Texas State University-San Marcos

     Members of Institutional Effectiveness, in collaboration with stakeholders across campus, created a targeted, yet flexible, plan for integrating assessment of the University Plan, the academic plan, academic program review, student learning outcomes, and educational support plans with SACS requirements that will be assessed beginning in November, 2009. A timeline and brief explanations of activities are outlined below. As the need for workshops and other activities arise, we will update its contents.

Using processes already in place via the strategic planning process and resulting assessment calendar, progress on university goals is submitted to the President’s Cabinet and placed on the Texas State web site for view by the university community.

Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS) Workshop Presentations

Two workshops are offered.  Workshops include the following: why integration of all assessment with SACS is important; how our regular ongoing assessment can tie to SACS requirements; how our assessment ties to our strategic plans; what are expectations with regard to student learning and educational support outcomes assessment; how assessment can benefit divisions; a definition of formative assessment and an explanation of the non-punitive nature of the assessment.

Overview Discussion of Educational Support Outcomes Formation with Administrative Division Councils

This discussion includes an overview of information related to the educational and administrative support outcomes being developed in accordance with the Southern Association reaffirmation process

Educational Support Outcomes Formation and Assessment Workshops for Administrative Divisions

These presentations are offered to all administrative divisions on a volunteer basis. Workshops serve as a follow-up to February discussions with administrative division stakeholders and provide specific information about formation and creation of administrative and educational support outcomes.

Academic Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment and Measurement Workshop

Workshop providing information on student learning outcomes assessment is offered to all academic faculty and staff on a voluntary basis. Information about “next steps” for improvement of learning outcomes and assessment are provided. In addition, Institutional Effectiveness and reporting areas provide assistance directly to academic departments during the spring semester to ensure that there is understanding and consistency in assessment activities.

Deans’ Presentations of College Strategic Plan Priorities in Open Forum

The University community is invited to attend academic deans’ presentations addressing strategic plan priorities through 2012. The forum is held in the Centennial Hall teaching theatre.

This website is linked from the Institutional Effectiveness website and includes all information related to SACS reaffirmation. Links include the Texas State Compliance Certification document, student learning outcomes and assessment, educational support outcomes and assessment, helpful definitions, and other SACS related links and documents.

The University community is invited to attend the Provost’s presentation addressing strategic plan priorities through 2012. The forum is held in the J.C. Kellam Reed Parr room.

Administrative Vice Presidents’ and Athletic Director’s Presentations of Strategic Plan Priorities

The University community is invited to attend the VPSA, VPIT, VPUA, VPFSS, and Athletics Director’s presentation addressing strategic plan priorities through 2012. The forums are held in the J.C. Kellam Reed Parr Room.

First Draft of 2007-2008 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Due to Administrative Unit Heads and Support Units in Academic Affairs

Administrative and academic support departments submit outcomes and two methods of assessment for each outcome via the University Planning and Assessment Outcomes website. They are reviewed by the appropriate unit head.

2006-2007 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Results Reviewed by Chairs/Directors

In 2006, all academic programs documented student learning outcomes, along with two methods of assessing those outcomes. The 2006-2007 assessment is submitted to department Chairs/Directors for review via the Academic Development and Assessment Outcomes website. Results provide information to assist in creating action plans for ongoing improvement of academic programs.

2007-2008 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Submitted to Vice President by Administrative Unit Heads

Administrative unit heads and Academic Affairs support unit heads review and approve administrative and educational support outcomes from reporting departments and forward them to the appropriate vice president.

Vice Presidents Review and Approve 2007-2008 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Submitted by Reporting Units

Administrative and educational support outcomes approval includes all administrative divisions and supporting units within Academic Affairs. Following approval by the vice presidents, an Institutional Effectiveness committee reviews intended outcomes to provide assistance to administrative divisions that have not yet met the appropriate content for outcomes.

2006-2007 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Results Reviewed by Deans

Following Chairs/Directors’ approval of student learning outcomes assessment and plans for improvement, deans will review and grant approval. After deans’ approval of departmental assessment and planned improvement, an Institutional Effectiveness committee reviews student learning outcomes assessment to assist academic departments with follow-up plans.

The Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and the Director of Academic Development and Assessment meet with all college councils to discuss changes and process improvements in the Academic Program Review process.

