UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond to enhance student learning and academic excellence through program-level assessment? The Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR) is seeking nominations for the 2025–26 cohort of Assessment Champions.
OPAIR invites Penn State community members to nominate faculty, staff, and academic administrators who lead or actively participate in assessment efforts focused on academic or cocurricular programs as a whole, rather than individual courses or activities. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to using assessment to improve the quality and effectiveness of entire programs and the student learning experience within them.
Nominations are open through Sunday, April 13, and self-nominations are welcome. Visit the Assessment Champions website for nomination details, including a preview of the nomination questions.
"The Assessment Champions Award celebrates individuals whose dedication and leadership in assessment push the University forward,” said Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Tracy Langkilde. “These champions embody our commitment to educational excellence, continuously improving teaching and learning practices to ensure our students thrive. Their work exemplifies our shared mission to enhance student success and the quality of education we provide."
Established in 2024, the Assessment Champions Award recognizes faculty, professional staff and academic administrators who:
- Play a pivotal role in enhancing curricular and cocurricular learning outcomes.
- Advocate for continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.
- Foster collaboration and promote assessment as a vital tool for student success.
Awardees receive a monetary award and the opportunity to work closely with peers and assessment professionals to further advance their assessment approaches. They not only gain recognition within the Penn State community but also serve as mentors and thought leaders in assessment practices. Questions about this award can be submitted to assessment@psu.edu.