Academic program assessment is a very important component in The University of Montana  Western’s (UMW) accreditation process. UMW's accreditation from the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU) encourages the institution toward continuous self-study and improvement. Although UMW received several commendations from the NWCCU external reviewers following the institution’s regular interim visit in April 2005, the reviewers strongly recommended to the University that “Student outcomes must be measurable and data longitudinal for comparison and for outcomes-driven program revision. This is especially critical as the institution moves to Experience One and needs to be able to evaluate whether the change in scheduling meets the objective of improving student learning. (Standard 2).”  With this recommendation in mind, UMW formed an ad hoc assessment steering committee to begin to address the program review process and establish a seven-year cycle of program review by internal and external evaluators.

The quality and effectiveness of our academic programs increase as everyone at UMW actively participates in the continuous and ongoing assessment process. Program faculty learn more about their curriculum and their teaching methods. Most important of all, the assessment process helps faculty determine whether students possess the discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to successfully complete their program of study.

Program assessment reports, annual reports, self-study narratives, and external reviewers' reports are available for review by clicking here.  To assist faculty with academic program assessment, a web-based form has been developed. Click here to access the form. 

Link to UMW's Program Review Policies and Procedures document.

Link to UMW's Program Assessment Cycle

Link to Suggested Process for Determining Exhibits for Assessment Process

Link to Suggestions for Determining Graduate Outcomes