Strategic Action Planning

Why am I taking this assessment?

Walden University requires students to take comprehensive assessments to measure student learning and to evaluate the program learning outcomes associated with the program of study.

The purpose of this assessment is to allow school officials the ability to assess the quality of the academic programs, so that the school can improve its programs and provide the best possible educational experience for all students.

The assessment helps ensure that the school maintains the highest quality of education.

How should I prepare for the assessment?

There is no need to prepare for the assessment.

The comprehensive assessment covers topics taught throughout the degree program, which are aligned to the topics required for accreditation.

Preparation for the assessment comes from your educational experience with the school, specifically through the required courses for your degree.

How long does the assessment take?

The assessment typically takes students around 60-90 minutes to complete. Some students may take more or less time, but that seems to be the average time we see.

Once I start the assessment, do I need to finish it?

There are two fifteen minutes breaks that you can take during the assessment. There is a "Take a break after this question" button you can select if you find you need to step away.

You can also log out and log back in up to three times within 48 hours.

Does this assessment affect my final grade?

The results of your assessment (your score) will not affect your final grade. Completion of the assessment is a requirement of the competency so you must submit your Certificate of Completion as part of that assignment and failure to do so may result in zero credit for the competency.

What technology do I need to access the assessment?

You will need a computer with Internet access. No other plug-ins are required. The online assessment will operate on all internet browser types.

How do I register for the assessment?

Students obtain their access link by self-registration from a micro-site created for the university.

Be sure to follow the instructions once you access the micro-site. In most cases, you will select from the list the course you are currently enrolled in, which includes the assessment as a course requirement.

How do I start the assessment once I am registered for it?

At the conclusion of the self-registration process, a hyperlinked course name will be displayed. When you click the hyperlink, your web browser will open to the assessment screen. (This method is the best method to start the assessment.)

If you do not complete the assessment at the end of the self-registration process, you can also access it by using the e-mail sent to you upon completion of the self-registration process. This e-mail also has a hyperlinked name to take you to the assessment page.

How long will I need to take the assessment?

Typically, the assessment should take about 60-90 minutes.

Can I “back track” during the assessment?

No, you will not be able to go back to a question if you decide to skip it. You need to do your best to answer each question within the allotted time. Otherwise, it will be graded as 0 points. The reason why this restriction is in place is due to the need to protect the integrity of the assessment process.

Is the score weighting the same for an unanswered question versus a question answered incorrectly?

Yes.

If I have an ADA accommodation from Walden University, what should I do so it is applied?

The outbound assessment is administered by Peregrine Academic Services, an outside vendor. If you have been granted accommodations from Walden, you need to either:

· Email [email protected] (our vendor) directly to let them know of your situation. You should copy [email protected] so that Walden University can confirm the request.

OR

· You may email [email protected] and ask them to notify Peregrine at [email protected] on your behalf to confirm your accommodations.

I know I am registered, but I never received the e-mail.

Please check your SPAM or JUNKMAIL folder for the e-mail from Peregrine Academic Services. ([email protected]).

You can also have the e-mail re-sent to you using the link found on the micro-site page where you began the self-registration process.

If you still do not see the e-mail, then there is an issue with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) blocking or otherwise restricting the e-mails and Peregrine Academic Services may not be able to assist you with recovering this e-mail. If you are using your Walden email, contact [email protected] to discuss issues with your waldenu.edu email.

The last-resort option is to submit a support ticket to Peregrine.

How do I print or save my completion certificate?

After completing the assessment, you will be asked to view and save your certificate. A link to download the completion certificate will also be automatically e-mailed to you at the end of the assessment.

Finally, you can also retrieve your completion certificate from the micro-site page where you began the self-registration process.

I forgot to save my completion certificate when I finished the assessment. What do I do?

Look for the e-mail with the link to download the completion certificate included.

If that still does not work, you can have the certificate re-sent to you from the micro-site page (where you self-registered), on the main log-in screen.

If I still have questions, whom do I contact?

For course and assessment content/requirement related questions, please contact your course professor. Peregrine Academic Services does not control how or if assessments are used as part of the course grades or how it is otherwise used by the institution.

For technical questions or issues regarding the assessment site, please submit a support ticket at http://www.peregrineacademics.com/home/technical-support. This is your fastest method for rapid customer support because the ticket is automatically sent to the person who is assigned support duty during the period of your request. Normal support hours are 6am-10pm, Mountain Time Zone.