University Assessment

Duquesne University’s mission and values provide the foundation for university-wide assessment.  The Strategic Plan 2010-2015 states our commitment to meaningful assessment in overarching Goal VIII, “ASSESSMENT will be coordinated University-wide and used as a means of planning.”

Through assessment, Duquesne documents accomplishments, celebrates successes, demonstrates good stewardship, and develops as a university.  Assessment is an essential element of peer review by regional and specialized accreditation bodies.  The University uses assessment to demonstrate accountability to our key stakeholders, most importantly, to those generations of students who have made Duquesne a great American Catholic university.

Dimensions of a Duquesne Education

The "Dimensions of a Duquesne Education" serve as a bridge between Duquesne's mission statement and student-learning outcomes assessment efforts throughout academic affairs and student life.  The dimensions provide a framework to guide programs in developing and assessing their own educational goals within the context of the mission.

Institutional Effectiveness

The Institutional Effectiveness Committee (IEC) coordinates university-wide outcome results with the Executive Cabinet.  Duquesne's approach to institutional effectiveness is rooted in its commitment to "serving God by serving students."  This commitment is reflected through the thoughtful stewardship of all University resources entrusted to it, including human, physical, and financial.  The University assesses its progress through processes such as the following:

  • annual reports of student learning outcomes
  • academic program review
  • regular review of faculty and staff performance
  • alumni surveys
  • benchmarking with various types of peer groups
  • specialized accreditation and external review processes
  • dashboard indicators for finance, budget, and enrollment (including admission, retention and graduation rates)

Assessment of Student Learning

Student learning is at the heart of Duquesne's effectiveness.  Duquesne's Assessment Process reflects its complex identity as a doctoral research university and a Catholic university rooted in the Spiritan tradition.  All academic programs - undergraduate, graduate and professional - assess student learning.  Faculty develop, implement and review assessment plans and outcomes for their programs.  Each academic program submits an annual assessment report summarizing results and articulating ensuing changes in curriculum, instruction, or resource allocation.  The Core Curriculum and Honors College assess student learning at a university-wide level.

FORMS: Assessment Plans and Annual Reports

  • PLAN: Student learning outcomes assessment plans are submitted to and stored in the Dean's office in each school.  Assessment plans typically span about five years.
  • ANNUAL REPORT: Assessment Annual Report should be submitted to assessment@duq.edu by September 1.  Models for completing the academic program annual assessment report are located in DORI under the Faculty tab in the Academic Affairs channel.

Resources

The Academic Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee (ALOA), comprising faculty representatives from each school and the library, promotes meaningful assessment planning and development across Duquesne.  In partnership with the Center for Teaching Excellence, ALOA members provide consulting, workshops and book studies, print and online resources, and annual faculty mini grants.

Useful Links

Contact:

Dr. Alexandra Gregory
Associate Provost/AAVP for Academic Affairs
412.396.4525
gregorya@duq.edu

Academic Affairs Resources