Assessment

Strategic Analytics, Assessment & Institutional Research

At Clark University, assessment is a shared responsibility that spans the classroom, the campus, and the community. Guided by our mission, we use evidence to strengthen learning, enrich the student experience, and graduate individuals who are prepared for meaningful lives and careers.

Our Approach to Assessment

Assessment at Clark University is a shared, collaborative effort that spans all levels of the institution—from university-wide initiatives to program- and department-level reviews, both inside and outside the classroom. It exists to support and uphold our mission and to ensure that every Clark student has an intellectually challenging, personally meaningful, and career-ready experience. Assessment helps understand what learning is working, what gaps exist, and to support conversations about how courses, policies, or programs can better meet student needs.

We approach assessment as an ongoing partnership among faculty, staff, and students, grounded in evidence and supported by data. Its purpose is to foster continuous improvement and to graduate individuals who have achieved learning goals we have set out to achieve, who are well-prepared for meaningful lives and careers—and who are deeply satisfied with their Clark education.

Levels of Assessment at Clark

Institutional Assessment

Led by the Office of Strategic Analytics, Assessment & Institutional Research, institutional assessment focuses on overall student learning, engagement, and success. It includes analysis of national surveys (e.g., NSSE, HEDS), retention and graduation trends, career outcomes, and other indicators of institutional effectiveness.

Academic Program Assessment

Academic departments assess learning within their programs, mapping outcomes to courses, collecting and reviewing student work, and using results to strengthen curriculum and pedagogy. Departments also participate in structured external reviews to ensure alignment with disciplinary and institutional priorities.

Core Curriculum Assessment

The assessment of Clark’s Core Curriculum is in partnership with the Dean of the College, CETAL, and STAIR. This work examines whether students are achieving the broad learning goals set forth for all Clark graduates, using methods such as signature assignments, ePortfolios, and capstone reviews.

Co-Curricular and Student Experience Assessment

Led in collaboration with Student Affairs, this assessment examines learning and development outside the classroom—in student organizations, leadership programs, advising, internships, and campus life. The goal is to ensure that the full student experience contributes to intellectual growth, belonging, and readiness for life after Clark.

Internal and external assessments

Student Learning Outcomes

Clark embraces the AAC&U LEAP Essential Learning Outcomes in guiding our Clark Experience learning outcomes. These define the broad knowledge and skills expected of all undergraduates.

faculty with student member in front of chalk board

Program and Course Assessment

Program-level assessment examines how effectively an academic program advances student learning and achievement. By assessing student learning outcomes, we can look at a curriculum holistically and better understand the extent to which programs are meeting their own goals.