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.
Mission Statement
Goals (minimum 1)
Objectives (minimum 3 per plan)
Supported Initiatives (minimum 1 per plan)
Action Plans (where applicable)
Measures (minimum 1 per Objective)
Targets (minimum 1 per Measure)
Findings (minimum 1 per Target)
Analysis of Findings including Next Steps (minimum 1 per Target)
Assessment Guidebook
Administrative Assessment at NKU
Assessment Review Rubric (Mid-Cycle and End-of-Cycle)
2025 Assessement Summit • Sept 26, 2025
2024 Assessment Summit: Expanding Our Culture of Assessment • Sept 20, 2024
| Assessment Milestones | Key Dates |
|---|---|
|
September |
| Phase I: Planning --- Completed | Deadline: October 15 |
Mid-Cycle Internal Review
Mission Statement, Goals, Objectives, Supported Initiatives, Measures, and Targets |
Begins: January 15 |
| Phase III: Analysis --- Completed | Deadline: September 15 |
End-of-Cycle Internal Review
All content including Findings, Analysis of Findings, and Next Steps |
Begins: September 15 |