President’s Cabinet Retreat

President’s Cabinet discusses SACS reaffirmation process and responsibilities at the annual retreat. Cabinet reviews University Strategic Plan draft for the extension of the University Plan through 2012.

SACS Institute on Quality Enhancement and Accreditation

Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, as SACS Liaison, attends to gain additional information about issues related to the Texas State SACS reaffirmation.

President announces Texas State Leadership Team for the Southern Association of Collages and Schools reaffirmation. The Texas State SACS Leadership Team has the responsibility for overseeing the entire institutional review, including the production of the Compliance Certification and the Quality Enhancement Plan.

Planning Session for all Departments going through Academic Program Review in 2008

The Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and the Director of Academic Development and Assessment begin discussion with all departments scheduled for Academic Program Review in 2008. Discussion focuses on the Academic Program Review process, schedule, and expectations as well as available assistance.

SACS Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Discussions Begin

The Director of Academic Development and Assessment, along with a faculty co-chair, meets with diverse focus groups of University stakeholders through the fall 2007 and spring 2008 semesters to discuss possible topics for the Quality Enhancement Plan. This information will be used to come to agreement on the Quality Enhancement Plan topic.

2007-2008 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Chairs/Directors

Following 2006-2007assessment, all academic programs have the opportunity to revise or change outcomes and the methods of assessment used to measure expected outcomes. As the 2007-2008 assessment of learning outcomes begins, Academic Development and Assessment assists in creating plans for program improvement. Chairs/Directors review and approve revised outcomes and methods.

Using processes already in place via the strategic planning process and resulting assessment calendar, progress on university goals is submitted to the President’s Cabinet and placed on the Texas State website for view by the university community.

Institutional Effectiveness Preliminary Compliance Certification Team begins a Compliance Certification audit to review the meaning and scope of each SACS Core Requirement and Comprehensive Standard. The group works with division heads to determine responsibility for each Core Requirement and Comprehensive Standard.

The Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, the Director for University Planning and Assessment, and the Director for Academic Development and Assessment will hold a group forum to answer questions on the upcoming SACS reaffirmation.

2007-2008 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Deans

Following chair approval of student learning outcomes and assessment methods, deans review and approve outcomes and methods of assessment. Following outcomes approval, Academic Development and Assessment assists departments and schools in developing and implementing assessment methods.

Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment and Measurement Workshop

Workshops providing information on outcomes assessment are offered to all administrative divisions and Academic Affairs support staff on a voluntary basis.  Information about “next steps” for improvement of outcomes and assessment are provided. In addition, Institutional Effectiveness and reporting areas provide assistance directly to departments during the spring semester to ensure that there is understanding and consistency in assessment activities.

2007-2008 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results Due from Reporting Departments to Unit Heads

In 2007, all administrative departments and Academic Affairs support areas documented administrative and educational support outcomes. Administrative and academic support departments submit 2007-2008 assessment results to their unit head via the University Planning and Assessment Outcomes website. They are reviewed by the appropriate unit head.

May 30-June 20, 2008

2007-2008 Academic Affairs Student learning Outcomes Assessment Results Reviewed by Chair

In fall 2007 all academic departments and schools were given the opportunity to revise learning outcomes and assessment methods for each academic program.  Results from the 2007-2008 outcomes assessment provide information to assist in ongoing improvement of academic programs. 

Academic Deans will determine specific deadlines for chair review and approval.

May 30-June 30, 2008

2007-2008 Academic Affairs General Education Outcomes Assessment Results Reviewed by Designated Chair/Directors

In Spring 2008 academic departments and schools teaching general education courses created outcomes and assessment methods for appropriate courses.  Results from the Spring 2008 outcomes assessment provide baseline information to assist in ongoing improvement of the general education core. 

Chair/Directors will review and approve general education outcomes and assessment during this time period by accessing the “General Education” college on the Academic Development and Assessment website.

Upon completion of conversations with stakeholders, a QEP topic is chosen. The creation of the plan is led by a QEP Task Force, appointed by the University Leadership Team, which will be working through December, 2009 to create the plan.

2007-2008 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results Submitted to Vice President by Administrative and Academic Affairs Support Unit Heads

Administrative unit heads and Academic Affairs support unit heads review and approve administrative and educational support outcomes assessment results. Outcomes are forwarded to the appropriate vice president.

