Administrative Unit Assessment
The Administrative Unit Assessment (AUA, formerly known as AES) cycle was developed to mirror the assessment of learning outcomes done by academic programs, but with additional flexibility to accommodate the breadth of activities encompassed therein. While the OAE administers AU Assessment, it is important that the staff of each administrative unit lead the development of its assessment plan so that the documents authentically reflect the priorities and activities of the unit. As of Fall 2025, Administrative Unit Assessment is recorded using Planning & Self-Study, which can be accessed here:
Assessment Cycle for Administrative and Student Support Units
Administrative and Student Support units are assessed on an annual basis. Units complete their AUA cycle in two stages: planning, and reporting. The work is done using Watermark Planning & Self-Study.
The AUA assessment plan consists of a mission statement, outcome statements that are explicitly aligned to pillars of the College Strategic Plan, and specific, concrete measures aligned to each success outcome. Many units, such as Educational Support Services and Student Development, also align their assessment to divisional goals. In the planning stage of the cycle, leads for each unit review its existing AUA plan in order to update it or to reaffirm that it adequately reflects the current year’s plans and priorities. OAE staff also assists new units or units that have not yet developed success outcomes in doing so. Staff from the OAE provide feedback on AUA plans to help units with documentation, with developing assessment methods, or with any other aspect the unit requests.
The second stage, reporting, is when the unit enters its assessment data, analyzes the data, and develops action plans for the coming year. In this second stage, units are also asked to note any budgetary implications that its assessment findings may have, and to provide updates on progress made on prior years’ action plans. The second stage of the AUA cycle may be completed at any time either during the summer session from May-September or in an ongoing way as units collect their assessment data. with reports due October 30.
Once the leads complete the unit’s assessment reports, unit leadership reviews the reports and provides feedback and approval.