University Institutional Effectiveness Process and Strategic Planning
Texas Wesleyan University has an established Institutional Effectiveness Process. This process includes an Annual Program Planning and Assessment system that is linked to the University’s 2020 Strategic Plan to assess the overall institutional effectiveness and to ensure the quality of degree programs and administrative services and effectiveness on meeting the University mission.
The purpose of the system is to ensure that evaluations of student learning and service outcomes are systematically and regularly undertaken and that the results of these evaluations are used to improve the institution. Each academic, as well as administrative unit, participates in annual planning and assessment activities, using results from the assessments to improve programs/services and to evaluate and change the operational and strategic program plans.
Documentation and Reporting of Institutional Effectiveness
Texas Wesleyan uses TaskStream’s “AMS” for annual strategic and assessment plans and reports. TaskStream focuses on advancing educational excellence by providing clients with web-based software and supporting services to plan and manage the assessment process efficiently, facilitate the demonstration of learning achievement and foster continuous improvement throughout the education network.
This web-based home for assessment allows Wesleyan personnel throughout departments and schools to contribute to the assessment process and centrally house the resulting data and documents. Heads of departments are able to view, edit and follow-up on various departmental assessment goals and processes. The Office of the Provost provides training for faculty and staff on outcomes assessment and the use of TaskStream.
Faculty and Staff Participation in Outcomes Assessment
Department chairs and directors and certain designated faculty and staff members are responsible for doing the formal reporting of outcomes assessment related activities and results. All faculty and staff are given “view and comment” access to their department’s workspace in the system so that they may read and participate in the development of assessment and continuous improvement plans. The Provost Office provides outcomes assessment and TaskStream training.
Periodic Audits, Program Reviews & GEC Assessment
Self-Study Audits
The goal of an Academic Program Self-Study Audit is to achieve high-quality educational programs at Texas Wesleyan University, and self-study audits focus on curricular requirements; student learning outcomes; and teaching processes. The goal of an Administrative Department Self‐Study Audit is to achieve high‐quality student services and administrative support services at Texas Wesleyan University with a focus on service outcomes and service processes.
- Academic Programs/Departmental Self-Study Audit Instructions
- Administrative Department Self-Study Audit Instructions
Academic Program Review
Through the Program Review process, coordinated by the Provost Council, all University academic programs are assessed on a regular 5-7 year cycle in order to facilitate good decisions regarding the University’s mix of programs. The primary goal of Academic Program Reviews is to continually work toward the enhancement of the academic programs offered at Texas Wesleyan and move the University forward into a future with the most effective use of university resources. Whereas the academic self-study audits focus on student learning outcomes and curricular requirements, the program reviews address issues such as program centrality to the University mission and strategic priorities; curriculum and program information; quality and reputation; student achievement; strategic advantage of the program; and current demand and future marketability. The deans and the Provost Council, in consultation with the academic departments, determine the program review schedule each year.
Planning & Assessment Cycle
Summer/Early fall semester:
Departments and schools review and discuss assessment data from the previous year and discuss departmental improvement plans updated strategic goals and/or actions in light of data.
Mid-October:
Departments submit updated 3-year strategic plans and assessment plans to their dean/vice president.
Oct. 31:
Deans/Vice-Presidents submit school- and division-level strategic and assessment plans to the assessment office.
Fall and Spring semester:
Departments engage in assessment by gathering data based on the means of assessment established in summer/early fall.
June 1:
Departments submit assessment reports to the dean/vice president.
July 1:
Deans/Vice-Presidents submit school- and division-level assessment reports to the assessment office.
Useful Websites
- Association of American Colleges and Universities
- AACSB International
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges