The Office of Academic Planning and Assessment (OAPA) supports the University’s assessment and evaluation priorities by marshaling evidence and promoting a culture of evidence in line with the University’s Strategic Plan. In addition to providing direction and consultation on campus-wide and department-based student learning assessment, OAPA supports intentional improvement by contributing evidence for the strategic planning process and designing and directing survey and evaluation research projects across campus.
OAPA welcomes partners in the design and implementation of assessment and evaluation projects that inform institutional improvement. We provide UMass Amherst academic programs and individual faculty with consultation support in several areas:
-
Exploring and articulating student learning outcomes appropriate to a course or program.
-
Finding useful ways of assessing student success in achieving program goals.
-
Developing strategies for ongoing reviews of program effectiveness for quality improvement, accreditation, and other purposes.
-
Developing evaluation plans for new programs, grant proposals, and externally funded projects.
