The Assessment Cycle is a matrix that graphically organizes the frequency of SLO assessment. Because programs have multiple SLOs in three broad categories, not all SLOs are assessed each year. The Assessment Cycle is usually a multi-year process that is completed in three years; however the program faculty may choose to assess the SLOs annually or biennially. Program faculty should decide on when and in what year each SLO will be assessed. The Assessment Cycle is evaluated on the following criteria:
- clarity – the cycle is clearly articulated
- all student learning outcomes are measured
- data is collected at least once in the cycle for each SLO
- there is a date or time period for data analysis and interpretation
- there is a date for planning improvement actions based on the data analysis
- there is a date for dissemination of results to the appropriate stakeholders
Figure 2 shows a general example of a three-year Assessment Cycle over a six year period from 2010-11 through 2015-16. In this example, the unit plans to have its data analysis and interpretation take place from May-June each year, its improvement actions completed by August 15, and its results disseminated by September 15 (NOTE: these are examples only; units set their own internal dates). Dissemination dates should be set prior to the annual deadline for uploading data to Compliance Assist!.
The matrix shows clearly that SLO#1 was assessed in the 2010-11 and will be assessed again in the 2013-14 academic year; SLO#2 will be assessed in the 2011-12 and 2014-15 academic years; and so on. The example in Figure 2 shows that the unit assesses and collects data on two SLOs per year so that all six SLOs are covered in the cycle.
Figure 2: General Example of an Assessment Cycle