Student Learning Outcomes Assessment

Student Learning Outcomes Assessment (SLOA) Reports

NOVA's Student Learning Outcomes Assessment (SLOA)

The SLOA Report used by programs requires the assessment of three Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) and one Core Learning Outcome (CLO). The SLOA Report used by disciplines requires the assessment of one SLO and one CLO. Both reports include a summary of the assessment process, results, data analysis, and actions to improve student learning. These reports capture and report programs' and disciplines’ annual planning and assessment processes, promoting continuous improvement. The reporting of SLOs and CLOs is an annual process, as detailed in the table below.

Schedule for Assessing Student Learning and Core Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Download Printable Schedule

Schedule for assessing student learning and core learning outcomes (CLOs) at NOVA.
Month Tasks
April 2024 April 2024 – Training for 2023-24 SLOA Reports and Tableau Dashboards (Dates TBD)
August 2024 August 1, 2024 – OSI publishes final 2023-24 assessment reports on its website for public viewing.
  • Discuss 2023-24 assessment results with program/discipline groups.
  • Determine actions and outcomes for the 2024-25 academic year.
  • Communicate assessment plans to faculty, including specific course sections and assessment methods.
  • Ensure NOVA Online, Zoom, and off-site dual enrollment sections are informed.
  • Distribute the 2024-25 Assessment Plan form.
September & October 2024
  • Additional training on 2023-24 SLOA Reports and Tableau dashboards (Dates TBD).
  • Submit 2024-25 SLOA Plan forms to OSI by October 14, 2024.
  • Check in with instructors to ensure Fall assessments are underway.
November 2024
  • Submit 2023-24 SLOA Reports to OSI by November 1, 2024.
  • Include blank copies of assessments and rubrics.
December 2024
  • OSI reviews draft reports and provides feedback by December 13, 2024.
  • Programs/Disciplines revise reports; final drafts are due February 3, 2025.
January 2025
  • Meet to discuss Fall assessment results and improvement actions.
  • Communicate Spring assessment plans with faculty and collect data for Spring.
February 2025
  • Submit final 2023-24 SLOA Reports to OSI by February 3, 2025.
March & April 2025
  • OSI provides feedback on 2023-24 reports, rubric scores, and improvement recommendations for 2024-25.
May 2025
  • Collect Spring assessment data for analysis and use in Fall discussions.

Final 2023-24 SLOA Reports will be viewable on OSI’s website by August 1, 2025.

NOVA's student learning outcomes assessment cycle is a continuous, faculty-driven process designed to monitor and improve student learning and program success. This process aligns with the College's vision and its Strategic Plan 2017-2023: Pathway to the American Dream.

  1. Every student succeeds.
  2. Every program achieves.
  3. Every community prospers.

Programs assess and report on student learning annually using the Annual Planning and Evaluation Report for Instructional Programs. This involves faculty-implemented activities to analyze results and recommend improvements. Reports provide:

Three connected arrows showing the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Process: 1) How programs measure student learning, 2) How students are performing (data is reported in aggregate form), and 3) How programs use this data to improve student learning.