The Cleveland Institute of Art, like other colleges and universities, is required by its accrediting associations to evaluate the success of its curriculum and co-curriculum on a regular basis; this process is called “assessment.” During a student’s time at CIA, they will participate in a variety of assessment activities. Students will likely encounter their first assessment activity during new student orientation, and the Graduating Student Survey will be their last assessment point as a student. There are other times in students’ college careers (and as alumni) when they will be part of the College’s ongoing assessment program. Student participation in assessment activities will be very helpful in ensuring that CIA’s programs and services meet current needs and those of future students.

Assessment looks at student work and learning as part of the evaluation of the College’s education program. Assessment in no way affects student grades, and there is no way to prepare for assessment tests or reviews. The faculty use this information to evaluate the courses they teach and their curricula to make any changes indicated by the assessment information. Similarly, staff and administration use this information to evaluate their programs and services and make changes indicated by the assessment information.