For many institutions, assessment of student learning feels like an overwhelming challenge—one that often leads to accreditation warnings and follow-up reports. But assessment doesn’t have to be a burdensome task. When approached strategically, it becomes a powerful tool for improving student success and institutional effectiveness.

In this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, Joseph Levy, Associate Vice Provost of Accreditation and Quality Improvement at Excelsior University, breaks down the key elements of quality assessment, offering clear definitions, practical strategies, and valuable resources to help faculty and staff navigate the process with confidence.

This 20-Minute Mentor provides a straightforward, actionable approach to assessment, helping you move beyond compliance-driven exercises to meaningful improvements in teaching, curriculum, and student support. You’ll learn how to articulate the value of assessment, identify opportunities for enhancement at your institution, and use assessment data to inform decision-making. Most importantly, you’ll gain practical tools and resources to foster a culture of assessment that benefits both students and educators.

Don’t let assessment be a source of frustration or uncertainty. Gain the clarity, confidence, and strategies you need to make assessment work for you—without unnecessary complexity or stress!

LEARNING GOALS 

After viewing this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, participants will be able to:  

• Clearly articulate the purpose and value of assessing student learning
• Identify at least two areas of assessment practice that could be evaluated or improved at their institution
• Locate and utilize at least one resource to support assessment efforts
• Explain how assessment data can be used to inform curriculum, programs, or institutional decisions
• Recognize common challenges in assessment and identify strategies to overcome them
• Describe ways to foster a culture of assessment and engage stakeholders in the process

TOPICS COVERED  

• Definition and purpose of assessment
• Characteristics of quality assessment practices
• Key elements for application and enhancement
• Using assessment data to drive decision-making
• Common challenges and misconceptions in assessment
• Strategies for building a culture of assessment within an institution
• Resources for strengthening assessment efforts