University Surveys & Assessments

FSU has developed comprehensive assessment processes and procedures and created recurring survey and assessment schedules to ensure that we maintain high standards of excellence and accountability across all aspects of our the university.

Recurring Survey Schedule

Updated: 1/2024

Surveys Dates Population Frequency
Advising Survey March Continuing undergraduate students Spring
Course Evaluations *September & November(fall)
*March & April(spring)		 Students enrolled in courses Fall & spring
Campus Climate Survey-Faculty/Staff March Faculty and staff Spring
Campus Climate Survey-Students November Current students Fall
Graduating Senior & Careers Survey *October (fall)
*March (spring)		 Graduating undergraduate students Fall & spring
Graduate & Careers Survey *October (fall)
*March (spring)		 Graduating graduate students Fall & spring
Facilities Survey *October Faculty & students Fall
Educational Testing Services (ETS) *November-December (fall)
*April-May (spring)		 Graduating undergraduate students Fall & spring
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) March-May Freshmen and senior students Even years, spring
Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) June-July Incoming freshmen students Odd years, fall

 

 

Recurring Assessment Schedule

Updated: 1/2024

Assessments Dates Population Frequency Contact
Operational Plan and Assessment Report (OPAR) August 30 Provost, Deans, Associate Deans (Social Work and Nursing), and Department Chairs Annual
* Taskstream Access*		 Dr. Rollinda Thomas
Annual Assessment Process (AAP): The purpose of the Annual Assessment Process (AAP) for university leadership and academic support units is to identify goals and metrics that show progress toward meeting division and institutional goals. Student-centered units and offices will also submit Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). June-July Associate Deans and Chairs 5-year cycle
*SharePoint Access*		 Dr. Nicole Lucas
Annual Faculty Evaluation August Faculty, Chairs, Associate Deans, Deans Annual
*Departments and Colleges*		 Department Faculty and Chairs
Chairs, Deans, & Provost Surveys April Staff, Faculty, Chairs, Deans Annual
*Departments and Colleges*		 Dr. Nicole Lucas
Program Review June-July Department Programs -Associate Deans and Chairs 5-year Review Cycle
*SharePoint Access*		 Dr. Alison Van Nyhuis

*Location of documents

Assessment Glossary

Terms Definitions
Accreditation A formal process in which external organizations evaluate and verify that an institution or program meets established standards of quality and effectiveness.
Assessment The systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to evaluate an institution's effectiveness, performance, or outcomes in various areas
Assessment Cycle The recurring process of planning, implementing, and evaluating assessment activities to improve educational programs continually
Assessment Report Assessment Report: A document summarizing assessment findings, results, and recommendations, often used for institutional improvement and decision-making.
Benchmarking The practice of comparing an institution's performance or outcomes to those of peer institutions or established standards to identify areas for improvement.
Benchmark Data Data used as a point of reference for comparisons, often involving data from peer institutions or industry standards.
Criterion-Referenced Assessment An assessment that measures an individual's performance against predetermined criteria or standards, focusing on what the individual knows or can do.
Data-driven Decision Making The practice of using data and evidence to inform institutional decisions, policies, and practices.
Formative Assessment An ongoing assessment conducted during a learning process to provide feedback and inform instructional decisions, helping students improve their performance.
Institutional Effectiveness The extent to which an institution achieves its mission, goals, and objectives, typically measured through assessment and performance data.
Norm-Referenced Assessment An assessment that compares an individual's performance to that of a norming group, allowing for ranking or comparison of performance relative to peers.
Outcomes Assessment The evaluation of the achievement of specific learning objectives or outcomes, such as knowledge, skills, or competencies, by students or participants in educational programs.
Program Review A comprehensive evaluation of an academic program or department to assess its goals, performance, and alignment with institutional objectives.
Qualitative Assessment Assessment methods that gather non-numerical data, often through methods like interviews, focus groups, or open-ended surveys, to provide a deeper understanding of performance or experiences.
Quantitative Assessment Assessment methods that rely on numerical data and statistical analysis to measure performance or outcomes, such as standardized tests or surveys with closed-ended questions.
Reliability The consistency and stability of assessment results. Reliable assessments produce consistent results when administered repeatedly.
Rubric A set of criteria or guidelines used to evaluate the quality of student work, faculty performance, or program outcomes. Rubrics provide a standardized way to assess and score performance.
Strategic Planning The process of setting long-term goals and objectives for an institution and developing strategies to achieve them.
Summative Assessment An assessment conducted at the end of an educational program or a specific course to measure what students have learned or achieved.
Validity The extent to which an assessment instrument accurately measures what it is intended to measure. Valid assessments are reliable and aligned with the intended learning outcomes.