FAQs

Academic Assessment

Administrative Assessment

Academic Assessment

1. 1. How is the new SLOPE template different from what we have submitted in the past?
The new template is designed to streamline reporting through an "executive summary" layout that pulls key information to the top of the report. Narrative material that provides context or data charts that illustrate the longitudinal or detailed analysis of results, may be included in the Appendix (e.g.-rubrics, data charts, meeting minutes).

2. 2. What is a "notable student achievement" on Part 1 of the SLOPE report?
This is your opportunity to share a highlight about your students/graduates from this past year. This could be an increase in student scores on a particular outcome, increased program enrollment, student award received, or other achievements that reflect well on your program.

3. 3. What are "follow-ups on prior year improvement plans" in Part 3 of the SLOPE report?
Because reports are submitted in summer, there is not always an opportunity to discuss decisions with faculty or to implement improvement actions in the program. This area "closes the loop" of assessment by describing what actions were actually implemented after reviewing assessment results.

4. 4. How many learning outcomes should we have on our program report?
The general guideline is from 4-8 outcomes, which would include any general education outcomes. The outcome areas should cover broad areas encompassing the body of knowledge, set of skills, and attitudinal dispositions expected of a graduate in your field.

5. 5. How many general education outcomes should we have on our program report?
For undergraduate programs, we would like each program to have at least one general education outcome listed this year. Many programs are doing this already, so it won't be new for them. If it is new for your area, you will likely just list the outcome and measure, the will report results in next year's report after you have had time to collect data. See the General Education Assessment webpage for more information.
More Information: https://www.baylor.edu/ie/index.php?id=958214

6. 6. What is a direct measure? What is an indirect measure?
Direct measures of student learning involve the direct examination or observation of student knowledge or skills. Indirect measures involve the perceived extent or value of learning experiences, often from the student's perspective.
More Information: https://www.baylor.edu/ie/doc.php/330018.pdf

7. 7. Do we have to have an improvement planned for every measure or outcome?
No, you don't have to plan an improvement for every outcome. However, you need to be making meaning from your results, and planning data-informed actions for at least one student learning outcome.

8. 8. What if our program has had fewer than 5 graduates this year or our program is new?
If your program has fewer than 5 graduates in a year or you have a new program, you can file an exemption in the Qualtrics survey used for uploading reports. However, you should still upload a SLOPE plan that shows your intended learning outcomes and measures, you just won't have results or improvements to report. For small programs, you should still collect data from this year's exit cohort and keep it for the following year, when the combined data from two exit cohorts can be analyzed together.

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Administrative Assessment

1. 1. How is the new AIM template different from what we have submitted in the past?
The new Administrative Improvement Measures (AIM) template is designed to streamline reporting through an "executive summary" layout that pulls key information to the top of the report. Narrative material that provides context or data charts that illustrate the longitudinal or detailed analysis of results, may be included in the Appendix.

2. 2. What is a mission statement and how do we write a good one?
A mission statement describes a short and clear description of the main actions, constituents, and direction of an organization. Development of a mission statement typically includes many of the people it serves, involves listening to each other, and ultimately articulates some agreed upon reasons for the purpose of the unit or organization.
More Information: https://www.baylor.edu/ie/doc.php/338556.pdf

3. 3. What is an administrative outcome and how do I write a good one?
An administrative outcome is a statement that describes an action your department/program/unit/etc. does to help the unit/university achieve its goals. A well-written administrative outcome typically aligns with the SMART acronym – it is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound and it is connected to the goals of the unit and/or university.
More Information: https://www.baylor.edu/ie/doc.php/337763.pdf

4. 4. What is strategic alignment at Baylor University?
Strategic alignment is demonstrating that departments/programs/units are focused on outcomes that connect to the university strategic plans and goals. The annual Administrative Improvement Measures (AIM) report has a section to designate related Institutional Goal(s) for each outcome. Institutional Effectiveness has identified three overarching Baylor documents that articulate the forward direction of the university. These include the Four Pillars of Illuminate, the Five Aspirational Statements of Pro Futuris, and the Six Guiding Principles of Ignite. In short, are the administrative outcomes you are focused on connected to one of these pillars, aspirational statements, or guiding principles?
More Information: https://www.baylor.edu/ie/doc.php/338372.pdf

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