UC Santa Barbara takes a data- and evidence-driven approach to fostering student success in our minority-serving institution. This approach is disseminated through multiple processes that involve gathering and analyzing data on learning, resources, and improvement processes.
Equity-Focused Assessment
As a result of UC Santa Barbara’s Thematic Pathway for Reaffirmation study, the campus has new processes for Program Learning Outcome Assessment and Program Review. Called Equity-Focused Assessment, both processes involve starting with quantitative institutional data. Learn more.
Program Learning Outcomes Assessment
Through PLO assessment, UC Santa Barbara faculty conduct a focused study of student learning achievement and use results for program improvement. Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are assessed by all programs on a continuous three-year basis. Beginning in 2022, two tracks for PLO assessment will be available: a track focused on specific outcomes, and a track focused on equity data. Read more about UC Santa Barbara’s PLO assessment and find extensive resources available on the PLO Assessment Site.
Program Review
Through Program Review, UC Santa Barbara’s academic departments undertake an intensive self-study and receive feedback from an external review committee.
UC Santa Barbara Institutional Outcomes
UC Santa Barbara makes extensive data regarding student achievement and student outcomes available via the Office of Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment.
University of California Institutional Data
The University of California Office of the President also provides extensive data about students across all UC campuses. Click for data on: Undergraduate Graduation Rates (select "Santa Barbara" in the "Campus" drop down menu), Undergraduate Alumni Graduate Degree Attainment, and the UC Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) data tables (click on a year, then select "Santa Barbara" in the "Campus" drop down menu).
*note: All UC undergraduates have the opportunity to take UCUES every other spring. The survey is voluntary. Systemwide, 35-45% of students usually complete this survey.
WSCUC Key Indicators Dashboard
WSCUC hosts a data visualization tool, the Key Indicators Dashboard (KID), that provides data to key indicators included in public data sources (such as IPEDS, the College Scorecard, or the Federal Student Aid Data Center) for all WSCUC institutions. The KID enables it possible to compare data associated with one institution to others.