Our Assessment Philosophy

1. Assessment is a TOOL, not a TASK

Assessment is not a checklist item to satisfy compliance - it’s a valuable tool that helps faculty and programs understand how students are learning and where improvements can be made. When used thoughtfully, assessment becomes a method for growth, innovation, and student success.

2. Assessment is a JOURNEY, not a DESTINATION

Assessment is an ongoing, reflective process, not a one-and-done activity. Like all meaningful journeys, it evolves over time, shaped by new insights, challenges, and goals. Each cycle builds on the last, allowing for continual refinement in how we support student learning.

3. Assess WHAT MATTERS

Focus on what’s meaningful - student learning outcomes that align with your program’s mission and the competencies students truly need. Be intentional. Just because something can be assessed doesn’t mean it should be. Prioritize quality over quantity, and invest your efforts in assessment that informs action, not just documentation.

4. Assessment doesn’t have to be EXTRA

Assessment should be integrated into existing teaching practices, not treated as an add-on. Many of the class activities faculty already do - grading, giving feedback, refining assignments - can double as assessment activities when aligned with learning outcomes. With the support from AAPR, assessment is natural and sustainable.

5. Assessment is not a ONE SIZE FITS ALL

Every program is unique at CSUN. Assessment should reflect the distinct identity and needs of each discipline. OAAPR encourages a flexible approach that allows programs to use the tools and methods that work best for their context. Whether through embedded assignments, selection of courses/teaching faculty, and learning outcomes (ISLOs, PSLOs/GSLOs) there are multiple valid pathways to meaningful institutional-led assessment.

6. SHARING the STORY is important in assessment

Assessment is more than just data - it’s a story about student learning, faculty innovation, and program impact. Sharing that story through the Annual Continuous Improvement Report helps contextualize the numbers and makes the findings actionable. When we share our assessment stories, we connect purpose to practice.