The President, Provost, SACS Liaison, SACS Faculty Representative and the Chief Financial Officer attend in Atlanta Georgia.

Vice Presidents Review and Approve 2007-2008 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Results Submitted by Reporting Units

Following approval by vice presidents, an Institutional Effectiveness committee reviews administrative and educational support outcomes assessment results to assist in creating an action plan for improvement.

2007-2008 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Results Reviewed by Deans

Following Chairs/Directors’ approval of student learning outcomes assessment and action plans for improvement, deans will review and grant approval. Following deans’ approval of departmental assessment, the Office of Academic Development and Assessment assists in developing plans for improvement.

2007-2008 Academic Affairs General Education Outcomes Assessment Results Reviewed by Designated Academic Deans

Deadline for Academic deans to request changes in department/school general education outcomes and assessment. The Dean, University Colleges grant formal approval following the approval of the General Education Council.

2007-2008 Academic Affairs General Education Outcomes Assessment Results Approved by Dean, University College

Academic deans have the opportunity to review general education assessment with chairs/directors through June 30. The Dean, University College grants formal approval following the approval of the General Education Council.

Leadership Team Appoints Quality Enhancement Plan Task Force to Create Plan

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) describes a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well-defined topic or issue related to enhancing student learning. The creation of the plan will include broad based institutional participation and regular feedback loops to the University community on QEP progress. The plan is finalized in October, 2009.

University Strategic Plan Progress Report Completed

Using processes already in place via the strategic planning process and resulting assessment calendar, progress on university goals is submitted to the President’s Cabinet and placed on the University website for view by the university community.

Planning Session for all Departments going through Academic Program Review in 2009

The Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and the Director of Academic Development and Assessment begin discussions with all departments scheduled for Academic Program Review in 2009. Discussion focuses on the Academic Program Review process, schedule, and expectations, as well as available assistance.

2008-2009 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Administrative Unit Heads

Following 2007-2008 assessment, all administrative and educational support departments have the opportunity to revise or change outcomes and the methods of assessment used to measure expected outcomes. As the 2008-2009 assessment of outcomes begins, University Planning and Assessment assists in creating plans for improvement. Administrative unit heads review and approve revised outcomes and methods.

2008-2009 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Chairs/Directors

Following 2007-2008assessment, all academic programs have the opportunity to make minor modifications to the outcomes and methods of assessment. As the 2008-2009 assessment of learning outcomes begins, Academic Development and Assessment assists in creating plans for program improvement. Chairs/Directors review and approve minor modification to the outcomes and methods.

The Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness provides forums for question and answer sessions about progress being made toward SACS reaffirmation.

The Institutional Effectiveness Preliminary Compliance Certification Team completes the Compliance Certification audit and shares information from this audit with the President’s Cabinet. This information is used to assist the completion of the SACS Compliance Certification document.

2008-2009 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Review by Deans

Following chair approval of student learning outcomes and assessment methods, deans review and approve outcomes and methods to improve programs. Following outcomes approval, Academic Development and Assessment assists departments and schools developing and implementing assessment methods.

2008-2009 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Vice Presidents

Following administrative unit head approval of administrative and educational support outcomes and assessment methods, vice presidents review and approve outcomes and methods of assessment. Following outcomes approval, University Planning and Assessment assists departments in developing and implementing assessment methods.

2008-2009 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results Due from Reporting Departments to Unit Heads

Administrative and academic support departments submit 2008-2009 assessment results to their unit head via the University Planning and Assessment Outcomes website. They are reviewed by the appropriate unit head.

2008-2009 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Results Reviewed by Chair

Results from the previous outcomes assessment cycles provide baseline information for assessing 2008-2009 year improvements of academic programs. Chairs/Directors review and approve outcomes progress and provide feedback on program improvement.

2008-2009 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results Submitted to Vice President by Administrative and Academic Affairs Support Unit Heads

Administrative unit heads and Academic Affairs support unit heads review and approve administrative and educational support outcomes assessment results. Outcomes are forwarded to the appropriate vice president.

Vice Presidents review and approve 2008-2009 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results submitted by reporting units

Following vice presidential approval, an Institutional Effectiveness committee reviews educational support outcomes assessment to provide assistance to administrative departments. University Planning and Assessment records and keeps track of educational support outcomes assessment submitted.

