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Academic Assessment

Academic Assessment at the University of Hartford occurs at two levels; Essential Learning Outcomes and Program Learning Outcomes. Both Essential Learning Outcomes at the institution level and Program Learning Outcomes at the program level are submitted into a Watermark assessment software called Planning & Self Study (P&SS).

Institution-Level Assessment

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Essential Learning Outcomes

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs) are assessed at the senior level of bachelor's degree programs during the designated academic year. There are other specific ELOs evaluated in University Interdisciplinary Studies (UIS) and Mathemtatics departments on a different cycle.≠
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Program-Level Assessment

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Program Learning Outcomes

The University recommends that programs have at least 5-7 program learning outcomes, although programs with professional accreditation may have more than this number. On an annual basis, 2-3 of these outcomes are assessed, with programs selecting which outcomes to evaluate each year. It is advised that programs assess different outcomes each year rather than repeating those from the previous year. Ideally, all of the program's outcomes should be assessed at least once within a five-year span.
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Helpful Resources & Links

Annual Assessment Process Timeline

The timeline provides faculty members with an outline of when projects must be submitted into P&SS. View it in detail here.
Academic Assessment Support

An Assessment Coordinator is assigned within each College and Schools to assist faculty. Learn more.
Watermark Assessment Software

Watermark is the assessment software used for submitting both ELOs and PLOs. Access it here.

Need Assistance?

Faculty should email assess@hartford.edu if they need assistance with editing program learning outcomes, choosing an assessment project, collecting data on a project, analyzing results, or navigating any assessment software.