Nominations are now open for the 2026–2027 Assessment Champion Award.

The Assessment Champion Award celebrates individuals who lead assessment efforts, promote effective assessment processes, and make significant contributions to the continuous improvement of learning at Penn State. Champions are typically faculty members or academic administrators who demonstrate a deep commitment to enhancing student learning outcomes and strengthening the overall quality of education across the University.

Assessment Champions often demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics:

• Expertise in assessment practices
• Advocacy for student success through targeted, data-informed interventions
• A collaborative spirit that enhances assessment literacy within their units
• Commitment to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making
• Effective communication of the importance of assessment to diverse stakeholders
• Innovation and adaptability in exploring new assessment approaches and technologies
• Dedication to equity and inclusion in assessment practices

Assessment Champions collaborate with the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR) to elevate their efforts — exploring innovative practices, refining methodologies, and developing creative solutions to complex assessment-related challenges.

Together, we work to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of assessment efforts, enhance the educational experience for students, and advance Penn State’s mission of academic excellence.

Learn more and submit a nomination:
https://opair.psu.edu/assessment/champions/

Announcing New Provost Endorsement on Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence (SITE) and World Campus Online Faculty Development (WCOFD) are partnering on a new Provost Endorsement on Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

This endorsement begins with an asynchronous self-guided course, OL 3600: Universal Design for Learning (UDL), in which participants explore the rationale and research that supports designing learning experiences with UDL, read scenarios about UDL applications, and reflect on ways to apply UDL to their own instructional practices. OL 3600 is available throughout the calendar year.  

Those who complete OL 3600 are invited to enroll in Teach to Reach with UDL, a four-week, asynchronous, instructor-led online course offered by SITE, where participants draw upon their own teaching or learning design experience and their existing understanding of UDL to generate and respond to discussions, create a UDL-inspired instructional activity, and provide feedback on their peers’ activities. Teach to Reach is offered in spring and fall semesters.  

Current Penn State faculty and postdocs can earn Provost Endorsements. Provost Endorsements are not available to Penn State graduate students.  

Completion of both OL 3600 and Teach to Reach within one academic year are required to earn this endorsement. Those who completed both courses in the past may apply for the UDL endorsement by contacting Mary Ann Tobin at matobin@psu.edu, who can also answer questions about this endorsement or our UDL courses.

Register now at our events page schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/events.

Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 Assessment Workshop Series, presented by the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR).

This virtual series is designed to support assessment leaders and faculty in strengthening program assessment efforts across the University. Sessions include practical guidance on using Nuventive, Penn State’s online assessment management system, along with strategies to enhance assessment planning, reporting, and continuous improvement.

The workshops are free and open to all members of the Penn State community.

View full details and register:
https://opair.psu.edu/assessment/resources