Assessment & Accreditation Committee

The Assessment and Accreditation Committee provides leadership and coordination for institution-wide assessment and accreditation efforts. Its primary role is to ensure that the institution is regularly evaluating how well it is achieving its mission and using that information to improve.

At many institutions, assessment and accreditation work can feel separate or only visible during major review cycles. At our institution, this committee helps ensure that both are part of our everyday work. This means regularly asking: How do we know we are doing what we say we do? and How can we do it better?

The committee was originally established to focus on student learning assessment. It has since expanded to include institutional effectiveness (assessment of administrative and support services) as well as ongoing accreditation efforts. By bringing these areas together, the committee supports a more coordinated, consistent, and sustainable approach to improvement.

Charge

To guide and support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of assessment and accreditation practices across the institution, in alignment with institutional goals and Higher Learning Commission criteria.

Purpose

We recognize that assessment and accreditation can sometimes feel complex or burdensome. Our goal is to make these processes as clear, useful, and supportive as possible.

At its core, this work is about improvement—not compliance for its own sake. By keeping assessment and accreditation active and visible throughout the year, the committee helps ensure that the institution remains focused on student success, effective services, and continuous improvement.

The Assessment and Accreditation Committee works to:

• Promote a shared understanding of assessment and accreditation across campus
• Support a culture where decisions are informed by evidence
• Ensure that assessment processes are meaningful, manageable, and useful
• Keep accreditation expectations visible and integrated into regular institutional practices
• Encourage continuous improvement in both academic programs and institutional services

What We Do (Roles and Responsibilities)

The committee’s work includes:

• Guiding assessment practices across academic programs and administrative units
• Providing feedback on assessment plans and reports to help improve clarity, quality, and usefulness
• Supporting faculty and staff in developing practical and effective assessment methods
• Encouraging the use of results to improve programs, services, and student learning (“closing the loop”)
• Coordinating timelines and processes, including an annual assessment calendar
• Helping prepare for accreditation reviews, including reaffirmation and other reporting requirements
• Keeping accreditation visible year-round, not just during review cycles
• Sharing information and resources to improve understanding and engagement across campus

Membership and Structure

The committee is made up of employees from faculty and staff across the institution. Members serve as representatives and liaisons to their respective areas, helping to:

• Share information
• Provide support and guidance
• Bring forward questions, challenges, and ideas

This structure helps ensure that assessment and accreditation efforts are collaborative and relevant across campus.

• Current Serving Committee Members
  Anna K. Westman, Chair

  Joe Campbell

  Hanan Douglas

  Candace Gross

  Mark Hanan

  Debbie Hardy

  Stacie Hay

  Christy Mann

  Monica Mobley

  Michael Moody

  Michael Nowlin

  Shannon Reily

  Elizabeth Wakefield

In addition to its internal work, the committee places a strong emphasis on clear and consistent communication with the broader campus community.

Communication and Ongoing Engagement

The Assessment and Accreditation Committee is committed to keeping the campus community informed and engaged in its work throughout the academic year. Rather than limiting communication to major reports or accreditation cycles, the committee

shares regular updates to highlight progress, provide context, and promote understanding of assessment and accreditation activities in the Assessment and Accreditation Newsletter.

The Assessment & Accreditation Newsletter aims to:

• Increase transparency around institutional processes
• Share practical examples and approaches from across campus
• Reinforce the connection between assessment, accreditation, and improvement
• Keep faculty and staff informed without overwhelming them with technical language

 

Assessment & Accreditation Newsletter