Assessment in Action

Assess, Learn, Improve

Assessment at Fitchburg State supports institutional excellence by evaluating student learning, co-curricular impact, and operational effectiveness. Designed as both an institutional process guide and a central resource directory, this page equips faculty and staff with fillable templates, Watermark links, procedural guides, and direct consultation support.

See our Assessment Hub

Our Process

Reporting can be managed directly through Watermark Planning and Self-Study or completed using our Google Workspace templates. This provides flexibility for programs and units to choose the reporting format that best fits their workflow. 

Assessment at Fitchburg State follows two continuous, complementary cycles:

  • Annual Assessment (University-Wide): Every year, academic departments, co-curricular programs, and administrative units complete annual reports to track outcomes, analyze data, and set actionable goals for continuous improvement. 
  • Program Review (Academic Programs, 7-Year Cycle): Academic programs undergo a comprehensive 7-year review cycle. This includes a 2 year process for in-depth departmental self-study, external evaluator site visit, and development of a 5-year action plan. The remaining 5 years are used to carry out the action plan and engage in continuous assessment through annual reporting.

Support and Consultation

Have questions about writing measurable learning outcomes, designing rubrics, entering data in Watermark, or structuring an operational goal? Direct consultation and custom workshops are available through the Office of Institutional Research and Planning. 

Contact the Assistant Dean of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness directly at rbuonoco@fitchburgstate.edu to request one-on-one assistance or schedule a team session. 

Governance and Peer Review

Academic Affairs Assessment and Research Committee (AARC)

The Academic Affairs Assessment and Research Committee (AARC), established under AUC Proposal 021, is a collaborative faculty and administrative body dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement across Academic Affairs.

AARC works in partnership with academic departments and the Office of Institutional Research and Planning to provide constructive peer review on annual reports, support regional (NECHE) and specialized accreditation self-studies, and recommend professional development opportunities.

Committee Structure and Membership (10 Representatives)

  • Assistant Dean for Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness (Chair)
  • Academic Dean (1)
  • General Education (LAS) Program Area Chair (1)
  • Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Director (1)
  • MSCA Faculty & Librarian Representatives (6)

Governance and Review Resources