Section III

Committee members found abundant evidence of systematic planning and evaluation processes in place for graduate and undergraduate degree programs for three consecutive annual cycles. Usage of results for ongoing improvement was apparent for most academic programs examined, indicating that a culture of evidence has been created at the university. Deans interviewed expressed approval and trust in the manner in which planning and evaluation processes had been implemented, noted that the current API process in particular was an effective tool, and requested that it be continued unchanged. Faculty serving on the Core Curriculum and Assessment Committees expressed enthusiasm about their committee work, the way in which faculty trust for planning and evaluation had been steadily built across the university, and the positive changes that continue to accrue to the university through systematic planning and evaluation. (Commendation 1) In view of the thorough planning and evaluation process developed and the creation of a climate of trust conducive to the sustainability of such processes, the committee commends the university for surmounting the cultural challenges inherent in implementing comprehensive planning and evaluation in the research-university setting and commends the institution for building what appears to be a highly sustainable system for continuous improvement of its educational curricula.