When we say we are "doing assessment" at Weber State University, it means we are trying to determine the impact of the University on our students and the surrounding community. One important aspect of assessment is the appraisal of the impact of teaching on student learning from the dual perspectives of the major programs and the general education program. How are WSU students different after completing our general education program or after graduating with a specific degree?

In addition to assessing the impact of formal instruction on our students, we are interested in examining the effect of co-curricular experiences on the development of WSU students. What skills, values and attitudes do our students acquire as they participate in out-of-class experiences such as community service, tutoring, student government, and the like?

In addition, because the University has a significant role in the local community, we want to know how the community benefits from our graduates and University-sponsored activities. What changes does the University bring about in the community it serves? How do our graduates impact the communities in which they live; how do University programs aid others?

Why is Weber State University engaged in assessment? There are many answers to this question - ranging from "we're required to do this" to "we want to know if we're meeting our mission" to "we want to know how to improve what we do". Whatever the motivation, assessment is the right thing to do -- for our students, their family members, our faculty, our elected representatives, members of our accrediting agencies, and other interested parties. Assessment helps make Weber State University a better place for students to learn and a better University for all of us.