Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness

Mission

The mission of the Department of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness (DAIE) is to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive assessment program to evaluate the institution's effectiveness in meeting its goals and objectives, as well as ensuring compliance with all accreditation standards and requirements. Through its activities, the DAIE supports and aligns with Palo Alto University’s (PAU) values of “Excellence & Integrity” and the strategic pillars of “Academic Excellence” and “Student Success” through the assessment of academic program and institutional goals. 

Objectives

The Department of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness is committed to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive assessment program that aligns with the strategic goals of the institution.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve institutional effectiveness in response to WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accreditation standards and requirements.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of data related to student learning outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and academic program review.
• Collaborate with academic departments and other institutional stakeholders to ensure that assessment data is used to inform decision-making and improve institutional effectiveness, , including in the areas related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness (DEIB).
• Serve as a resource to faculty and staff on matters related to accreditation and institutional effectiveness.

DAIE Updates

• We integrated Watermark’s Student Learning and Licensure with Canvas to collect student learning outcomes (performance of students on signature assignments such as final exams and final papers.)
• We started using Watermark’s Planning and Self-Study to develop accreditation and assessment reports for academic and co-curricular departments.
• We started preparing the self study for the re-accreditation of the university by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Institutional Assessment

Palo Alto University consistently engages in evidence-based efforts to help the institution understand, promote, and improve academic effectiveness and student success. Below are institutional assessment efforts at PAU:

• Institutional Learning Goals
• Assessment Committee
• Annual Assessment Summit
• Accreditation
• Academic Program Review
• Training & Resources