Eastern Kentucky University’s approach to institutional planning and evaluation is rooted in sustained, iterative assessment practices that includes academic, student support, and administrative areas. During each two-year assessment cycle, selected units at EKU set measurable outcomes, collect data, analyze results, and document improvements to student learning and student success. This approach reflects EKU’s dedication to ensuring students realize their fullest potential and achieve excellence. The cycle follows the timeline below:
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.
Administrative Unit Assessment (7.3)
Administrative units two mission-centered Outcomes across two different activities, experiences, services, or functions they provide. Units design and validate assessment instruments aligned with the Outcomes they select. Data is typically collected in the first Fall or Spring semester that each of the two target activities, experiences, services or functions they provide take place. A completed STAR Worksheet is due on February 1st of in the second Spring semester of each two-year assessment cycle. Find more resources below:
Educational Program Assessment (8.2a)
Academic Programs assess three Program-Level Learning Outcomes (PLLOs) across at least two core courses. Programs design and validate assessment instruments aligned with the PLLOs they select.Data is typically collected in the first Fall or Spring semester that each of the target core courses is offered. This allows time for scoring and analysis of data and selection and implementation of learning improvements prior to the STAR due date (February 1st in the second Spring semester of each two-year cycle). Find more resources below:
Essential Education Course Assessment (8.2b)
Essential Education courses assess common Essential Education Competencies and Skills using a rubric that is shared at the Element-level. Element leaders validate the rubric and choose achievement levels at which their Element will be assessed at the beginning of each assessment cycle. Data is typically collected in the first Fall or Spring semester that an Essential Education course is offered within the Assessment Cycle, allowing time for scoring and analysis of data and selection and implementation of learning improvements prior to the STAR due date (February 1st in the second Spring semester of each two-year cycle). Find more resources below:
Academic and Student Services Assessment (8.2c)
Academic and Student Services units assess two mission-centered Outcomes across two different activities, experiences, services, or functions they provide. Units design and validate assessment instruments aligned with the Outcomes they select. Data is typically collected in the first Fall or Spring semester that each of the two target activities, experiences, services or functions they provide take place. This allows time for analysis of data and selection and implementation of student success improvements prior to the STAR due date (February 1st in the second Spring semester of each two-year cycle). Find more resources below:
STAR Past Cycle Examples and 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.
Examples of Past Cycle STAR Submissions
While reporting requirements and STAR templates may change between cycles, consulting successful examples of previous cycle STAR submissions may help inform successful assessment plans that support student learning and student success.
STAR Templates
Templates for each reporting category can be found below.
2026-2028 Assessment Cycle
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. More information and a registration link can be found at https://success.eku.edu/portal/fctl?tab=tli.