OEOA Guiding Principles

Principles of Academic Program Evaluation

Program goals and objectives should be strategically aligned to the program purpose, strategic priorities, and institutional mission.
Evaluation priorities should focus on the program's impact on student learning and performance outcomes, whether that impact is direct or indirect.
Academic degree program evaluations must include a systematic review of student learning that is based on key assessment measures that are properly sequenced, that vary in rigor and complexity, and that demonstrate progression towards mastery of required competencies and skills.
Effective academic program evaluation includes (at a minimum) a comprehensive review of curriculum, instructional practices, learning environments, co-curricular activities, scholarly productivity, and student/stakeholder perceptions and feedback.
Evaluation works best when it is based on long-term evidence that is gathered from multiple measures and perspectives.
While process indicators are important, MSM places the highest priority on quality performance indicators as the leading basis for effective program evaluation.
MSM academic program evaluation is not punitive, but rather intended to promote continuous quality improvement of programs and services.