Purpose Statement

The purpose of the AUHS Systematic Evaluation and Assessment Plan (SEAP) is to promote a culture of continuous improvement. Assessment and evaluation are defined as the systematic collection, review and use of information for the sole purpose of improving student learning. Assessment is directed toward determining what the University wants students to learn; how well they are learning it and gaining needed knowledge; and what we can do to help our students learn more effectively. Effective assessment requires that the collection and analysis of data be utilized for the purposes of fulfilling the mission and meeting educational objectives of the University programs and the University.

The AUHS SEAP has been developed to provide systematic and timely feedback in order to improve achievement, modify and refine educational objectives, curriculum and instructional methods to best meet our student’s educational needs, achieving the goals of our strategic planning and demonstrating responsibility and accountability to our accrediting agencies, governing bodies and other interested or affiliated parties. This effort contributes to the institutional responsibility for producing, reporting, interpreting, and explaining learning outcomes. Assessment and evaluation at several levels is an integral aspect of the University’s commitment to sustaining and enhancing academic quality and good student outcomes.

The AUHS SEAP has also been evaluated to determine its effectiveness and has been newly revised and in some cases developed to meet the needs of the University and its programs. Although some moderate alterations to the basic tools presented in this section may occur in AUHS Schools to meet accreditation or program needs, the basic tools serve as the foundation for the University Assessment & Evaluation program.

AUHS’s SEAP, also includes the Program Effectiveness Outcomes, is the culmination of multiple initiatives focused on continuous improvement strategies for quality, improvement, and service in the learning environment. The primary purpose of developing and implementing this institutional effectiveness and outcomes assessment plan is to document how well the University is fulfilling its mission and purpose. This is accomplished by the development of an annual School’s Systematic Effectiveness Plan to measure Program Effectiveness Outcomes (PEOs) to document the achievement of expected and stated outcomes and continuous improvement of the colleges administrative and educational support services units. All administrative and educational support services units participate in the process and assess the effectiveness of their programs, departments, operations, and processes on a continuous basis.