Program Assessment Cycle (PAC) Badge
Overview
The PAC Badge is intentionally focused on the program-level assessment with an emphasis on evidence-informed strategies that are grounded in Northwestern’s strategic framework for assessment. Through this initiative, we align with our institutional vision of assessment as a unifying force for advancing leading-edge assessment practice to elevate the excellence of Northwestern’s curricular and co‑curricular programs, empowering every student with learning experiences to achieve lasting success.
Members of the Northwestern community are invited to participate in this guided step-by-step asynchronous learning experience that elevates the five stages of Northwestern’s Assessment Cycle—a continuous process designed to systematically identify, measure, and improve student learning outcomes and guide meaningful curricular and co-curricular improvements.
The PAC Badge supports participants not only in understanding, but in implementing assessment in ways that are consistent with Northwestern’s structures and values—student-centered, equitable, authentic, reflective, localized, and empathetic.
Learning Outcomes
The course is designed to help practitioners move from isolated assessment activities toward coherent, systematized practices that support student learning and continuous improvement at the program level.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe the purpose and value of program assessment within the context of continuous improvement, Northwestern’s assessment strategy, and Higher Learning Commission accreditation standards
- Identify each stage of the program Assessment Cycle and explain how the stages work together to create a sustainable process
- Contribute to a campus-wide culture of assessment by sharing effective practices
Course Structure
The PAC Badge is built around seven sequential modules, each designed to balance clarity, flexibility, and practical application. Every module includes:
- Clear learning outcomes and a short guiding video
- Curated readings, templates, and Northwestern-based examples
- A short quiz that serves as a learning checkpoint
Quizzes are designed as opportunities for participants to confirm their understanding before moving forward and can be taken as many times as needed.
Module Overview
- Module 1: Welcome & Introduction
Introduces Northwestern’s assessment landscape and the Assessment Gallery, the University’s platform for showcasing program-level assessment work
- Module 2: (Re)define Learning Outcomes
Delves into articulating or refining meaningful, program-level learning outcomes
- Module 3: (Re)design Learning Outcomes Assessment Methods
Explores transparent, valid, and reliable approaches to gathering evidence of student learning
- Module 4: Map Learning Outcomes to Curriculum
Examines how learning outcomes are aligned and reinforced across the curriculum
- Module 5: Gather & Analyze Evidence
Focuses on analyzing assessment evidence to generate actionable insights
- Module 6: Identify & Implement Changes
Centers on identifying and implementing sustainable changes to improve student learning
- Module 7: Engage with Others
Closes the loop by building a culture of assessment, engaging colleagues, and sharing best practices
Time Commitment
This self-paced course is designed to fit busy schedules.
Module content and quizzes approximate 3 hours, and can be completed at any time.
Curated readings and resources are provided to reinforce learning, and can be chosen by interest.
Digital Badge
Upon completing all modules and successfully passing the quizzes, participants will earn the Program Assessment Cycle digital badge. It recognizes completion of the Searle Center’s guided learning modules focusing on Northwestern’s Assessment Cycle and signifies demonstrated readiness to lead evidence-informed, program-level assessment aligned with Northwestern’s strategic framework for assessment.
Participants who earn a badge will be featured in special communications to participants’ deans/chairs/etc.
The badge may be shared on websites and digital platforms such as LinkedIn, included on a CV, or added to an email signature. Additional guidance on using and sharing the badge is provided within the course resources.
Enrollment
Get started any time.