2008-2009 Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Reviewed by Deans

Deans review and approve outcomes progress. Following deans’ approval of departmental assessment, the Office of Academic Development and Assessment tracks progress on student learning outcomes and assists with plans for improvement.

President’s Cabinet Retreat

President’s Cabinet discusses issues related to the SACS off-site review for reaffirmation.

Using processes already in place via the strategic planning process and resulting assessment calendar, progress on university goals is submitted to the President’s Cabinet and placed on the University website for view by the university community.

Planning Session for all Departments going through Academic Program Review in 2010

The Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and the Director of Academic Development and Assessment begin discussion with all departments scheduled for Academic Program Review in 2010. Discussion focuses on the Academic Program Review process, schedule, and expectation, as well as available assistance.

The Compliance Certification is the document completed by Texas State that demonstrates its judgment of the extent of its compliance with each of the Core Requirements, Comprehensive Standards, and federal regulations as presented in The Principles of Accreditation. The document is based on Texas State’s internal analysis and assessment of its compliance.

2009-2010 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Administrative Unit Heads

Following 2008-2009 assessment, all administrative and educational support departments have the opportunity to make minor modifications to the outcomes and the methods of assessment. As the 2009-2010 assessment of outcomes begins, University Planning and Assessment assists in creating plans for improvement. Administrative unit heads review and approve minor modifications to the outcomes and methods.

2009-2010 Year Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Chairs/Directors

Following third year (2008-2009) assessment, all academic programs have the opportunity to make minor modifications to outcomes and the methods of assessment. As the 2009-2010 assessment of learning outcomes begins, Academic Development and Assessment assists in creating plans for program improvement. Chairs/Directors review and approve minor modification to the outcomes and methods.

2009-2010 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Vice Presidents

Following administrative unit head approval of administrative and educational support outcomes and assessment methods, vice presidents review and approve outcomes and methods of assessment. Following outcomes approval, University Planning and Assessment assists departments in developing and implementing assessment methods.

2009-2010 Year Academic Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment Revisions Reviewed by Deans

Following chair approval of student learning outcomes and assessment methods, deans review and approve outcomes and methods to improve programs. Following outcomes approval, Academic Development and Assessment assists departments and schools developing and implementing assessment methods.

The Off-Site Review Committee’s responsibility is to evaluate the compliance of each institution with the Core Requirements and Comprehensive Standards, with the exception of the Quality Enhancement Plan. The committee reviews and analyzes the Compliance Certification and supporting documents and prepares a report identifying areas of compliance and explaining areas of non-compliance.

Specific dates are given to the University as the review approaches. The role of the On-Site Review Committee is to determine the institution’s compliance with Core Requirement 2.12, which deals with the Quality Enhancement Plan, and with all other Core Requirements and Comprehensive Standards except those with which the Off-Site Committee has judged the institution to be in compliance. At the conclusion of its visit, the On-Site Review Committee prepares the Report of the Reaffirmation Committee, a written report of its findings noting areas of non-compliance, including the acceptability of the QEP. The Report of the Reaffirmation Committee, along with the institution’s response to areas of non-compliance, will be forwarded to the Commission for review and action.

2009-2010 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results Due from Reporting Departments to Unit Heads

In 2008, all administrative departments and Academic Affairs support documented administrative and educational support outcomes. Administrative and academic support departments submit 2009-2010assessment results to their unit head via the University Planning and Assessment Outcomes website. They are reviewed by the appropriate unit head.

2009-2010 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results Submitted to Vice President By Administrative and Academic Affairs Support Unit Heads

Administrative unit heads and Academic Affairs support unit heads review and approve administrative and educational support outcomes assessment results. Outcomes are forwarded to the appropriate vice president.

2009-2010 Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes Assessment Results Due from all units to Vice Presidents

Following vice presidential approval, an Institutional Effectiveness committee reviews educational support outcomes assessment to provide assistance to administrative departments. University Planning and Assessment will record and keep track of educational support outcomes assessment submitted.

Review by Commission on Colleges

Commissions’ Compliance and Reports (C&R) Committee will receive and review the report of the On-site Committee, the response of the institution to the committee’s report, the institution’s Compliance Certification, and its Quality Enhancement Plan. The full Commission receives the C&R report and will make a decision regarding the reaffirmation of the institution’s accreditation and any follow-up activities that it requires of the institution.