Fundamental proficiencies assessment
Background and purpose
All undergraduate degree programs must establish program learning outcomes (PLOs) that are aligned with the University’s Fundamental Proficiencies (i.e., Institutional Learning Outcomes):
- C - Communication (CO1)
- QR - Quantitative Reasoning (CO2)
- CT - Critical Thinking (CO3)
Departments must then develop curriculum maps that identify the courses that reinforce and master the achievement of the designated PLOs.
Using these curriculum maps as a guide, departments created Department Assessment & Improvement Plans outlining the schedule and methods for conducting Fundamental Proficiencies Assessment (FPA). FPA is the University-wide evaluation of all undergraduate degree programs as required by the University of Nevada, Reno's regional accrediting agency, NWCCU. FPA requires that PLOs designated with the University’s Fundamental Proficiencies be assessed at least once every three years at the "midpoint/reinforce” level and at the "culminating/mastery” level, as outlined in the curriculum map.
Within the Department Assessment & Improvement Plans, departments:
- identified the assessment measures and data sources that will be used to evaluate student performance related to the appropriate fundamental proficiency in the appropriate course;
- established performance thresholds to determine whether outcomes are successfully met; and
- established a 3-year assessment timeline indicating the semester or academic year in which data collection and analysis will occur.
Annual assessment reporting
Departments report assessment findings annually in accordance with the timeline established in their Department Assessment & Improvement Plan. Annual Assessment Reports document the assessment activities completed during the reporting period, including the courses assessed, measures used, student performance results, and comparison of results to established performance thresholds.
In addition to reporting results, departments analyze the implications of findings for both course-level and program-level improvement. Reports should describe any planned or implemented actions, such as revisions to assignments, instructional strategies, curriculum sequencing, or program requirements, and identify areas requiring continued monitoring or reassessment.
All Annual Assessment Reports are submitted through the Watermark platform. The Curriculum & Assessment office will review submissions, aggregate results across programs, and prepare university-level summaries of student achievement related to the Fundamental Proficiencies for institutional reporting and accreditation purposes.
Reporting process
All Annual Assessment Reports are submitted through the Watermark platform.
Step 1: Conduct assessment as outlined in the Department Assessment & Improvement Plans.
Step 2: Compile Required Attachments & Complete the Assessment Report.
Step 3: Complete/Submit the Assessment Plan in Watermark. Watermark FPA - Annual Assessment Reporting User Guide.