Define the mission and goals of the program - The mission of the department and its programs is the starting point for developing assessment plans. Presumably the program mission will dovetail with the mission of Academic Affairs and the University, as well as the goals of the 2005-09 Strategic Plan. Mission statements often take the following form: "the mission of the [program]) is to [primary purpose] by providing [primary functions and activities] to/for students." For example, "the mission of the higher education Master's and Education Specialist programs includes the training of high quality entry-level and mid-level administrators for post secondary institutions, the development of practicing professionals seeking administrative advancement, and service to local institutions of higher education.…..By providing courses that are both relevant and current, taught by full-time faculty and full-time practitioners, the curriculum is optimally balanced, appropriately blending the practical and theoretical aspects of this body of knowledge." Goals are broad and abstract statements that flow out of the mission.