Define the department outcomes - Outcomes are more focused and concrete statements than goals that flow out of the mission and goals, as well as from professional organizations. Outcomes in assessment should NOT be confused with the tasks that need to be completed in order to accomplish the goal. It is the outcomes that are assessed. Outcomes often take the following form: "to (action verb) (subject) by (action)." For example, "To assist all academic/instructional departments and administrative/support units to assess their impact on student learning and contributions to the strategic plan by collecting and publishing Assessment Plans and Assessment Summary Reports." Departments should select a minimum of 3-5 outcomes (more if necessary) that represent areas in which they would like to improve in the near future.