Assessment is integral to continuous quality improvement in academic and student programs - it is a tool that provides meaningful information to faculty and administrative leaders about program strengths and areas for development or improvement.

Accreditation requirements also frequently motivates assesssment. Program outcomes assessment is required by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Assocation and by most program-specific accrediting bodies such as ABET and NCATE. Program outcomes assessment is an essential component of OSU's re-accreditation review process.

Related articles on 'Why do assessment?'

"Why Do Assessment" ~ by Dr. Douglas Eder, Southern Indiana University Edwardsville. This site has many helpful assessment links.

"Why Do Assessment" ~ from the Field-tested Learning Assessment Guide for Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology Instructors

"Assessment, Thermodynamics, and the Myth of Sisyphus" ~ by Dr. Douglas Eder