Mission Statement

    The overarching mission of the Center for Assessment and Instructional Support (CAIS) at Missouri State University is to implement a comprehensive, continual, and multidimensional program to facilitate the assessment of student learning outcomes and the evaluation of academic programs at Missouri State University.  The responsibilities of the CAIS include collection, organization, and analysis of multiple internal and external data sources that support the University's statewide mission in public affairs and the development of educated persons.  Information obtained through CAIS based initiatives is disseminated among various University constituents and stakeholders.  The multifaceted evaluation process implemented through the CAIS supports systematic planning and change within the broad University community.  The goals associated with the CAIS mission follow:

1. To communicate the purposes of student outcomes assessment.
2. To assist Departments and Colleges in the development and delineation of assessment plans that supports the evaluation of academic programs.
3. To assist in the selection of appropriate measures and methods for assessing student learning outcomes.
4. To analyze and communicate the results of assessments conducted by the CAIS.
5. To support and coordinate the reporting of assessments and the evaluation of majors and programs.
6. To support planning and budgeting decisions at the Department, College, and Unit levels.

Responsibilities of the University Assessment Council

    The central focus of the University Assessment Committee is to support the mission, goals, and corresponding objectives of the Center for Assessment and Instructional Support (CAIS).  Specific duties of the assessment council include, but are not limited to the following.  In addition, note that the duties of the Committee have been clearly aligned with the mission and goals.

1. To review and respond to Unit reports disseminated through the CAIS and to provide corresponding recommendations that support decision making within the Unit.
2. To review and respond to data specific to the statewide mission in public affairs and the development of educated persons and make recommendations which contribute to the success of the University mission.
3. To review and respond to specific Program, Department, or College generated assessment reports and to provide feedback that may be used to support program development and learner outcomes.
4. To provide recommendations to the CAIS in regard to development of assessment measures and procedures which support the mission and long range planning of the Unit.