The Office of Instruction seeks to recognize excellent practice in assessment for continuous support of student learning and success as well as promote a collaborative culture of assessment. The Award for Excellence in Academic Program Assessment aligns with the mission of the Office of Instruction to “empower instructors and students to enhance the teaching and learning environment across campus” (OVPI website). Winners of this award provide leadership in UGA’s efforts to cultivate a strong culture of assessment for student learning.
Eligibility:
All academic programs leading to a credential (undergraduate majors, graduate programs, professional programs, and certificates) are eligible to be recognized if:
- An assessment report was completed and submitted on or before the October 1 deadline
- The program’s report aligns with the program’s plan
- The program has submitted a report for at least three consecutive years
- The program has not received this award in the past three years
Award Criteria:
The following criteria will be used to evaluate potential winners:
- Assessment design for the program provides strong evidence of student learning outcomes
- The program’s assessment reports consistently meet or exceed good practice criteria
- The program has established a culture of assessment (as evidenced by collaboration, communication, buy-in, and planning of the assessment process among faculty, administrators, and other program personnel)*
- Curriculum, instructional, program, or assessment plan changes have been considered and implemented based on assessment findings
*Note: The Xitracs reporting template does not explicitly prompt for this information. For those wishing to be considered for the award, the “Additional Narrative” section is an appropriate place to articulate (or expand upon) how the program has established a culture of assessment.
Nomination and Selection Process:
For ease and efficiency, the annual program assessment reports submitted in Xitracs will serve as nomination materials. Within the reporting template, submitters will have an option to (a) indicate if they would like their program to be considered for the award, and if so, (b) provide additional information to highlight how they meet the criteria for the award. There are no additional nomination materials (e.g., a formal letter) needed.
The Office of Assessment will appoint a selection committee to aid in reviewing self-nominations and identify up to six winners for the academic year (two undergraduate program winners, two graduate program winners, and two certificate program winners). Those appointed to serve on the selection committee could include SLO coordinators, faculty, and/or administrators who have knowledge and experience in assessment.
Each nomination will be reviewed by the Office of Assessment and the selection committee using a rubric that aligns with the award criteria. The finalists will be discussed by the selection committee and the Vice President for Instruction.
Award recipients will be recognized during Honors Week in spring semester and through various university marketing efforts. Winning programs will receive a certificate as well as catered breakfast for the program faculty provided by the Vice President for Instruction to be shared among the program faculty.
