Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning

Mason Core Assessment

Mason Core Assessment

Mason Core is George Mason University’s general education program that builds the foundation for the Mason Graduate – an engaged citizen and well-rounded scholar who is prepared to act in a global, diverse world. The purpose of Mason Core Assessment is to support evidence-based analysis and informed decision-making about how the university can best foster student learning and achievement of general education learning outcomes through the Mason Core curriculum. Assessment plays a critical role by providing a systematic approach to collecting, reviewing, and using findings to ensure a high-quality and consistent undergraduate educational experience. This assessment process is coordinated by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP).

There are three main aims of Mason Core Assessment:

  • Students: Ensure measurable student achievement of the Mason Core learning outcomes through a high-quality, comprehensive general education curriculum.
  • Academic Programs and Departments: Make informed decisions about the curriculum using assessment data and provide faculty with targeted resources to strengthen teaching effectiveness and promote student learning.
  • Institution: Meet accreditation requirements set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), ensuring compliance with external reporting standards and demonstrating institutional effectiveness.

Mason’s assessment efforts are guided by the belief that student learning is enhanced through shared commitment to effective teaching and learning practices. To that end, OIEP works collaboratively with the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Mason Core Committee, the Mason Core Assessment Council, and other university leaders to support faculty development. These partnerships foster a collaborative approach to promote best practices in curriculum design, learning outcomes, assignment development, and assessment strategies.

  • * The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.