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Institutional Research, Assessment, and Analytics

Assessment

The University of South Carolina employs a systematic assessment process that directs and guides decision-making, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improvement across the University.  In other words, we expect academic programs and professional units to not only participate in assessment and report results periodically, but also to make changes that improve programs in areas including but not limited to assessment, curriculum design processes, and delivery of educational programs and services.  Each unit uses a variety of measures to determine the extent to which its outcomes are achieved.  Please use the links below to learn how assessment activities drive program improvement.

Don't know where to start?  Choose an area to explore:

Academic Program Assessment (SACSCOC Standard 8.2.a)

The University of South Carolina Columbia requires its academic programs to assess the learning of their students.  Programs are asked to establish student learning outcomes and evaluate the performance of their students' against those outcomes. Visit the Academic Program Assessment homepage.

Administrative Unit Assessment (SACSCOC Standard 7.3 , SACSCOC Standard 8.2.c

USC’s Blueprints process is an annual planning and review process where administrative units are asked to link unit goals to the strategic priorities of the university and to articulate future initiatives for improvement while taking the unit’s budget resources into consideration. Visit the Administrative Unit Assessment Resources homepage for details on drafting the Blueprint for Administrative Excellence.

General Education (Carolina Core) Assessment (SACSCOC Standard 8.2.b)

The general education curriculum for all undergraduate students is expressed in the University’s Carolina Core. The assessment of the Carolina Core is collectively managed by faculty, the Office of the Provost, and OIRAA. Visit OIRAA’s Carolina Core Assessment Resources homepage for detailed information on assessing the learning outcomes of the Carolina Core.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) (SACSCOC Standard 7.2)

Experience by Design, USC's new QEP, emphasizes students' reflections on quality beyond the classroom experiences originating from curricula and co-curricular environments to advance students' understanding of experiences in the context of personal, professional, and academic goals.

Assessment of the QEP is coordinated by the Center for Integrative Experiential Learning (CIEL). Visit the QEP Homepage to learn more about our new QEP.

 

On-Campus Assessment Support

The Center for Teaching Excellence inspires excellence and innovation in teaching. They create and provide programming, resources, and opportunities that foster innovative and effective pedagogical practices among all who teach at USC. Visit their website to explore opportunities to expand your assessment experience. 

The Office of Academic Program Planning and Decision Support coordinates development, revision, and termination of degree programs for the USC system.  Learn more about program and course approval processes, review processes, and requirements for online learning by visiting their website

 

Institutional Research, Assessment, and Analytics


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