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For any questions please send e-mail to: NDSU.Policy.Manual@ndsu.edu

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SECTION 332: ASSESSMENT OF COURSES AND INSTRUCTION

SOURCE: NDSU University Senate Policy

The purposes of this policy are to provide direction for faculty in their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of instruction, and to improve student learning, for North Dakota State University.

1. Formative Assessment

   During each academic year, the instructor will assess instruction in at least one class by soliciting information from students, peers, or both, for the purpose of improving instruction. Assistance in selecting appropriate assessment techniques is available from the University Senate Assessment Committee. Completion of formative assessments will be noted in annual reports.

2. Summative Evaluation

   2.1 Every section of every class offered at North Dakota State University will be evaluated each term by the students using, as a minimum, the university-wide set of rating items. These items will evaluate student perception of fairness within the course, course quality, student understanding of the principles in the subject, and instructor's ability to communicate effectively. In addition, each instructor, unit or college may develop additional items to include as a part of the evaluation.

    

   2.2 The course evaluation should occur during the final fourth of the term, but not concurrent with examination periods. Someone other than the instructor (including GTA’s or individuals under the supervision of the instructor) will administer the instrument. A student in the class shall collect the evaluations and forward them directly to the appropriate department/unit head for analysis. The instructor will not be present while the student rating is being completed. All instructors will receive a copy of the analysis for their courses after final grades are submitted. The departmental/unit office will retain a copy of the analysis for use during the annual faculty appraisals and for other administrative purposes. Departments are encouraged to utilize an electronic evaluation process as an alternative to paper evaluations. Departments must contact the Group Decision Center (GDC) to have a Student Rating of Instruction set up electronically The department/unit head will forward data, on only the university-wide items, aggregated by course level (lower division, upper division, graduate) without reference to specific courses, to the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis.

    

2.3 All courses ending in 90-series numbers will be exempt from this procedure.

HISTORY: December 10, 1973; Amended April 1992; Amended June 1994; January 2004; July 2, 2009