Outcomes Assessment — Office of Academic Planning & Accountability

Outcomes Assessment

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness supports the University’s commitment to institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement. This commitment is demonstrated by the university’s outcomes assessment processes of its educational programs, academic support services, and administrative operations. Specifically the university strives through its outcomes assessment processes to be in compliance with SACSCOC Comprehensive Standard 8.2 as defined by The Principles of Accreditation:

The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of seeking improvement based on analysis of the results in the areas below:

8.2.a. student learning outcomes for each of its educational programs
8.2.b. student learning outcomes for collegiate-level general education competencies of its undergraduate degree programs
8.2.c. academic and student services that support student success

Academic Units – Student Learning Outcome (SLO) Reports for Degree-Level Programs

2024-25 Instructions for Undergraduate Programs
2024-25 Template for Undergraduate Programs
2024-25 Rubric for Undergraduate Programs [for Author Reference]
2024-25 Rubric for Undergraduate-level Certificate Programs [for Author Reference]

New Definition for Undergraduate-level Certificate Programs:

Undergraduate certificates are coherent, distinct courses of study below the baccalaureate degree-level leading to mastery in a more narrowly defined set of program-learning outcomes than those obtained in a bachelor’s degree program. Certificates are official credentials issued by the UofL Board of Trustees in accordance with the UofL Redbook. Undergraduate certificates are generally a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours unless granted a standing variance by the Office of the Provost. The absolute minimum credit hours required for an undergraduate certificate are nine (9). Additionally, undergraduate certificates must have at least three core-credits and a culminating experience (e.g., exit exam, thesis, capstone project, capstone course, etc.). No more than 30% of credits may be shared between certificate programs to maintain the distinction and integrity of the credentials.

2024-25 Rubric for Graduate/Professional Certificate Programs [for Author Reference]

New Definition for Graduate/Professional-level Certificate Programs:

Graduate certificates are newly-defined as coherent, distinct courses of study at the postbaccalaureate degree-level leading to mastery in a more narrowly defined set of program-learning outcomes than those obtained in a graduate degree program. Graduate certificates are official credentials issued by the UofL Board of Trustees in accordance with the UofL Redbook, and they include postbaccalaureate, post-master’s, and post-professional certificates as defined by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). Graduate certificate programs must require at least nine (9) credit hours of graduate coursework at the 500-level or above with at least three (3) credit hours being core requirements of the graduate certificate. Additionally, all graduate certificates must require a culminating experience (e.g., exit exam, thesis, capstone project, capstone course). No more than 30% of credits may be shared between certificate programs.