UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new website for Penn State’s Office of Planning and Assessment (OPA) has been recognized for its clarity, creativity, ease of navigation, and thoroughness of communication about the University’s student learning outcomes assessment process.
The National Institute of Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) is currently showcasing the OPA website for the month of January. NILOA regularly features websites to share on promising practices in innovative and transparent online communication of student learning outcomes assessment.
The institute described OPA’s website as exemplary in illustrating Penn State’s assessment information “in meaningful ways and for being a good example of institutional transparency.”
According to NILOA, OPA's website provides a plethora of resources, learning tools and multimedia to explain the concept, usefulness and process of student learning outcomes assessment. The website also presents information in a clear manner to multiple audiences; provides innovative, contextualized examples; is easy to navigate; and is updated regularly.
The Office of Planning and Assessment provides leadership and support for four essential University functions: institutional research, learning outcomes assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning. Its mission is to support faculty, staff, administrators and students by providing analysis of University data, supporting assessment of learning, coordinating strategic planning, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.