposals for new programs and certificates must include:

  • program goals and program-level student learning outcome statements
  • a curriculum map that links outcomes to curricular and course experiences and requirements
  • an assessment timeline to map out the assessment projects for the next three biennial reporting cycles.

Proposal Process and Expectations

  1. Faculty developing a proposal must complete the New Program Assessment Plan, or the New Program Assessment Plan for CERTIFICATES, in consultation with the Assessment team who will provide support throughout the program proposal planning process.
  2. The Learning Outcomes Oversight Committee* (LOOC) is a joint Provost Office and Faculty Senate Committee (established, 2007) committed to promoting, supporting, and ensuring effective assessment as an integral part of the student learning experience at the University of Rhode Island. LOOC affirms that program assessment is a University-wide responsibility supporting our commitment to curricular and student learning improvement. Data and results from outcomes assessment for all academic programs are examined in the aggregate only and are used for improvement only, not to evaluate individual faculty or students. The charges to the committee are contained within sections 5.84.10-5.84.12 of the University Manual. In association with the Assessment Office, each year, LOOC presents a summary report of campus assessment activity from the prior year, and recognizes programs who demonstrated exemplary efforts to use outcomes assessment as a means to check on student learning in their programs. Reports to the Faculty Senate are available here.

Please review the Faculty Senate website for their current and specific curriculum procedures. Chapter 8, Section 8.85.14 of the University Manual outlines the steps required in the new program development and approval process.

Note: If you are planning a new ONLINE program or certificate, please also reach out to URI Online.

Need Help?

Contact us: assess@uri.edu