Institutional Effectiveness (Improve)

Aligned with SACSCOC standards, the University of North Texas (UNT) advances continuous improvement in student learning and institutional quality through its Institutional Effectiveness (IE) initiatives. This ongoing process enhances learning outcomes, services, and overall institutional performance, supporting student success and ensuring the university effectively fulfills its mission. The IE office facilitates these efforts by providing clear frameworks, practical tools, and guidance for meaningful assessment, as well as professional development and consultation that promote the consistent use of results for improvement and planning. Contact us at improve@unt.edu for more information regarding Institutional Effectiveness at UNT.  

IE reporting at UNT is required to document continuous improvement in student learning, services, and institutional quality while demonstrating compliance with SACSCOC accreditation standards (Core Requirements 7.1, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2). It shows how programs and units achieve their goals, contribute to the university's mission and strategic plan, and use assessment data to "close the loop" through evidence-based changes that enhance student success. Centralized in Nuventive IMPROVE, these reports maintain accreditation status, protect federal aid eligibility, and serve as a practical tool for planning and external reviews. Contact us at improve@unt.edu for more information regarding Institutional Effectiveness at UNT.   

To identify Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) or Administrative Outcomes (AOs) at UNT, follow these concise steps. First, Academic Program users should first review syllabi to identify curriculum outcomes needing student performance improvements, while Administrative Support unit users should review strategic plans to pinpoint areas for student service enhancements. From there,  

1. Identifying expected outcomes: Start with the end in mind, using specific, measurable action verbs (e.g., analyze, evaluate) to describe knowledge, skills, abilities, or behaviors for programs, courses, or units.  

2. Make it outcomes are singular and granular. Ensure outcomes are not compound—focus on one specific, detailed aspect rather than multiple ideas. 

3. Align with goals: Ensure the SLO/AO supports overall program or strategic objectives and focuses on core components. 

4. Ensure feasibility and significance: Assess required resources and select outcomes meaningful to the course, program, or service. 

5. Make it measurable: Design for quantifiable results to provide actionable data. 

For detailed guidance, contact us at improve@unt.edu  

Appropriate assessments for your Student Learning Outcome (SLO) or Administrative Outcome (AO) at UNT depend on the outcome's focus (knowledge, skills, behaviors, or services) but should be direct, embedded in regular activities, and yield quantifiable, actionable data for meaningful planning and reporting.   

Direct Assessments (Required for Academic Programs) 

Direct assessment include:  

• Embedded assignments: Exams, projects, case studies, or capstone work scored with rubrics.​ 

• Performance-based: Oral presentations, simulations, demonstrations, or portfolios evaluated against benchmarks (e.g., 80% of students score ≥15/20).​ 

• Yield quantitative assessment score, not letter grades.  

Indirect Assessments (Supplemental) 

• Surveys/questionnaires (e.g., student self-reports, employer feedback via Qualtrics). 

• Focus groups, interviews, or alumni/job placement data. 

Selection Tips 

• Match the method to the verb in your outcome (e.g., "analyze" → rubric-scored papers; "collaborate" → team project evaluations). 

• Use program-level data; aim for feasibility with existing syllabi/activities. 

• Upload tools (rubrics, surveys) within Nuventive IMPROVE and set success criteria to be realistic yet aspirational (e.g., 75% meeting benchmark). 

Contact us at improve@unt.edu for assessment clarification to be both meaningful and compliant with SACSCOC standards. 

Success criteria (benchmarks) for SLO assessments at UNT should define clear, quantifiable achievement thresholds, typically as percentages of students or artifacts meeting a performance level (e.g., "80% of students score ≥3/4 on the rubric"). Base them on historical data, norms, or goals—ambitious yet realistic—and align with your assessment tool; enter in Nuventive IMPROVE, then adjust annually based on results to close the loop Contact us at improve@unt.edu  for examples 

Common SACSCOC-aligned examples: 

• Rubric-scored work: "80% of students score proficient (3/4) on critical thinking rubric across embedded assignments."​ 

• Exam performance: "85% of seniors score ≥80% on capstone exam items tied to competencies."​ 

• Skill demonstration: "75% demonstrate advanced proficiency (4/5) in oral presentations per department rubric."​ 

• Portfolio review: "90% of graduate portfolios meet/exceed benchmarks on all four outcomes."​ 
• Administrative AO: "85% satisfaction rate on surveys (average ≥4.0/5.0)." 

When reporting outcomes in Nuventive IMPROVE, include these key elements for each SLO/AO: 

• Total number assessed: Number of students, artifacts, or cases evaluated (e.g., "45 students"). For Academic Programs, disaggregated by modality and/or location). 

• % meeting criterion: Percentage achieving the success benchmark (e.g., "82% met ≥3/4 on rubric"). 

• Results Summary: Brief analysis of findings vs. prior year, noting strengths/weaknesses.​ 

• Status Update: Progress on prior improvement actions ("closed loop").​ 

• Action planned: Next steps to reach/maintain/exceed the established standard.​ 

• Evidence: Uploaded data (tables, charts, scored rubrics, survey results). 

Enter by mid-September; contact us at improve@unt.edu for assistance with end-of-year IE reporting.  

To document assessment results for SLOs/AOs in UNT's Nuventive IMPROVE platform, log in at https://unt.improve.nuventive.com/, select your unit/program, and expand the relevant outcome/method under the "Outcomes, Methods, Results, Analysis, Improvements" tab. Enter the following information:  

• Number assessed (n=XX) (Academic Programs disaggregate by modality/location. 

• % meeting criterion  

• Results summary with analysis 

• Conclusion (met/not met/inconclusive) 

• Comparison to prior assessment cycle noting directionality of improvement initiatives.  

• Impact discussion of prior improvement recommendations/actions 

• Add "Action Planned Next" for improvements,  

• Upload supporting evidence (rubrics, charts, surveys) via "Related Documents"

• Save your work

For compliance purposes, report by the mid-September deadline. Contact us at improve@unt.edu for assistance with any step of the process.