Institutional Effectiveness (Improve)

University Accreditation (UA) supports the ongoing process of constant quality improvement through the collection and analysis of student related data and—and thus the implementation of data-informed decisions as related to the goals and outcomes of the UNT mission. To accomplish this task, UA manages the Nuventive IMPROVE Platform for Institutional Effectiveness (IE) plan development and reporting, and thus submits all Institutional Effectiveness quality improvement initiatives, efforts and successes to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Why Do We Have Institutional Effectiveness Plans at UNT?

The Institutional Effectiveness process at UNT promotes continuous improvement in student learning outcomes, services, and overall institutional quality to enhance student success. Embedding improvement and innovation into the university’s culture ensures that student achievement remains central to UNT’s mission. 

Institutional Effectiveness plans are developed and tracked within the Nuventive IMPROVE Platform for all degree and graduate certificate programs, as well as for administrative, academic, student support, research, and public service units.

All plans align with SACSCOC Core Requirements 7.1, 7.3, 8.1, and 8.2, which state: 

7.1.The institution engages in ongoing, comprehensive, and integrated research-based planning and evaluation processes that (a) focus on institutional quality and effectiveness and (b) incorporate a systematic review of institutional goals and outcomes consistent with its mission. (Institutional Planning) [CR]

7.3.The institution identifies expected outcomes of its administrative support services and demonstrates the extent to which the outcomes are achieved. (Administrative effectiveness)

8.1. The institution identifies, evaluates, and publishes goals and outcomes for student achievement appropriate to the institution's mission, the nature of the students it serves, and the kinds of programs offered. The institution uses multiple measures to document student success. (Student achievement) [CR]

8.2. The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of seeking improvement based on analysis of the results in the areas below:

a. Student learning outcomes for each of its educational programs. (Student outcomes: educational programs)

b. Student learning outcomes for collegiate-level general education competencies of its undergraduate degree programs. (Student outcomes: general education)

c. Academic and student services that support student success. (Student outcomes: academic and student services)

-- SACSCOC  The Principles of Accreditation:  Foundations for Quality Enhancement

 

How does UNT Document Institutional Effectiveness (IE)

University Accreditation employs the Nuventive IMPROVE Platform for tracking of all IEP planning and reporting. This collection tool allows tracking of:

• • SLO/AO Outcomes

  • Assessment Measures 
  • Criterion for Success/Benchmarking
  • Data results/analysis of your evidence 
  • Comparisons to prior assessment period results (reflection/closing the loop) 
  • Use of results for improvement (plan of action) 

UNT's Strategic Plan goals, program objectives and copies of assessments, results and future improvement plans are stored in the platform, allowing for outcomes to be tracked across time. Each assessment plan is annually peer reviewed and critiqued for accreditation and compliance purposes. 

UNT Institutional Effectiveness Timeline*

 

*Inquiries about the IE timeline should be directed to improve@unt.edu.

 

What Tools are Available to Help With IE Plans and Improve?

The UA office is always available to support Improve users with their IE plans.  In additional to one-on-one support, the office has provided some tools assist with institutional effectiveness efforts, these tools are being updated with the latest infromation and will be up shortly. In the meantime feel free to email any questions to improve@unt.edu for assistance.