All faculty who are teaching a Mason Core course are expected to submit a minimal portfolio of course materials at the end of the scheduled semester: syllabus, one assignment prompt, and a random selection of student work for that assignment (3-5 samples). The requested materials are produced in the course, and require no additional work from the instructor.
Why do we do assessment?We hope that all faculty will choose to participate in the pre-assessment workshop, submit portfolio materials, and join the post-assessment meeting to discuss the results. Faculty who participate in the full process will be eligible for professional development funds from the Provost’s office.
You may choose to submit the portfolio only and not participate in the pre-assessment workshop or post-assessment meeting. If you choose this option, you will fulfill your obligation to the Mason Core assessment project for this cycle; however, you will not be eligible for the professional development funds.
Assessment is the systematic process of collecting, evaluating, and using information to determine if and how well performance matches learning expectations. The purpose of assessment is to use the results to inform meaningful dialogue and decision-making about how the university can improve its programs and services to support student success and institutional effectiveness. Assessment can help faculty improve their own teaching practice, and make informed decisions about the curriculum, both in the classroom and as part of a full academic program. Assessment and the use of results for improvement are required for Mason’s regional accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); specialized accrediting agencies such as ABET and AASCB; and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to meet external reporting requirements.