Office of Assessment
The purpose of assessment at Norfolk State University is to provide information for planning and decision-making and the improvement of academic programs, educational support, and administrative support services. The University codified its responsibilities to assess student learning outcomes in Administrative Policy #39-01, Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment.
Institutional Assessment Overview
The Office of Institutional Assessment is responsible for coordinating assessment activities in the following areas:
Assessment Trainings/Workshops
Assessment Day Program
" Sustaining a Culture of Assessment and Accreditation"
April 24, 2025
Session 1: We have our assessment findings: What should we do next?
10:00 am-11:00 am
As the deadline for the Annual Outcome Assessment Report approaches, we will hold an interactive session to share best practices and tips for submitting a comprehensive report. This session will focus on effectively documenting your unit's or academic program's findings, outlining an action plan, and detailing the steps taken to close the loop on the assessment cycle.
Register Here
Session 2: Enhancing Creativity While Ensuring Compliance with the Substantive Change Policy: Organizational Change, Program Development, and Modifications.
11:15 am-12:15 pm
This interactive session will focus on best practices for effectively integrating the SACSCOC and SCHEV Substantive Change Policy and Procedures into the institution's processes for institutional effectiveness. The presenter will share their experiences to help faculty and staff understand compliance with substantive change when implementing innovative delivery methods or instructional methodologies, introducing new cutting-edge programs, making organizational changes, or updating existing program content. The presenter will outline the internal and external approval steps and timelines. Participants will also be provided with real-life scenarios that institutions may encounter.
Register Here
Session 3: Using Data to Inform New Program Development, Curriculum Adjustments, Modifications, and Marketing: GrayDi Training.
12:30 pm- 1:30 pm (Chat and Chew)
This Chat and Chew session will provide participants with an introduction to a new tool being utilized by the Office of Graduate Studies and Academic Effectiveness. This tool aids in evaluating program strengths in relation to workplace needs, which can be leveraged for marketing and recruitment strategies. To make well-informed decisions, having accurate data is essential. The new tool offers crucial metrics on student demand, job market trends, and competitor activity, fostering a shared understanding of how to use this data to inform program decisions regarding potential growth and opportunities.
Register Here
Session 4: Using the Annual Assessment Cycle to Propel Your Unit Forward
2:00 pm- 3:00 pm
Dr. James Walke, AVP Institutional Planning and Effectiveness
To track strategic goals and initiatives, this presentation will assist faculty and staff in adopting a continuous improvement framework to align the unit assessment plan with the university's strategic plan/strategic pillars.
Register Here
Session 5: Taskstream by Watermark Training and Open Help Session
3:15 pm-4:15pm
This session provides a refresher and navigation of the University assessment reporting system. Following this, the Office of Assessment will offer one-on-one help sessions for units.
Register Here
Assessment Corner (Assessment Help Sessions)
- Virtual Every fourth Thursday of the Month
- Zoom link
Past Workshops
Please contact assessment@nsu.edu for copies of presentations
- Integrating Feedback to Facilitate Planning and Improvement
Date: October 19, 2023 Location: NGE 205 Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Building a Culture of Assessment in Administrative Units
Date: October 31, 2023 Location: NGE 314 Time: 12:30 p.m.
- Watermark User Training
Date: November 14, 2023 Location: Virtual Time: 1:00 p.m.
- ABCs of developing Goals, Outcomes, & Objectives
This interactive session will work with participants on developing goals, outcomes, or objectives for their unit, or academic program. The facilitator will work through examples of link each to the mission and vision statement as well as a strategic plan.
- I Have my Findings and Action Steps: What do I do Next?
The Office of Assessment will share the elements of reporting assessment findings in a way that conveys continuous improvement and drives peer reviewers to see action steps to close the loop on the assessment cycle.