Cal Poly’s university-wide assessment efforts examine six core competencies: written communication; oral communication; quantitative reasoning; information literacy; critical thinking; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Typically, each core competency undergoes a three-phase cycle of research, evaluation, and improvement based on data collected in lower and upper division General Education (GE) and/or disciplinespecific courses. Overall, the assessment process provides an important measurement of student learning and helps to ensure that degree programs comply with standards set by WSCUC, our institutional accreditor.
Within the current WSCUC accreditation cycle, quantitative reasoning will be assessed beginning in academic year (AY) 2025–26 and culminating in AY 2027–28. During this three-year period, a working group will study student artifacts across course levels and contexts with an aim toward articulating the various ways that students develop and apply quantitative reasoning skills while at Cal Poly. Consistent with prior campuswide core competency assessment efforts, the overarching goal of this assessment project is to yield valid and reliable data that can be used to enhance the student learning experience. At the conclusion of this assessment cycle, we aim to establish quantitative reasoning benchmarks that may be used as a tool to help the campus community better understand, map, and evaluate student quantitative reasoning performance and development. Additionally, this quantitative reasoning assessment project will apply equitable assessment strategies and promote meaningful faculty development in line with Cal Poly’s commitment to inclusive pedagogies.
Academic Programs and Planning is seeking a Faculty Lead for Quantitative Reasoning Assessment to begin in AY 2025–26. The faculty lead will earn 4 WTUs of assigned time for the academic year, with duties and responsibilities outlined below. The anticipated time commitment for this role is around 6 hours each week over the Winter and Spring 2026 quarters.
- Work closely with Academic Programs and Planning (APP), the Academic Assessment Council, college Associate Deans, and faculty assessment leaders to plan and facilitate assessment activities.
- Plan and lead quantitative reasoning assessment work group meetings.
- Provide direction and engage with the assessment team in problem solving throughout the assessment process.
- Document assessment activities and organize assessment materials in a shared drive.
- Engage in professional development around equitable assessment strategies, including gathering resources to share with work group members and Cal Poly faculty.
To apply for the Faculty Lead for Quantitative Reasoning Assessment position, please submit:
(1) A current CV.
(2) A statement of interest addressing the following:
- What does equitable assessment mean to you?
- How is serving as the faculty lead for quantitative reasoning assessment in line with your own professional development / teacher-scholar goals?
- What, if any, prior experiences do you have with project leadership, quantitative reasoning assessment, program assessment, and/or core competency assessment? How might those experiences inform your approach to this role?
(3) Confirmation that (a) you have consulted with your department chair/head about this opportunity, and (b) they have provided a positive indication with regard to your receiving assigned time should you be named faculty lead.
Application materials should be submitted to the Faculty Director of Program Improvement, Dr. Jean Lee (jlee473@calpoly.edu), no later than Nov. 21, 2025. Interviews are anticipated to be scheduled during December 2025.
