UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR) has released the 2023-24 Program Learning Outcomes Report, showcasing significant strides in the University's commitment to continuous improvement in education. This comprehensive report highlights progress in assessing student learning outcomes across majors and certificates and outlines future goals to enhance the assessment process.
Key highlights from the report include:
- Performance Targets and Findings: The report highlights that 95% of all assessment methods had meaningful performance targets, with 73% of findings meeting these targets. This demonstrates the University's commitment to setting and achieving high standards for student learning outcomes.
- Action Plans and Impact: 80% of instances where performance targets were not met included an accompanying action plan. Additionally, more than two-thirds of implemented action plans positively impacted student learning.
- Assessment Champions Award: The newly launched Assessment Champions Award recognizes exceptional faculty assessment practitioners. Six champions were identified in 2024 – 2025 for their expertise, advocacy for student success, and commitment to continuous improvement. Each champion received a $1,000 award and additional support for innovative assessment projects.
- External Reviews and Future Goals: The report includes feedback from an external review team and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), both of which commended Penn State's progress in developing a mature culture of assessment. OPAIR has begun implementing recommendations from these reviews and is developing an action plan to address additional suggestions.
Betty Harper, assistant vice provost for assessment, emphasized the importance of recognizing the dedication of assessment leaders.
"Our assessment leaders are the backbone of our continuous improvement efforts," Harper said. "Their dedication and hard work ensure that our programs remain rigorous and effective. Recognizing their contributions not only motivates them but also highlights the critical role they play in enhancing the quality of education at Penn State."
Looking ahead
For 2025, OPAIR aims to respond to additional aspects of the external feedback received in 2024, improve the Nuventive online user experience for assessment reporting, and increase support for faculty through expanded workshops and professional development opportunities. These efforts are part of Penn State's ongoing commitment to excellence in education and continuous improvement in program learning assessment.
For more information, please visit opair.psu.edu or contact the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research at assessment@psu.edu.