1. Learning Outcomes Assessment Process at the American Public University System The American Public University System is committed to student learning outcomes assessment and its impact on the quality of teaching and learning. Learning outcomes assessment in the American Public University System is based on a process in which faculty and staff have identified student learning outcomes at the institutional, degree program, and course levels. The learning outcomes assessment program produces feedback to academic programs on the performance of its educational processes, thereby allowing each program to continually improve. Continuous assessment activities enables the University System to identify what students are learning and improve on the student learning environment through courses and academic programs. The learning outcomes assessment program at APUS: 1) provides students with useful information about their current knowledge, skills, and abilities; 2) enables the University System to evaluate the effectiveness of its academic programs in terms of achieving the desired learning objectives for its students; and 3) is used for continuous improvement at the institutional, degree program and course level. Guided by the sharing of assessment results to continuously improve student learning, the assessment process is designed to answer a broad question, how well are we accomplishing our mission? Jennifer Stephens, Ph.D. Dean of Assessment Office of the Provost American Public University System APUS website- http://www.apus.edu Learning Outcomes Assessment website – http://www.apus.edu/learning-outcomes-assessment

2. Direct and Indirect Measures of Assessment A wide variety of direct and indirect assessment measures are used to document student learning, and these measures are designed to assess student learning outcomes at the course, program, and institutional level.

4. Evaluate student learning

5. Build common ground and commitment

6. Provide strategic direction for continuous improvement of the program. Tools to Assist in Data-based Decision Making Phases of the Program Review Process

7. Benchmarking with Other Higher Education Institutions APUS and our programs are benchmarked against other schools and programs on various measures. Assessment and Accountability Collaborative Initiatives APUS participates in assessment and accountability collaborative initiatives with other schools and organizations to promote the culture of assessment.

8. Communication of Assessment Related Improvements To promote our institutional culture of assessment, it is important to communicate improvements in our systems, processes, and procedures based on assessment data back to our constituents.