The assessment of General Studies at UNK was found to be problematic by the evaluation team of the Higher Learning Commission during the 2008 Focused Visit (continuing the commission’s concerns about GS assessment from 1994 and 2004).
Although assessment of GS was occurring in every department providing GS courses by 2008, the evaluators identified problems with the department-based approach being used. This continuing dissatisfaction resulted in the requirement for a progress report on GS Assessment in the new GS program by April of 2011. The next regularly scheduled accreditation visit will be in 2013-2014 and assessment of General Studies will continue to be a focus in that visit.
The HLC evaluator’s comments in the feedback report focused on the need for the following improvements:
- Consistent interpretation of GS learning outcomes across departments
- Common methods and instruments used to measure GS outcomes
- Standardized rubrics used to evaluate performance
The following documents provide information about the new General Studies Assessment process. Specific examples of standardized rubrics developed by AAC&U that will be used in the process and common assessment items to be used across the program are included.
GS Learning Outcomes (.pdf)
AAC&U General Education Assessment Presentation (.ppt)
Assessment of Your Portal Course (.ppt)
Common Portal Assessment Items (.pdf)
Standardized Rubrics (.pdf)