Outcomes assessment at Harper College is the process of collecting, analyzing and using data about student learning to focus institutional efforts on improving student achievement and the learning experience. Assessment at Harper is based on the following principles:
- Assessment is an ongoing process that leads to change and improvement.
- Assessment is not a task solely performed as a requirement of accrediting agencies - the reason for assessment is improvement.
- The use of data to support change leads to the most meaningful improvements.
- Assessment raises as many questions as it answers.
- Assessment focuses the attention of the College on continuous quality improvement.
The institutional outcomes assessment process at Harper includes annual cross-curricular assessment of a general education outcome as well as academic and administrative/student support unit program level assessment. The components of program level assessment include:
- identifying the program/department mission
- defining learning outcomes
- selecting assessment measures and establishing the criteria for success
- implementation and data collection
- using assessment results to improve student learning and support services
Program Learning Outcomes
All career programs have identified learning outcomes that describe the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students develop through successful completion of the program. Program Outcomes are listed within the college catalog under individual program listings.