Arcadia University has established a robust commitment to effective assessment practices in Academic Affairs. Using mission-based foundations and systematic exploration, faculty and staff at Arcadia are committed to analyzing the effectiveness of areas such as student learning, faculty efficacy, program effectiveness, and the successful achievement of all programs meeting the standards of their accrediting bodies. Arcadia University believes that the continuous, structured and thorough exploration of teaching and learning leads to dynamic university-wide improvements, as well as to the acknowledgement of successful practice.
Arcadia believes that every project works best when the assessment and/or review:
- Fosters and encourages improvement and growth;
- Serves a clear and stated purpose;
- Addresses the various needs of the units dynamically;
- Incorporates both outcomes (numbers) and experiences (narrative);
- Provides continuous and outcomes-based feedback;
- Serves as a collaborative vehicle for engagement;
- Meets the needs of not only the university, but students and the public, as well.
For all inquiries concerning student learning assessment, program review, and accreditation, please contact John Noakes, Associate Provost and MSCHE Accreditation Liaison Officer at noakesj@arcadia.edu.
Institutional Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) serves as Arcadia University’s regional accrediting body and is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Every 8 years, Arcadia conducts a Self-Study guided by the Middle States Standards for Good Practice and adheres to the MSCHE policies regarding course development and assessment.
Program Accreditations
| Accrediting Body | Arcadia Program | Current Until |
| Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) | University | 2027 |
| Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPT) | Physical Therapy | 2032 |
| Accreditation Review Commission on Education – Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) | Physician Assistant | 2028 |
| Pennsylvania Department of Education | Teacher Education | 2025 |
| International Dyslexia Association (IDA) | Masters/Certification in Literacy Studies: TESOL and Reading | 2023 |
| International Dyslexia Association (IDA) | PreK-4 Education | 2027 |
| International Dyslexia Association (IDS) | Master/Certification in Reading/Reading Specialist | 2023 |
| Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) | Public Health | 2025 |
| National Association of Art & Design (NASAD) | Art & Design | 2029 |
| Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) | Counseling Psychology | 2030 |
| Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) | Masters of Business Administration | 2028 |
Program Reviews
Arcadia University Academic Programs which do not require industry assessment by an accrediting body conduct a Program Review every 5 years. The process begins with a Self Study and is followed by an External Review. The process culminates in a public presentation of the findings in the academic year following the External Review.
| Department | Program | Previous Review Completed | Next Review to be Completed |
| 2022-2023 | |||
| Sociology, Anthropology, Criminal Justice | BA | 2014 | 2022 |
| Biology | BS | 2016 | 2022 |
| English | BA, MA | 2016 | 2024 |
| 2023-2024 | |||
| History and Political Science | BA, MA | 2018 | 2023 |
| Psychology | BS | 2018 | 2024 |
| 2024-2025 | |||
| Math and Computer Science | BS, BA | 2019 | 2024 |
| Modern Languages | BA | 2019 | 2024 |
| 2025-2026 | |||
| Theater Arts | BA, BFA | 2020 | 2025 |
| Media and Communication | BA | 2020 | 2025 |
| 2026-2027 | |||
| Chemistry and Physics | BS | 2022 | 2021 |
Curriculum Assessment Team (CAT)
The Curriculum Assessment Team (CAT) assesses aspects of the Arcadia University Curriculum each year. Made up of faculty volunteers, CAT’s work addresses both direct questions concerning student learning outcomes and broader questions of effectiveness and experience.
CAT assessment projects include:
- 2021-2022 AUC Curriculum Mapping Project
- 2019-2021 Arcadia University Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes Review (Full)
- 2018-2019 Full Curriculum Review Planning
- 2017-2018 First Year Learning Communities
- 2016-2017 Pilot, First Year Learning Communities
- 2015-2016 Development, Preview Learning Goals; Student Learning, Quantitative Reasoning
- 2014-2015 Requirement Sequencing; Student Learning, Natural/Physical World
- 2013-2014 Data Collection, Requirement Sequencing
- 2012-2013 Global Connections Experience, Global Connections Reflection
Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
Programs conduct student learning assessments internally, with the guidance of accreditation standards, established programmatic outcomes, faculty and staff. Arcadia believes that dynamic assessment of student learning happens each day, and that each program measures student achievement according to its own vetted rubrics. Each year, department Chairs and Program Directors report on student learning assessment outcomes in their annual report, which is reviewed by the Dean and the Provost.
