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Faculty Assessment Grant applications due Tuesday

April 10, 2008

KALAMAZOO--The deadline for submitting applications for Western Michigan University's next round of Faculty Assessment Grants, valued at up to $5,000 each, is Tuesday, April 15.

The Faculty Assessment Grants Program provides resources for conducting student-learning outcomes research and is administered by the University Assessment Steering Committee. UASC announces grant recipients by June 1, and funding is made available in the new academic year.

Up to $30,000 in grants is awarded annually. To be considered for funding, research projects must lead to activities or program improvements that are directly related to student learning or achievement on WMU's main campus or at its branch campuses and extended sites.

"Assessment is fundamentally the systematic collection and use of information about student learning and student engagement that leads to program improvement," says Dr. Eileen B. Evans, WMU vice provost for institutional effectiveness. "It plays a vital role in helping the faculty and staff determine how to improve academic programs and services, thus allowing the University to meet its mission and institutional goals."

Evans notes that assessment also is a key factor that many external specialized program accreditation bodies consider when reviewing WMU's programs. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission, the University's regional accrediting body, cites student learning and effective teaching as one of five criteria for institutional accreditation.

UASC is WMU's assessment policy, planning and resource coordination body. Membership consists of faculty, staff and students representing the academic colleges, the Graduate College, Extended University Programs, the Division of Student Affairs, academic advisers and student organizations.

For more about the Faculty Assessment Grants Program, go to www.wmich.edu/poapa/uac or contact Dr. Eileen B. Evans at eileen.evans@wmich.edu or (269) 387-0399.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

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