Student Learning Outcomes Initiatives

On the course, program, and institutional levels we have ongoing assessment initiatives at APUS.  These initiatives promote the our culture of assessment by involving stakeholders from across the institution with the goal to improve student learning.  More information can be obtained about each of the initiatives by clicking on the titles below.

Overall Assessment Processes at APUS

The American Public University System is committed to student learning outcomes assessment and its impact on the quality of teaching and learning.  Learning outcomes assessment in the American Public University System is based on a process in which faculty and staff have identified student learning outcomes at the institutional, degree program, and course levels.  The  learning outcomes assessment program produces feedback to academic programs on the performance of its educational processes, thereby allowing each program to continually improve. 

Assessment Academy

As part of its commitment to student learning and assessment processes, APUS entered into the HLC Academy for Assessment of Student Learning (Assessment Academy) in February 2008 with 15 other cohort schools. Now in its third year of the project, APUS has committed to a four-year sequence of events that are focused on student learning, targeting the acceleration and advancement of its efforts to improve student learning. Through participation in the Assessment Academy, our action projects assist us in promoting our culture of assessment, continuous evaluation, and institutional growth.

Transparency by Design

American Public University System is a founding member of the Transparency by Design initiative which supports adult learners in becoming educated consumers of distance education. Members consist of a group of regionally-accredited, adult-serving, distance education institutions. This initiative was founded on principles of best practices in distance higher education and was designed to address the unique needs of adult learners. As part of our participation in the initiative, APUS has pledged to uphold these principles.