• Hoefer MT
• Snelson K

• Association of Chiropractic Colleges / congresses

Methods: The continuous improvement cycle reporting form provides a template for planning and assessment of goals and standardizes the reporting of results for all areas of the University. The components of the continuous improvement cycle reporting form include institutional goals supported, area mission statement, unit goals, strategic initiatives, assessment methods, success criterion, assessment timetable, assessment findings, use of results, improvement strategies, action plan and date of completion, resources requested and comments for each goal. The final component of the report is the summary narrative. A rubric is use to assist units with development of the assessment plans, completion of the report and review of plans by the Institutional Planning and Evaluation Committee (IPEC).

Results: Development of the institutional effectiveness process included review and revision of the institutional mission and goals, review of unit goals, (both with a focus on student learning outcomes), development of assessment strategies, completion of assessment cycles with assessment findings, and use of results. Continuous improvement cycle reports were reviewed by IPEC to determine quality and to determine the degree to which unit and institutional goals were accomplished. During the first year continuous improvement cycle reports were completed quarterly to facilitate the learning process and to establish a culture of evidence based assessment and planning. Assessment cycles are currently completed on a yearly basis.

Discussion: The continuous improvement cycle process begins with development of assessment plans for the next cycle incorporating findings from previous reports. An important component of the plans are strategic initiatives designed to facilitate accomplishment of the unit goals and budgetary impact of these initiatives. IPEC review of plans results in a prioritization of budgetary requests for use during the development of the University budget. Planning and assessment are therefore linked to the budgeting process. The desired end result is continuous improvement of educational programs, administrative and educational support services. The model developed at Life University resulted in commendations from accrediting agencies, is easy to use and can be modified to meet the needs of different institutions.

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