Performance Assessment Steps & Checklist

Develop performance outcomes (POs)

• What are the POs, and how do they align with the mission and strategic goals at the division and university level?
• Is the number of POs manageable?
• Are the POs written in a specific, clear and concise manner?
• Are the POs demonstrable or measurable?
• Are the POs discrete (i.e. no “double-barrel” POs)?

Identify methods and measures

• What methods or strategies are used to accomplish the POs?
• What is the cycle of data collection and timeline of assessment for the POs? Who is responsible?
• What quantitative and/or qualitative methods will be used to measure each PO? Think multiple methods! 
• How manageable and sustainable is the data collection plan?

Determine criteria for success

• What is the satisfactory level of performance for each PO? Are staff aware of the expectations?
• How do the criteria for success for each source of data align with the expected unit performance?

Collect and analyze data

• What is the process (e.g. who, when, how) for analyzing the assessment data?
• What is the process (e.g. who, when, how) for interpreting and evaluating the assessment results?
• How will the assessment results be disseminated to faculty, students, administration, and other applicable stakeholders?

Plan and execute improvement actions

• Are the assessment results used to improve policy, practices, and/or procedures?
• What is the process (e.g. who, when, how) for planning AND implementing improvement actions?
• How does the assessment process contribute to meeting internal requirements, and external commitments?

Document assessment activities

• Who is responsible for documenting each step of the assessment loop?
• How is the impact of the improvement actions captured and documented?
• Is there a clear, organized process for documenting assessment activities (e.g. POs, plans, data, improvements)?