The University Assessment Steering Committee (UASC) will serve the vital function of overall coordination for assessment projects at USF. The UASC reports directly to the Provost. In response to the strategic priorities set by the USF Leadership Team, the UASC establishes yearly assessment activities within four main areas of interest: institutional strategic goals, program/service quality and effectiveness, the student/alumni experience, and student learning (see below). The Provost or his/her designee takes responsibility for informing other divisions of the University of the results and implications of the various assessment projects.
Our Mission
The mission for the University Assessment Steering Committee (UASC) shall be to promote excellence of the University of San Francisco academic and non-academic units through the development of a faculty and staff led assessment process. The primary function of the UASC shall be to advise, support and oversee student-centered learning assessment processes.
Our Goals
The primary goals of the UASC in meeting its mission shall be to systematically analyze:
- the learning experiences of our students.
- the transference and application of learning.
- the assessment and evaluation of what our students are learning.
- steps that should be taken to assure students are learning.
- the achievement of a mission driven student-centered assessment process.
- the assessment of non-academic, co-curricular, and alumni activities as related to learning.
Our Charge/Outcomes
The charge given the UASC by the Provost shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Evaluate the consistency with the University's Vision, Mission and Values as well as its strategic goals in all student-focused learning outcomes assessment.
- Coordinate the development process of all student-centered learning outcomes assessment.
- Educate, encourage and engage faculty, staff, and students in establishing student-centered learning outcomes and their assessment within academic and co-curricular units.
- Initiate and encourage assessment activities throughout the University.
- Make recommendations for improving assessment activities and the application of assessment results.
- Examine the extant assessment practices, recommend new and different strategies for learning outcomes assessment where warranted and provide counsel aimed at improving and enhancing the effectiveness of all our student assessment practices.
- Provide the Provost with an annual report summarizing all institutional assessment activities for the prior year.
- Develop a yearly calendar of assessment activities that will serve as the University's Assessment Plan.
- Serve as a resource and consultation group to all those who engage in student-focused assessment.
Assessment Committee Membership
This University Assessment Steering Committee (UASC) should include at the minimum the following nine (9) people with expertise and interest in survey development and assessment:
- Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (Gerardo Marin, Chair )
- Director of Institutional Assessment (Bill Murry)
- Director of Center for Institutional Planning and Effectiveness (Alan Ziajka)
- Associate Dean for Social Sciences (Michael Bloch)
- Assistant Vice President for University Life (Christina Sanchez)
- Associate Dean, Academic Program Review & Assessment, A&S (Mike Webber)
- Academic and Enrollment Services - Information Services (Fred Baldwin)
- Faculty members from each of the following schools:
- School of Education (Patricia Busk)
- College of Arts and Sciences (Keally McBride)
- School of Nursing (Kia James)
- College of Business and Professional Studies (Sonja Poole & Linda Henderson)
The chairperson of the group shall be appointed by the Provost selected from among the group members.
