As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, UALR is engaged in the assessment of our core curriculum. This will help us positively influence student learning outcomes and program learning outcomes essential to elevating student success and creating an environment of continuous improvement.
In an effort to further support this undertaking, UALR will participate in the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Assessment Academy to help guide in the understanding of student learning as a whole across courses and throughout our curriculum.
The following members of the campus community have been selected to represent UALR in the national academy:
Assessment Academy Team Members:
- Belinda Blevins-‐Knabe, Professor of Psychology; College of Social Sciences and Communication; Chair of Council on Core Curriculum and Policy
- Susie Cox, Professor and Chair of Management; College of Business; Member of Provost’s Program Assessment Group
- Cody Decker, Director of Office of Institutional Research; Quality Initiative on UALR Decision Support System
- Erin Finzer, Associate Professor of Spanish and Chair of World Languages; College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences; Member of Provost’s Program Assessment Group
- Joe Giammo, Associate Professor of Political Science and Interim Director of School of Public Affairs; College of Social Sciences and Communications; Member of Provost’s Program Assessment Group
- Nick Jovanovic, Professor, Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering; Assessment and Accreditation Coordinator, College of Engineering and Information Technology; Member of Council on Core Curriculum and Policy
- Brad Patterson, Vice Provost and Dean of Students; Member of Provost’s Program Assessment Group
- Linda Stauffer, Associate Professor, Program Coordinator of Interpreter Education; College of Education and Health Professions; Member of Council on Core Curriculum and Policy
The UALR Assessment Academy members include faculty, administrators, and non-academic unit leaders who are integral to the continuous improvement of our academic programs, educational experience, and operations. The team will be participating in all academy activities for the entire cycle.
The Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs-Continuous Improvement, the position formerly occupied by Dr. Karen Wheeler, will join the academy team once someone is hired.
As you are aware, we are preparing for the HLC Reaccreditation process and our participation in the HLC Academy will be beneficial in satisfying accreditation requirements while also addressing our goal of developing a continuous improvement environment and meeting the needs of the community we serve.
The HLC Assessment Academy provides participating institutions a structured, mentor-facilitated, four-year program aimed at advancing and accelerating an institution’s efforts to assess student learning.