NILOA Transparency Framework

A diagram from image_8b6b01.png showcasing a continuous cycle of educational assessment. Six colored hexagons are arranged in a ring. Moving clockwise from the top, they are labeled: "Assessment Plans," "Assessment Resources," "Current Assessment Activities," "Evidence of Student Learning," "Use of Student Learning Evidence," and "Student Learning Outcomes Statements." Faint, circular arrows loop behind the hexagons alongside the repeated word "TRANSPARENT," emphasizing an open, ongoing institutional process.

Used with the permission of the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment. (2011). Transparency Framework. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois and Indiana University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). Retrieved from: NILOA website

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as a member institution of the Voluntary System of Accountability has adopted the National Institute of Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) Transparency Framework as a model for communicating relevant learning outcomes assessment information to various stakeholders. The Transparency Framework was designed for institutions as a template or guide to make assessment more visible and to “rethink how they are communicating what they consider to be relevant information.” At UNC Charlotte, the framework is a showcase for telling our stories of students’ successes.

A section heading or logo from image_8b6742.png. It consists of a solid, tan-colored hexagon icon positioned to the left of the stacked text "Student Learning Outcomes Statements." A single, clean horizontal line underscores the entire phrase.

Student Learning Outcomes Statements: All degree programs, certificates, and stand-alone minors have clearly articulated measurable, action-oriented, and realistic statements of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and habits of mind that students should be able to do at the completion of their programs. Click on the following link for a more detailed look at undergraduate or graduate student learning outcomes statements.

A section heading or logo from image_8b641b.png. It consists of a medium grey hexagon icon positioned to the left of the stacked text "Assessment Plans." A single, clean horizontal line underscores the entire phrase.

Assessment Plans: All academic programs submit in Compliance Assist – an accountability management software – annual plans for gathering evidence of student learning. These plans outline what, when and how the outcomes will be assessed. The plans are reviewed and feedback and recommendations are provided to the various programs. Click here for a sample of the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Annual Plans and Reports

A section heading or logo from image_8b6387.png. It consists of a dark brown hexagon icon positioned to the left of the stacked text "Assessment Resources." A single, clean horizontal line underscores the entire phrase.

Assessment Resources: The Office of Assessment and Accreditation provides workshops, trainings, consultations, and information to assist faculty and staff with entering data and reporting functions in Compliance Assist, developing effective assessment plans, and using evidence to improve student learning and teaching. The following is a sample of workshop offerings.

Thinking Strategically: Using Measures, Metrics and Data to Support Strategic Goals
Aligning course objectives, instructional strategies, & assessments to enhance student learning & motivation
Using Assessment Data to Improve Student Learning
Creating and Using Curriculum Maps
Creating Analytic Rubrics
Compliance Assist Workshop – Entering Student Learning Outcomes Data and Annual Reporting
Compliance Assist Workshop – Reporting Functions
Open Lab – Entering SLOs and Annual Reporting Data

For a more detailed look and description of workshops click on Assessment Academy.

A section heading or logo from image_8b609e.png. It consists of a sage green or olive-toned hexagon icon positioned to the left of the stacked text "Current Assessment Activities." A single, clean horizontal line underscores the entire phrase.

Assessment is a collaborative and an ongoing process. Besides the annual program SLO assessment, the office has partnered with the The Belk College of Business, The Cato College of Education and the First-Year Writing Program to evidence and tell their stories of student learning and success. The Belk College of Business to do a triangulation study where both direct measures (ETS HEIghten and embedded authentic performance based assessments) and indirect measures (NSSE, Graduating Senior Survey) are used to help tell a story of student learning and success. Additionally, The Cato College of Education organized a Charrette; the First-year writing program is conducting a longitudinal study of students’ transfer of writing strategies; and the Graduate Student Needs Survey which is used to collect master’s and doctoral level students satisfaction and experiences in their programs are some of the current assessment activities at the institutional and colleges levels.

A section heading or logo from image_8b6058.png. It consists of a dark red or maroon hexagon icon positioned to the left of the stacked text "Evidence of Student Learning." A single, clean horizontal line underscores the entire phrase.

Each program submits an annual assessment plan and report that evidences the students’ attainment of the learning outcomes. Click on each college for examples from their programs: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Cato College of Education, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Health and Human Services.

A section heading or logo from image_8b5fe0.png. It consists of a dark slate grey-green hexagon icon positioned to the left of the stacked text "Use of Student Learning Evidence." A single, clean horizontal line underscores the entire phrase.

Each program will discuss the evidence of student learning and use it to make changes to the instruments, measures, assignments, prompts; practices that may influence the improvement of teaching and learning; inform decision-making; and to decide on professional development. Click on each college for examples from their programs: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Cato College of Education, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Health and Human Services.