Assessment & Accreditation Self Study Report

Abstract

The study conducts a thorough evaluation of the assessment practices within academic units on campus. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE), which plays a vital role in the institutional accreditation process, held 37 meetings and interviews with various academic units (departments and groups) to gather data on three primary areas: faculty development, educational program review, and student learning. The questions used were developed and shared in earlier surveys with deans and department chairs in 2008, 2016, and 2020, and were carefully designed to elicit detailed information on the practices and perceptions of faculty members regarding assessment. The collected data was analyzed to uncover patterns and insights that could drive improvements across the institution. The analysis covers several thematic categories critical to assessment and accreditation, including orientation and mentoring, review and evaluation processes, teaching effectiveness, curriculum review processes, external assessments and reviews, quality monitoring, learning outcomes and assessment, student feedback, course records, distance learning, thesis and capstone assessments, and curriculum sponsor connections. The report acknowledges faculty challenges, such as increased workloads and budget constraints, while emphasizing that these can be effectively addressed through collaborative efforts among all stakeholders. Working together, NPS can overcome these challenges and ensure continued success. It also highlights actionable recommendations. These recommendations are not just suggestions, but essential steps towards creating a more structured and cohesive approach to faculty development, curriculum review, and student learning assessment. They are crucial for NPS's continuous improvement and accreditation readiness.