Directives

PURPOSE

To state the process for evaluation used by the College to provide students timely and specific feedback as they work towards the achievement of their learning outcomes. 

The College is accountable for the assessment and evaluation of students’ performance through the application of standards that guide assessment, evaluation and progression.  It informs students of their current level of achievement in a course or program. 

A process of formal evaluation also enables the College to make decisions regarding students’ progress through a course or program.

SCOPE

All courses where assessment and evaluation of students’ learning take place

DEFINITIONS

POLICY

1.            Evaluation

1.1          Student learning in a given semester is evaluated in that semester.

1.2          For each school, Academic Administrators, in consultation with their professors, establish a process for the evaluation of student performance.  This process and specific mechanisms for the assessment and evaluation of student performance are published in all course outlines.

1.3          Evaluation of student performance is based on criteria that reflect the learning requirements established for the course.

1.4          Professors evaluate students’ work using marking schemes or other tools that identify and use criteria for evaluation that are congruent with the learning requirements established for the course.

1.5          Evaluation results are formally documented and accessible to the student.

1.6          Students are to have more than one opportunity to demonstrate their achievement of the required learning. Normally, several evaluation methods will be used and these are spaced at intervals that provide ongoing feedback regarding progress and an opportunity to learn.

1.7          No single component of a course evaluation counts for more than 40% of the final grade, unless approved by the Academic Administrator.

1.8          At least twice during a term, the overall performance of full-time students in a program of study is formally reviewed. The process in which this review is to be done will be developed by the Academic Administrator, in conjunction with the professors and submitted to the Dean for approval.

1.9          The overall achievement demonstrated by course evaluations is translated into a final grade using the College Grading System.

1.10        The final grade is validated by the Academic Administrator responsible for the course.  Barring exceptional circumstances, the professor must be consulted when the Academic Administrator is considering changing the final grade of a student.        

1.11        Students have the right to request a review of a grade (Policy AA 37: Review of a Final Grade)    and appeal evaluation decisions (Policy AA 19: Academic Appeal).

1.12        For courses of a general interest nature and of a short duration, a formal evaluation may not be required.

2.            Course Outlines and Evaluation

2.1          Course outlines will include: 

• clear statements of the required learning that is to be achieved in order to successfully complete the course;

• the evaluation methods/instruments to be used to evaluate student performance, such as, projects, written tests, assignments, performance tests, and the linkage of each to the specific course learning requirements;

• the intervals during the course when student performance will be assessed;

• the criteria and method for determining the final grade designation; and

• conditions for granting supplemental privileges if applicable.

2.2          Any change made to the evaluation procedures after students have received course outlines must be made in consultation with the students in the class, and approved by the Academic Administrator before it can be implemented.  Students, the Program Coordinator, and the course and program Academic Administrators are notified in writing of any such changes.

3.            Final Assessment Week

3.1          Final assessment week is the final week of the semester.

3.2          During final assessment week, professors may complete the teaching of subject material that was previously introduced. This material is also evaluated in final assessment week.

3.3          All courses in a program level are delivered for the scheduled duration of the level.

3.4          An overall assessment plan is developed for final assessment week and scheduled so as to   ensure a reasonable workload for students to support their academic success.

PROCEDURE

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
None

RELATED POLICIES
AA 14    Grading System
AA 19    Academic Appeal
AA 37    Review of a Final Grade
AA 39    Progression and Graduation Requirements
AA 26    Course Outline

RELATED MATERIALS
None