Skip to main content

The importance of planning to institutional effectiveness is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in its 2024 Principles of Accreditation, which state the following expectations:

Section 7.1:

The institution engages in ongoing, comprehensive, and integrated research-based planning and evaluation processes that (a) focus on institutional quality and effectiveness and (b) incorporate a systematic review of institutional goals and outcomes consistent with its mission. (Institutional Planning) [Core Requirement]

Assessment is an integral part of Institutional Effectiveness at NKU. Assessment at NKU is defined as a process by which information is gathered on university operations and student learning to be evaluated for the purpose of improvement of student experiences and improved operational efficiencies. 

PIR supports annual assessment in the non-academic administrative and support services divisions. 

 

Administrative and Support Services Assessment Expectations

  • Assessment plans are evaluated annually at the division/sub-division level.
  • Assessment plans should comprehensively represent all of the units within the division or sub-division.
  • Divisions/sub-divisions are expected to plan, implement, and complete an annual assessment plan while adhering to the assessment cycle schedule.
  • Division/sub-division plans should be maintained within the WEAVE platform.
  • Assessment Is Collaborative – Assessment discussions should be occurring within the divisions/sub-divisions throughout the entire assessment cycle.

WEAVE Content Requirements

Mission Statement

Goals (minimum 1)

Objectives (minimum 3 per plan)

Supported Initiatives (minimum 1 per plan)

Measures (minimum 1 per Objective)

Targets (minimum 1 per Measure)

Findings (minimum 1 per Target)

Analysis of Findings (minimum 1 per Target)

Action Plan (where applicable)

NKU Assessment Resources

Assessment Summit

2025 • Meaningful Measures • Sept 26, 2025

2024 • Assessment Planning: Expanding Our Culture of Assessment (Sept 20, 2024)

Assessment Milestones Key Dates
  • Annual Assessment Summit --- Co-Sponsored by PIR and UGAA
  • Assessment Training/Refresher Sessions for administrative divisions/units provided by PIR, as needed

September

Phase I: Planning --- Completed

Deadline:

October 15

Mid-Cycle Internal Review

  • PIR will review assessment plans and provide feedback on content: 

Goals, Objectives, Supported Initiatives, Measures, and Targets

Begins:

January 15

Phase III: Analysis --- Completed

Deadline:

September 15

End-of-Cycle Internal Review

  • PIR will review assessment plans and provide feedback on content: 

All content including Findings, Analysis of Findings, and Action Plans

Begins:

September 15

Assessment Cycle Schedule

August - October

November - April

May - September

September - October

Additional NKU Assessment Resources