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Handbook of Operating Procedures
Chapter 9 - General Provisions
Previous Publication Date: November 23, 2010
Publication Date: March 8, 2021
Policy Reviewed Date: January 15, 2021
Policy Owner: VP for Academic Affairs


9.45 Assessment of Administrative, Academic, and Student Services


POLICY STATEMENT


The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) provides quality administrative support services and academic and student support services within its educational mission. Because quality services  result from careful planning, regular review and appropriate stewardship by university administrators, the unit head will be responsible for assessment activities of the unit, and for ensuring that such activities meet the standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).


RATIONALE


The purpose of this policy is to ensure that each service or program covered by the policy has identified expected outcomes, has assessed the degree to which those outcomes have been achieved, and uses the results of those assessments to make improvements to the program or service.


SCOPE


This policy applies to all administrative support services and educational support services,  outside of academic  programs. These programs and services do not award academic credit.  This policy does not apply to the assessment of academic  programs which do award academic credit. Assessment of academic  programs is addressed in HOP policy 2.21, Academic Program Assessment


WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR THIS POLICY


http://www.utsa.edu/hop/chapter9/9.45.html


RELATED STATUTES, POLICIES, REQUIREMENTS OR STANDARDS


Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement Standards 7.3 and 8.2.c


CONTACTS


If you have questions about HOP policy 9.45, Assessment of Administrative, Academic, and Student Services, contact the following office:

Continuous Improvement and Accreditation, 210-458-4704


DEFINITIONS


Administrative Support Services
Activities performed by the administrative offices and units within the university that support the ongoing business activities of the university and that promote productivity while optimizing both the utilization of existing resources and the generation of new resources.

Educational Support Services
Activities performed by offices and units within the university that provide a variety of programs designed to improve student success but that do not directly provide certificates or degrees.

Assessment: the process of measuring and evaluating the expected outcomes of organizational units at the university. Outcomes may focus on the essential functions of the office or unit, and may also include expected student learning outcomes that improve knowledge, skills, and values.


RESPONSIBILITIES


Implementation/Enforcement Step Responsible Office/Officer
Ensure implementation and sustainment of assessment of programs /services covered by this policy Administrator, faculty and/or staff member assigned responsibility for the service or program.
Provide guidance to administrator, faculty or staff member responsible for program/service Director of University Assessment

PROCEDURES


  1. The administrator, faculty and/or staff responsible for programs and services providing administrative support, the educational support, the community support, or research:
    1. Design and develop a proposed assessment process and program to identify expected outcomes that are the result of the support service or program. Consult with the Director of University Assessment, as needed, to ensure the assessment plans are as relevant as possible and in compliance with SACSCOC principles.
    2. Identify and explicitly state the measures to be used to determine if expectations for the support service or program are being met.
    3. Ensure that the expectations for the support service or program are assessed regularly, at least annually.
    4. Ensure that the results of assessment outcomes are used to make improvements in the support service or program.
    5. Ensure that documentation of the above assessment process is entered into the university assessment software system.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION


Consult with Director of University Assessment to ensure that the assessment program meets university standards.


FORMS AND TOOLS/ONLINE PROCESSES


For assessment information and resources, refer to the Continuous Improvement and Accreditation website under Academic Affairs.


XIII. Dates Approved/Amended


03-08-2021
11-23-2010