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Welcome to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) Assessment page!

We’re glad you’re here. Below you’ll find key information to help you better understand our assessment processes and resources.

• For an overview of the assessment process, key elements, and timeline, visit our Assessment Framework page.

• To support university-wide assessment efforts, explore tools and materials on the Assessment Resources page.

• To learn more about the purpose and membership of the University Assessment Committee (UAC), visit the University Assessment Committee page.

• For answers to common questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

What Is Assessment and Why It Matters?

In simple terms, assessment is the process of collecting data to improve academic programs as well as institutional service and operations.

According to the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), assessment is a participatory, iterative process that: 

• provides data institutions need on their students’ learning;

• engages the college/school/department in analyzing and using that information to confirm and improve teaching, learning, and service;

• produces evidence that students are learning the intended outcomes;

• guides colleges/schools/departments in making educational and institutional improvements;

• evaluates whether changes made improve/impact student learning; and

• documents learning and institutional efforts.

At ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ (ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½), we embrace a comprehensive definition of assessment that goes beyond meeting accreditation standards to emphasize improving student learning and enhancing service and operational effectiveness. This commitment reflects a learner-centered model of institutional effectiveness, which is widely recognized across higher education as essential to achieving and sustaining quality.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s Approach to Assessment

To provide foundational guidance for assessment at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, the Assessment Team in the OIE developed the . In collaboration with the University Assessment Committee (UAC), the team also developed the Educational Programs Assessment Policy (updates in progress) and the Standard Procedures and Guidelines for Reviewing Program and Unit Assessment Plans and Reports (updates in progress) to meet the expectations of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), our regional accreditor.

These documents reflect ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s commitment to:

Institutional Success – Assessment is an ongoing process that supports a culture of evidence and continuous improvement across academic programs and administrative units.

Accreditation Compliance – Our assessment practices demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality programs and services that align with accreditation standards.

Stay Connected

Mailing List

To receive assessment updates and resources, email your request to: msu.assessment@murraystate.edu. To unsubscribe, please follow this . 

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Assessment Calendar

To receive automatic email reminders about assessment deadlines, subscribe to the .

Assessment Consultations

Need help with assessment? Schedule a consultation .