Assessment and Evaluation
North Park University is committed to continuous improvement and accountability through a comprehensive system of assessment and evaluation. Oversight is provided by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE), which coordinates processes, offers technical support, and assists departments and programs in implementing their assessment plans.
Institutional assessment areas
Institutional effectiveness is measured across several key areas:
- Academic program and core assessment
- Administrative planning and evaluation
- Academic program review
Each academic department develops annual assessment plans, conducts evaluations, and submits reports that highlight results and planned improvements.
Academic program and core assessment
Assessment at North Park is a structured process to improve, demonstrate, and explore student learning. It involves collecting and analyzing data on educational programs to enhance learning outcomes.
Student learning outcomes
North Park’s student learning outcomes reflect its commitment to academic and ethical development:
- Christian Frame: Articulate the Christian message rooted in the Bible.
- Communication: Communicate effectively in public, organizational, and interpersonal contexts.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Apply critical thinking to contemporary challenges.
- Ethical Reasoning: Use ethical principles in decision-making and civic responsibility.
- Information Literacy: Effectively use information systems and networks for knowledge.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Analyze and draw conclusions using quantitative data.
- Well-being: Understand wellness and its impact on individuals and communities.
Four-stage assessment cycle
North Park employs a four-stage model to assess program-level learning outcomes:
- Define: Establish student learning outcomes and expectations.
- Design: Develop assessments and tools to measure learning, including at least one direct measure per outcome.
- Discover: Gather and analyze data using tools like Canvas LMS and Campus Labs.
- Deliver: Use findings to make informed decisions and improve student learning.
Academic program review
Program reviews ensure educational effectiveness and guide future planning. All degree-granting programs not covered by specialized accreditation participate in a five-year review cycle. Reviews are faculty-driven and inform strategic decisions across all levels of the university.
Program review process
Programs are notified one year in advance of a scheduled review. The process includes:
- Reviewer Selection: Program provides OIE with a list of at least three preferred reviewers.
- Self-Study Development: Faculty prepare a written report and presentation, reviewed by the Program Review Committee (PRC).
- External Review: Reviewer visits campus, meets with stakeholders, and submits an evaluation report.
- Institutional Response: Program prepares a response to the reviewer’s report. The PRC provides final recommendations.
- Follow-Up: OIE monitors progress on action items for up to three years before the next review cycle.
Program review timeline
| Year | Phase | Key Activities | Due Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Preparation | Notification, data collection, reviewer selection | March 15–May 15 |
| Year 2 | Review Year | Self-study development, report submission | Sept 15–April 15 |
| Year 3 | Approval | PRC review and budget planning | Aug 15–Dec 15 |
| Year 4 | Implementation | Program improvements and assessment | Aug–May 15 |
| Year 5 | Follow-Up | Annual progress report | April 15 annually |
Course evaluations
North Park uses the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction, administered via Campus Labs. Students and faculty can access the platform using their NPU credentials. For assistance, contact the OIE or submit a JIRA ticket.