Program Assessment Virtual Workshop
Dates: February 19, 20, 26 & 27, 2026 | 1:00–3:30 p.m. CT
Location: Zoom
Registration Fee: $750 per person
Register By: February 4, 2026 | 11:59 p.m. CT
Strengthen your institution’s approach to assessing your academic programs in this interactive virtual workshop. Through four synchronous modules, experienced assessment professionals will help you unpack your program assessment processes and discover sustainable methods for improving effectiveness.
You’ll gain insights through lecture and participate in small-group discussions with attendees from similar institutions to share experiences. Engage in activities around student learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, using data, performance indicators, getting faculty buy-in and more.
You’ll leave the workshop with the practical knowledge and skills to lead the development or advancement of a program assessment plan in your academic discipline.
Who Should Attend?
Department chairs, academic program coordinators and faculty in programs without discipline-specific accreditation are invited to attend this individual-participant workshop focused on informing and strengthening program assessment practices.
Please note: This is not a team-based workshop. Each participant will register and attend as an individual. Throughout the session, you’ll engage in breakout group activities with participants from other institutions that share similar characteristics.
This workshop is not designed to help you meet specific programmatic accreditation standards.
Program Fees
HLC Member Institution: $750 per person
Non-Member Institution: $900 per person
Payment Options
Credit Card
Payment via credit card is preferred. HLC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Checks/ACH
Please include your check number during registration if you select this method.
Cancellations & Refunds
Cancellation requests must be sent to [email protected].
Refunds will be based on the following dates:
- Cancellations requested on or before February 3, 2026 will be eligible for a full refund, less a $25 processing fee per person.
- Cancellations requested between February 4 and February 18, 2026 will be eligible for a 50% refund, less a $25 processing fee per person.
- No-shows or cancellations requested on or after February 19, 2026 are not eligible for a refund.
Meet the Workshop Facilitators
This virtual workshop is led by HLC Scholars who are experienced in assessment methodologies and practices.
Susan Hatfield
HLC Senior Scholar and Professor Emerita, Winona State University
Susan Hatfield is a Professor Emerita in the Communication Studies Department at Winona State University (WSU), where she taught from 1981 to 2015. During that time, she developed and directed WSU’s assessment program, served as a department chairperson, and coordinated the First Year Student Experience. She has previously served on the Board of Visitors for the Marine Corps University and the Board of Directors of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Susan is currently a Trustee of the Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Jan Smith
HLC Scholar
Jan Smith is the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness (Emerita) at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. She has given numerous international, national and regional presentations on topics related to higher education, most notably accreditation. Jan has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming and has 20 years of experience as a professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Pittsburg State. Jan was a long-time mentor for HLC’s Assessment Academy before becoming an Academy Scholar.
John Marr
Vice President of Accreditation Relations, Higher Learning Commission
John Marr joined HLC as vice president of accreditation relations in 2018. He has over 30 years of administration, teaching, and consulting experience. Dr. Marr has held student development and academic administrative positions at Clark State and Columbus State Community Colleges. He served as secretary of the university and executive assistant to the president at Wittenberg University, and dean of academic affairs for the Eastern Campus of Cuyahoga Community College. Dr. Marr has served on the boards of Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Kendall College. He is a former HLC peer review team chair and former member of the Institutional Actions Council. Dr. Marr holds a B.A. from Wittenberg University, an M.S. from Wright State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University.
Schedule at a Glance
Module 1: Foundations of Academic Program Learning Assessment  
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. CT
Topics include:
- Understanding Your Program Structure
- Academic Program Learning Outcomes
Module 2: Learning Outcomes and Curriculum Mapping
Friday, February 20, 2026, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. CT
 Topics include:
- Defining Learning Outcomes
- Curriculum Mapping
- Assessment Methods
Module 3: Tools for Assessing Academic Program Outcomes
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. CT
Topics include:
- Assessment Measures
- Implementing Assessment of Program Outcomes
Module 4: Use of Data to Improve Student Learning
Friday, February 27, 2026, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. CT
Topics include:
- Interpreting Data
- Data Reporting
Technology Requirements
Platform
All modules will be delivered synchronously via Zoom. Attendees, or their respective institutions, are responsible for installing and configuring any software or hardware necessary to participate. Follow these steps while checking device compatibility:
- Check the Zoom System Requirements to confirm each team member’s device can support the platform.
- Run an Internet Speed Test on the device(s) that will be connecting to the online meeting. Compare results to the Zoom system requirements to ensure the internet speed matches the recommended bandwidth for meeting attendees.
- Visit the Zoom Download Center to find out whether the latest version is installed or check for updates on your Zoom application.
- For the best experience, it is recommended that built-in computer cameras or webcams are turned on and audio is connected directly through the device or with headphones.
Additional Zoom guidelines and event-specific instructions will be sent out to registered attendees closer to the event date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend in this workshop with colleagues from my institution?
We welcome multiple representatives from a single institution to attend, but this is not a team-based workshop. Each participant will register and attend as an individual. To help promote sharing of experiences and new perspectives, attendees will engage in breakout group activities with participants from different institutions with similar characteristics.
I am no longer able to attend. Can I send a different person in my place?
If you can no longer attend and would like to replace your registration with another individual from your institution, please email [email protected] by February 4, 2026. A $25 processing fee will apply.
Is there pre-work for this workshop?
There is no required pre-work, but certain reading and activity materials will be sent ahead of the first session.
When will I receive the Zoom link?
The Zoom link will be provided at least 24 hours prior to each module.
Custom Date
February 19, 20, 26 & 27, 2026February 19 – February 27
