Developing an Effective Assessment Process To Support Institutional Effectiveness Efforts.

This paper describes a process and an organizational structure in which Institutional Effectiveness (IE) can thrive. When such a system is implemented, continuous quality improvement can be sustained for the long term. Key concepts and philosophies found in the literature regarding continuous quality improvement and assessment in higher education are briefly discussed. Major factors, including competition in the academy, escalation of legislative accountability mandates, and the heightened focus on customer satisfaction, that have been influential in the increased prioritization and the polarization of institutional effectiveness are also introduced. The primary focus of this paper is the general structure implemented at a major metropolitan research university that supports ongoing assessment activities. The overall organizational structure used for implementing this process is described. In addition, a succinct explanation of the roles and responsibilities of key participants within the assessment organizational structure is presented for consideration. The paper also addresses ways to increase the practicality of sustaining accurate, complete, and thorough documentation of assessment efforts. (Author/SLD)