Assessment & Analysis
Assessment at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a continuous, institution‑wide process that helps us understand how well we are supporting student learning, development, and success, and how we can do better. Through assessment, WPI ensures that our academic and co‑curricular programs remain rigorous, relevant, and aligned with our mission to prepare students to apply knowledge, work across disciplines, and address complex problems
Assessment is not an ongoing cycle of setting clear goals, gathering evidence, reflecting on results, and using findings to inform decisions and improvements. This process allows faculty and staff to make intentional, data‑informed improvements that enhance student experiences and strengthen institutional effectiveness.
Why Assessment Matters at WPI
Assessment plays a critical role in advancing WPI’s commitment to:
- Student‑centered learning by ensuring students are achieving meaningful learning outcomes
- Continuous improvement through evidence‑based reflection and action
- Academic quality and integrity across undergraduate, graduate, and co‑curricular experiences
- Accountability and transparency to internal and external stakeholders, including accreditors
By embedding assessment into everyday practice, WPI fosters a culture of inquiry: one that values evidence, reflection, and collaboration in service of student success.
Institutional Assessment Structure
Academic Programs
Faculty engage in outcomes assessment to evaluate student learning and inform curricular and pedagogical improvements.
Student Affairs Assessment
A dedicated Student Affairs Assessment Committee meets regularly to review data, discuss findings, and participate in ongoing training to strengthen assessment practice in co‑curricular areas.
Outcomes Assessment
The Undergraduate Outcomes Assessment Committee is a faculty committee that meets biweekly throughout the academic year to guide, review, and support undergraduate learning outcomes assessment across programs.
Institutional Effectiveness
Assessment findings contribute to broader institutional planning, accreditation reporting, and strategic decision‑making.
Assessment Resources
Faculty and staff can access assessment resources through the WPI Assessment SharePoint site, which is being built out and includes:
- Sample learning outcomes and rubrics
- Program‑level and institutional assessment reports
- Accreditation materials and documentation
These shared resources are designed to support consistent, high‑quality assessment practices across the university.
Faculty may also receive assessment support through the Morgan Teaching & Learning Center and Academic Technology Center.