Emory programs recognized for outstanding work in measuring student learning

Jan. 14, 2025

The Office of Academic Planning within the Office of the Provost has selected 17 academic programs across various Emory schools and degree levels for their exemplary assessment of student learning outcomes. The recipients of the Excellence in Assessment Awards demonstrated exceptional approaches to measuring and evaluating academic achievement.

This new recognition program, developed through a collaboration between the Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee (LOAC) of Emory’s Faculty Council and the Office of Academic Planning, aims to advance evidence-based practices in academic assessment university-wide.

“It was extremely important to me and to the Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee to not only acknowledge the incredible work being done by these programs, but to bring attention to how assessment can be used in valuable ways to advance student and programmatic success,” says Andrea Barra, director of assessment.

The awards are designated at Gold, Silver and Bronze Star levels through an evaluation process where two LOAC members independently assess each nominated program using criteria that includes learning outcome measurability, assessment methodology, results analysis and implementation, faculty engagement and student input and innovation in assessment practices. Additionally, a Rising Star designation recognizes programs that demonstrate significant improvement or implement innovative assessment methods based on previous results.

“As epidemiologists, our careers are centered around using data to improve the health of populations, so it is only natural that we are also dedicated to using data to inform and improve how we train our students,” says Lauren Christiansen-Lindquist, associate professor and director of graduate studies for the MPH program in epidemiology, which earned a Gold Star. “While we are very proud of our programs, we also know that there is always room for improvement. The assessment process allows us to use our data to target our efforts and track our progress over time.”

The selected programs' assessment reports, which can serve as models for institutional best practices, are available online. The documents detail methodologies that have proven effective in enhancing academic outcomes and program effectiveness across diverse disciplines.

For the 2021-2023 assessment cycle, awards were presented to the following programs:

Gold Star:
Anthropology BA (ECAS)
Epidemiology MPH (RSPH)

Silver Star:
Master of Development Practice (LGS)
Sociology BA (ECAS)

Bronze Star:
Dance BA (ECAS)
Doctor of Ministry (CST)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (NHWSN)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (SOM)
Environmental Health Sciences PhD (LGS)
Environmental Sciences BS (ECAS)
Executive MPH (RSPH)
French PhD (LGS)
History BA (ECAS)
Juris Master (LAW)
Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology BS (ECAS)
Philosophy PhD (LGS)

Rising Star:
Art History PhD (LGS)

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For the 2021-2023 assessment cycle, awards were presented to the following programs:

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