Program & Curricula Effectiveness

The purpose of assessment at Chesapeake College is to enhance instruction and improve student learning through an ongoing process of self-examination and reflection. Faculty members play a key role in gathering evidence of student learning within their courses and collaborating with colleagues to evaluate the overall effectiveness of academic programs. These efforts ensure that students are well-prepared for their professional, civic, and personal lives.

Roles and Responsibilities

Faculty are at the heart of the assessment process. They design instructional approaches, set benchmarks, develop assessment tools, and implement assessment schedules that align with the learning goals of their courses and programs. Faculty involvement is essential, as the college’s accreditation depends on the demonstration of quality instruction and evidence of student learning. All full- and part-time faculty are expected to contribute to the assessment efforts.

In accordance with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the assessment processes provide evidence that:

• Students are achieving key institutional and program learning outcomes.
• Student learning assessment data is shared, discussed, and used to improve teaching and learning.
• Assessment results are documented and integrated into institutional assessment practices.

Although faculty are primarily responsible for facilitating student learning, the entire campus community participates in the teaching and learning process. Together, we work toward ensuring that students gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Oversight and Accountability

The Academic Programs and Curricula Committee (APC), a standing committee of the Faculty Assembly, provides oversight for the course and program review process. The APC ensures that General Education Program outcomes embedded in Limited Distribution Core courses are being taught and assessed effectively. Program effectiveness is also monitored through the College’s established program review process, which evaluates whether benchmarks for student proficiency are being met.

Academic Course & Program Assessment Plan

The Academic Course and Program Assessment Plan is designed to continuously improve courses and programs. The plan includes:

1. Development of meaningful student learning outcomes for each course and program.
2. Establishment of baseline standards for each outcome and benchmarks for improvement.
3. Alignment of course-level outcomes with program outcomes as appropriate.
4. Use of assessment data to complete the cycle of continuous improvement in both courses and programs.

This structured approach ensures that assessment is an integral part of course and program development, driving ongoing improvement and student success.