Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Program Review
We at Western New Mexico University continually endeavor to create a coherent, seamlessly integrated institutional apparatus for the ultimate realization of “lifelong success in work and life” (see WNMU mission) “within the changing context of a global, digital world” (see WNMU vision). To that end, we seek to enhance institutional effectiveness through strategic coordination of cross-collaborative committees, projects and initiatives, including curriculum assessment and program review, in support of student success and institutional coherence. Ultimately, our task is to engage persistently in institutional effectiveness planning.
Institutional effectiveness refers to how well our institution is achieving its mission, vision, and core goals. An effective institution is characterized by a clearly defined mission and vision that articulate whom the University serves, what it aspires to be, what it values, and to what end. Fundamentally, effectiveness is a function of data-driven decisions about resource allocations and continuous improvement.
In particular, institutional effectiveness and student success—in accordance with furthering the mission, vision, and values of Western New Mexico University—are predicated upon two overarching pillars: 1) curriculum assessment and 2) program reviews. Curriculum assessment is evaluated by annual programmatic student learning outcomes (SLO) assessment done annually. Program reviews consist of a comprehensive evaluation of the status of an academic unit based on degree plans, activities, achievements, and relative strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day, the effectiveness of Western New Mexico University is validated by determining whether the institution’s constituent units are addressing its mission, vision, and core values, as operationalized in the strategic plan.
Academic Affairs is principally responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Assessment Committee (which oversees department-level student learning outcome reports), the General Education Committee (which oversees General Education assessment), and the Curriculum and Instruction Committee (which oversees program reviews).
