Committee for Assessment of Learning Outcomes (CALO)

A faculty-led, student-learning committee, the Committee for Assessment of Learning Outcomes (CALO) coordinates assessment activities for the entire campus for continuous improvement in learning. CALO is comprised of two arms: CALO-A, which coordinates academic assessment activities, and CALO-C, which coordinates co-curricular assessment.

CALO-A assures quality of learning at UAFS through two primary sets of learning outcomes: one specific to each academic program, called Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and institutional learning outcomes that target general education competencies, called University Learning Outcomes (ULOs). Measures include such approaches as portfolios, practical demonstrations, projects, presentations, comprehensive examinations, embedded exam items, class assignments, labs, and case studies.

CALO-C assures the quality of learning at UAFS through learning outcomes specific to each unit that identifies as meeting the UAFS definition of a co-curricular activity.

CALO is charged with planning, implementing, and overseeing of all assessment activities at UAFS including the following specific responsibilities:

Managing the assessment planning and implementation processes for the academic programs as well as co-curricular activities. The actual assessment activities for each academic credential must be completed by the faculty members responsible for the curriculum. Additionally, the actual assessment activities for each co-curricular unit must be completed by the faculty members responsible for the program.
Managing assessment planning and implementation processes for the general education program through the University Learning Outcomes (ULOs). The actual assessment activities of the ULOs will be completed by each of the programs.
Recommendingchanges to the Universities Assessment Processes and Policies.
Evaluating assessment reports as submitted by programs. (Unacceptable reports should be sent back to the college dean with instructions for revision and resubmission).
Informing the provost on the results of the evaluation of the programmatic reports including any requested revisions, corrections, or changes.
Developing and implementing training for new and continuing faculty members regarding the need for assessment within the programs; new and evolving assessment techniques; issues related to improved management of the assessment system (electronic documentation, etc.); and an overview of University Learning Outcomes.
Preparing an annual summary report on the assessment activities of the university and submitting it to the provost.

Members of CALO act as assessment resources to the UAFS campus. The faculty on the committee serve as the "assessment experts" for their college or school during their term on the committee and provide oversight for campus-wide efforts in student learning and assessment in their own programs and college and to faculty across campus. The same is true of the staff or faculty that serve on CALO-C. They will serve as “assessment experts” in their units.

Both CALO-A and CALO-C are charged to peer review student learning outcome plans and reports generated by fellow faculty and staff, provide feedback, and review action plans for changes based upon the assessments.