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Sign up to participate in the Fall semester GER Assessment!
General education assessment is about ensuring that every student gains the broad knowledge and essential skills we promise through the curriculum — skills like critical thinking, effective communication, quantitative reasoning, and cultural awareness. It helps faculty answer the fundamental questions: Are students learning what we intend them to learn? And how can we make learning even better?
What is GER Assessment?
What is GER Assessment?
Faculty-driven evaluation of student learning in General Education courses
Focused on shared learning outcomes across the GER curriculum
Based on real student work, not extra testing or standalone exams
Designed for improvement, not individual faculty evaluation
A cyclical process of collecting, reviewing, and acting on results
Collaborative and cross-disciplinary, reflecting the breadth of General Education
Data-informed and transparent, supporting continuous program refinement
"General education and training for a profession are too often presented as different (and competing) goals and philosophies. In fact, fostering a broad base of knowledge, global and community awareness, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity can only enhance a student’s ability to perform well in their chosen field. The need to assess and communicate information effectively is vital in any profession, as is a broader understanding of the world we live in. "
"General education and training for a profession are too often presented as different (and competing) goals and philosophies. In fact, fostering a broad base of knowledge, global and community awareness, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity can only enhance a student’s ability to perform well in their chosen field. The need to assess and communicate information effectively is vital in any profession, as is a broader understanding of the world we live in. "
-Former Vice Provost Alexandra Fitts, in a letter to the General Education Faculty, 2021.
-Former Vice Provost Alexandra Fitts, in a letter to the General Education Faculty, 2021.
Why GER Assessment Matters
Why GER Assessment Matters
Ensures students achieve essential learning outcomes across all general education areas
Strengthens teaching and curriculum through evidence-based improvement
Identifies gaps and opportunities to better support student success
Supports accreditation and accountability with meaningful data
Encourages faculty collaboration around shared learning goals
Turns insight into action for continuous improvement
How to get involved with GER Assessment
How to get involved with GER Assessment
Opt in to participate in an upcoming assessment cycle.
Join EAGER and serve as a faculty reviewer or rubric norming participant.
Attend GER workshops to strengthen assignment alignment and assessment practices.
Contribute feedback and ideas to help refine outcomes, rubrics, and processes.
Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to support continuous improvement.
How EAGER Started at UAF
How EAGER Started at UAF
In June 2020, July 2021, and June 2022 a small team of faculty and collaborators retreated to the Denali region to reflect on what we learned from our results. Together, we decided that we wanted to continue this practice each summer. It felt good to get away and reflect together on the importance of what we do and our commitment to student learning.
We named ourselves EAGER (Engaged Assessment for General Education Requirements).
GER and Assessment Resources
GER and Assessment Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GER assessment?
What is GER assessment?
GER assessment evaluates how well students are meeting shared General Education learning outcomes using existing course assignments. It is conducted at the program level, not to evaluate individual instructors.
Do I need to change my courses?
Do I need to change my courses?
No. You do not need to redesign your course. Assessment uses assignments you already teach that align with GER learning outcomes.
Who scores the student work?
Who scores the student work?
Faculty reviewers participating in EAGER use shared rubrics to evaluate anonymized student work. Individual instructors are not responsible for scoring unless they volunteer.
Is student privacy protected?
Is student privacy protected?
Yes. All student work is anonymized before review, and data systems are managed in compliance with FERPA.
Who oversees the process?
Who oversees the process?
The GER & Core Committee provides oversight, and EAGER (faculty reviewers from across disciplines) leads the scoring and review process.
What happens if I can't participate?
What happens if I can't participate?
If you’re unable to participate during a given cycle, there are no penalties. The team may follow up to identify barriers and improve the process.
Why did I receive multiple emails?
Why did I receive multiple emails?
You’ll receive a separate message for each GER course you are teaching, as each course has its own submission link.
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