Strategic Planning and Assessment Reports (STAR)

Eastern Kentucky University’s approach to institutional planning and evaluation is rooted in sustained, iterative assessment practices that extend across every academic, student support, and administrative area. During each two-year assessment cycle, every unit at EKU sets measurable outcomes, collects data, analyzes results, and documents improvements. The cycle follows the timeline below:

  • Year 1 (starting in the fall semester of even-numbered years)
  • Identify desired outcomes for a program or unit.
  • Collect data and analyze results related to the desired outcomes.
  • Year 2 (starting in the fall semester of odd-numbered years)
  • Identify changes to the curriculum or unit activities that may improve future results. These changes should be driven by patterns identified during data analysis.
  • Implement the identified changes.

These assessment efforts are supported by the EKU University Planning and Assessment Committee (UPAC) . A roster of the current UPAC membership can be found on the EKU Committee Assignments page.

STAR Templates


The primary reporting mechanism for a unit’s assessment work is the Strategic Planning and Assessment Report (STAR).

At the completion of each two-year cycle, educational program assessment coordinators, General Education course leaders, academic and student support unit leaders, and administrative unit leaders submit a STAR to document their program or unit efforts during the assessment cycle and provide a reference point for future improvements.

Templates for each reporting category can be found below.

STAR Submissions


Completed STARs and corresponding evidence of changes made to improve future results should be uploaded via the following link:

Further Information and Training


The STAR Teaching and Learning Innovation (TLI) series, presented in collaboration with the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, is the best way to engage with the strategic planning and assessment process and circulate information back to your units. Sessions are offered multiple times a month, on both MWF and TR schedules. More information and a registration link can be found at https://success.eku.edu/portal/fctl?tab=tli.