For Faculty, What Are the Functions of Institutional Assessment?

• In Event: 15.059 - Fairmont Royal York Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: 15.059-4 - Minority Faculty, Students, and Assessment

Abstract

With institutional assessment as a critical force in higher education, faculty involvement has repeatedly been identified as essential, though those leading the process, according to faculty, have not welcomed faculty or have encouraged them to be thoughtful regarding student learning and student assessment. The purpose of this study was to gather faculty perceptions of the functions of assessment at one Historically Black College or University in the Southeast. Based on responses (n = 63) to a survey, faculty see assessment as a way to strengthen curricula and individual courses, but just as importantly to satisfy accreditation requirements. Follow up qualitative interviews with a sample of faculty and department chairs suggest ways to involve faculty and improve upon assessment processes.

Author

• Steven M. Culver, North Carolina A&T State University