CLA+

Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA)

Western Michigan University made the decision in 2007 to become a member of the Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA). The VSA was an attempt to make critical information about participating institutions transparent to prospective students and their parents. One requirement of participation in the VSA is that each institution evaluate student learning by using the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency exam, the Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress exam of the Collegiate Learning Assessment exam (CLA+). A WMU faculty committee decided to use the CLA+ exam. Although the VSA is no longer being updated, we strive to share information regarding our institution, the learning that takes place and other pertinent information about our institution on our University website. We also continue to participate in the CLA+ exam as it can share valuable information about the learning that is taking place with our students.

Collegiate Learning Assessment exam (CLA+)

The CLA+ exam is a product of the Council for Aid to Education (CAE) and is designed to measure the value added to a student's education by an institution. The exam is given online and consists of written responses to various performance tasks. The tasks are designed to measure the student's critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving and written communication skills. The value added is determined by comparing the scores of incoming freshman with those of graduating seniors.

Click on the links below to view the reports for the year you are interested in.