NILOA Features UK's Assessment Newsletter "Sizzle"

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2011) - The University of Kentucky Office of Assessment, housed in the UK Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness, is currently featured on the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) website for demonstrating exemplary communication in its newsletter "Sizzle: What’s Hot in Assessment."

The "NILOA Featured Website" is a service intended to point others to promising practices in innovative and transparent online communication of student learning outcomes assessment. UK's newsletter was selected on a communication criteria that states the publication must "clearly communicate and/or present information on student learning outcomes assessment to internal and external audiences using layperson’s language and contextualized examples."

"I am extremely proud of all the hard work the Office of Assessment is doing to ensure that the assessment of student learning is a successful endeavor at the University," said Tara Rose, director of the office. " I am pleased that the diligent efforts put forth by the department have been recognized nationally by NILOA. Our newsletter would not be possible without the continuous support of UK’s faculty, staff and administrators who remain dedicated to improving student learning.   Furthermore, I am excited for the future growth and development of our team."

Started in June 2009, "Sizzle" is distributed via e-mail to the University Assessment Council, the Office of the Provost, assessment workshop participants, and all deans and directors of undergraduate and graduate studies. The newsletter informs audiences about assessment activities throughout the university, increasing transparency and providing a chance to learn from one another. Topics include new members at the office, upcoming workshops, world news on assessment, meeting synopsizes, and assessment deadlines for UK.

NILOA says on its website: "UK's Office of Assessment disseminates data and assessment information to its institution’s internal audience, while staying transparent by posting it online for any online user to view, through its newsletter. (It uses) lay language, giving clear examples of assessment on UK’s campus, and encouraging inter-institutional communication for cross department learning."