In order for assessment to be sustainable and comprehensive, we believe it should (1) be integrated directly into the curriculum, and (2) incorporate students as stakeholders. Assessment has often been villified within institutions, creating tense relationships among stakeholders. To date there have been few attempts to actively include students in program evaluation and accreditation. While some effort has been made to solicit students' opinions, students rarely get the opportunity to perform assessment. Our research centers around a graduate-level assessment course which happened to coincide with a WASC visit and APR review. By using the accreditation process as a learning opportunity, students were able to participate in hands-on assessment - work that was directly relevant to the university they attended as well as to their chosen concentrations. Stop by, learn more about the benefits of this initiative for students, teachers, and even WASC, and above all find out what a powerful learning opportunity this can be.
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges & Universities, 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501 (510)748-9001
