Program Learning Outcomes Assessment at Boston University provides faculty a means to ask a fundamental question about the programs they design and teach: by completing a given set of courses and other requirements, do students actually acquire, in the end, the particular knowledge, skills, habits of mind, and attitudes faculty intend? If not—or if not fully enough—what pedagogical and curricular reforms can be undertaken to improve student learning? A similar question can be asked of the co-curricular and extra-curricular programs that contribute so significantly to a well-rounded education at BU.
Program Learning Outcomes Assessment at Boston University is overseen by the Council of Deans. It is coordinated and facilitated by Russell Stone, Assistant Provost for Academic Assessment. University Working Committees, comprised of representatives from the schools and colleges, meet regularly with the Assistant Provost for Academic Assessment to share information and best practices, and to coordinate the University’s effort.
Russell Stone, Assistant Provost for Academic Assessment
Russell provides leadership and support for academic units in their ongoing assessment of student learning and consideration of curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities. His primary responsibility is ensuring that the BU community has the necessary information and guidance to reflect on what and how students learn.
Prior to coming to BU, Russell served as Assistant Vice Provost for Assessment & Accreditation at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he led a number of projects related to student learning and achievement, general education, and community engagement. He also served as a peer evaluator and Mission Fulfillment Fellow for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Aside from recent publications on assessment and general education, Russell is a medievalist and has published a number of books, articles, and reference works on the medieval reception of Alexander the Great.
Nischwethaa Rajkanth, Administrative Coordinator
In her role as Administrative Coordinator for Undergraduate Affairs, Nischwethaa supports the Academic Assessment team, the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships, and the Trustee Scholars program.
Before joining the Undergraduate Affairs team, Nischwethaa cultivated her professional interests through a variety of roles. She served as a Research Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Aging and Population Health, an online English Tutor at Ringle, and also a Lab Manager at BU’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Nischwethaa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Music. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a focus in Epidemiology & Biostatistics here at Boston University.
Nischwethaa aims to leverage her background in STEM research and higher education administration to improve health equity and access to education. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys drawing and painting, exploring the Boston cafe scene, and playing pickleball!
Staff Contacts
Nischwethaa Rajkanth
Administrative Coordinator
nrjk@bu.edu
Russell Stone
Assistant Provost for Academic Assessment
crstone@bu.edu