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HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION EXPECTATIONS

FOR ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING

The assessment of student learning will be a key component of the next North Central Association (Higher Learning Commission) accreditation for the University of Northern Iowa and for the self-study to prepare for the HLC review team.  The links on this page are intended to provide information related to Higher Learning Commission expectations for assessment of student learning.

Examples of Self-Study Reports

This page provides links to self-study reports from selected institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, including UNI peer institutions.

• Higher Learning Commission Handbook of Accreditation
  http://www.ncahlc.org/download/Handbook03.pdf
• 
  See pages 3.1-4 and 3.2-8 through 3.2-12 for specific statements criteria and examples of evidence for student learning and effective teaching.
• A Guide for Institutions and Evaluators

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/0412GuideInstitutionsandEvaluators.PDF

This guide from the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions provides five principles for the focus on student learning and implications for assessment and accreditation. 

What an Accrediting Commission Should Reasonably Expect of an Institution

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/0412AssessmentAccredLearningPrinciples.PDF

• Student Learning, Assessment and Accreditation

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/AssessStuLrngApril.pdf

This statement from the Higher Learning Commission includes Fundamental Questions for Conversations on Student Learning and Evaluating the Organization’s Efforts to Assess and Improve Student Learning.

• Assessment of Student Learning: Assessment Culture Matrix

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/AssessMatrix03.pdf

This matrix developed by the Higher Learning Commission provides descriptors for identifying beginning, progressing, and maturing levels for the development of a culture of assessment. For a worksheet for analyzing levels of achievement see http://www.ncahlc.org/download/02-AnlysWksht.pdf .