Institutional Effectiveness

The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness plays a lead role in the Institutional Effectiveness processes at JSU.  Our role is to is to lead, coordinate and support the continuous improvement components and processes at Jacksonville State University, which in turn supports the University’s mission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) compliance in Institutional Effectiveness. These components include University Strategic Planning, departmental/unit level Operational and Assessment plans, Program Review and SACSCOC Compliance Certification and Fifth Year Interim Reports.

Institutional Effectiveness and JSU

Institutional Effectiveness is a term that is used to describe the system and processes in which JSU makes continuous improvement a priority. JSU’s system of continuous improvement interrelates Strategic Planning, Institutional Research, Assessment of Student Learning, Operational Planning, and Program Review, as described in the JSU Continuous Improvement Policy.

JSU is committed to the continuous improvement process which is driven by JSU's core values and supports a mission focused on improved learning and an improved learning environment for JSU students. This system of continuous improvement provides a framework of operation that enables informed decision making and fuels efficiency. The Mission Statement and Goals direct the Strategic Plan, departmental goals and objectives, and therefore, influence recommendations for funding, operations, and learning outcomes.

Institutional Effectiveness and SACSCOC Accreditation

SACSCOC defines Institutional Effectiveness as the systematic, explicit, and documented process of measuring performance against mission in all aspects of an institution and stresses the importance of Institutional Effectiveness as follows: A commitment to continuous improvement is at the heart of an ongoing planning and evaluation process. It is a continuous, cyclical process that is participative, flexible, relevant, and responsive. Resource Manual, SACSCOC (Revised 2012).

JSU's commitment to continuous improvement is built on a structure that is guided by the following Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Institutional Effectiveness Principles:

7.1 – Institutional Planning and Effectiveness

7.2 – Quality Enhancement Plan

7.3 – Administrative Effectiveness

8.1 – Student Achievement

8.2a – Student Outcomes: Educational Programs

8.2b – Student Outcomes: General Education

8.2c – Student Outcomes: Academic and Student Services