Institutional Assessment

Ensuring all learning experiences meet expectations.

"An institution provides students with learning experiences that are characterized by rigor and coherence at all program, certificate, and degree levels, regardless of instructional modality. All learning experiences, regardless of modality, program pace/schedule, level, and setting are consistent with higher education expectations."

–Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Standard III 

Assessment of Student Learning

"Assessment of student learning and achievement demonstrates that the institution’s students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their program of study, degree level, the institution’s mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education."

–Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Standard III 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) Assessment at Herkimer is achieved through a robust process of formative and summative assessments and documentation. The Student Learning Outcomes Assessment plan illustrates the course, program, and institutional level recursive cycle of planning, action, assessment and improvement. Herkimer’s SLO assessment includes an ongoing General Education Assessment plan in concert with SUNY and MSCHE general education competencies. All programs are reviewed on a systematic cycle.

Academic Assessment 

Herkimer’s assessment of student learning outcomes is driven by an active faculty from disciplines representing both Academic Divisions. They are dedicated to fulfilling the following goals toward enhancing teaching and learning for student success:

  • Strengthen knowledge and understanding of assessment and data utilization to promote collegial collaboration in continuously improving student learning outcomes and course objectives.
  • Define and operationalize student learning outcomes in an observable manner in courses and programs in accordance with the Herkimer College Mission Statement.
  • Collect, collate, analyze, present and use data to improve pedagogy and the development and refinement of reliable and valid rubrics.
  • Establish and maintain a system of accountability in which data is shared with stakeholders.
  • Recognize and reward innovative assessment techniques.

Assessment of Educational Effectiveness

Educational Effectiveness at Herkimer college is determined when the "Assessment of student learning demonstrates that the institution’s students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their programs of study, degree level, the institution’s mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education."

–Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Standard V

Department Assessment

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness partners with the Office of Institutional Research for furthering the effective use of assessment processes and practices, and use of data toward improvement. All instructional and non-instructional Department planning and assessment is aligned with executive-level strategic goals and priorities. Educational effectiveness focuses on student success through the implementation of best practices in college-wide integrated planning, quality services and collaborative innovations using assessment outcomes for all academic, administrative and student services departments.