Academic Assessment

Arcadia University has established a robust commitment to effective assessment practices in Academic Affairs. Using mission-based foundations and systematic exploration, faculty and staff at Arcadia are committed to analyzing the effectiveness of areas such as student learning, faculty efficacy, program effectiveness, and the successful achievement of all programs meeting the standards of their accrediting bodies. Arcadia University believes that the continuous, structured and thorough exploration of teaching and learning leads to dynamic university-wide improvements, as well as to the acknowledgement of successful practice.

For all inquiries concerning student learning assessment, program review, and accreditation,  please contact John Noakes, Associate Provost and MSCHE Accreditation Liaison Officer at noakesj@arcadia.edu.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) serves as Arcadia University’s regional accrediting body and is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.  Every 8 years, Arcadia conducts a Self-Study guided by the Middle States Standards for Good Practice and adheres to the MSCHE policies regarding course development and assessment.

Arcadia University Academic Programs which do not require industry assessment by an accrediting body conduct a Program Review every 5 years. The process begins with a Self Study and is followed by an External Review. The process culminates in a public presentation of the findings in the academic year following the External Review.

The AUC Assessment Committee assesses aspects of the Arcadia University Curriculum each year. Made up of faculty and members of the AUC Steering Committee, their work addresses both direct questions concerning student learning outcomes and broader questions of effectiveness and experience.

AUC assessment projects include:

Programs conduct student learning assessments internally, with the guidance of accreditation standards, established programmatic outcomes, faculty and staff. Arcadia believes that dynamic assessment of student learning happens each day, and that each program measures student achievement according to its own vetted rubrics. Each year, department Chairs and Program Directors report on student learning assessment outcomes in their annual report, which is reviewed by the Dean and the Provost.