Assessment

Portland State University assesses undergraduate learning through a variety of activities using the eight Undergraduate Campus-Wide Learning Outcomes: Communication; Creative and Critical Thinking; Disciplinary and/or Professional Expertise; Diversity; Engagement; Ethics and Social Responsibility; Internationalization; and Sustainability. The assessment process requires the on-going collection of information from students at the classroom, department and institutional levels.  For example, students may be asked to participate in or submit samples of standardized tests, placement tests, surveys, portfolios of student work, group or individual interviews, or classroom research. Results are used to improve teaching and learning, program structure, course content, and the overall student experience at Portland State University. Incoming students to PSU may be required to take a writing assessment and, based on the results of that assessment, take an assigned writing course.