A Student Assessment 

Wichita State University utilizes the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+) as part of its overall assessment of student learning. The CLA+ is an external assessment that students’ performance in analysis and problem solving, scientific and quantitative reasoning, critical reading and evaluation, and critiquing an argument, in addition to writing mechanics and effectiveness.

According to the Council for Aid to Education, the CLA+:

  • challenges students to demonstrate skills, rather than to simply recall information.
  • challenges students to address real-life issues presented in performance tasks.

Students need to be able to analyze and evaluate information, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Beyond simply accumulating facts, they must be able to access, structure, and use information.

The CLA+ measures how well WSU is teaching critical thinking, analytic reasoning, problem-solving and writing skills. 

The annual report is shared with the following groups:

  • University Assessment Committee
  • Council Of Deans
  • Faculty Senate – Academic Affairs Committee

Student Participation

Wichita State is looking for:

  • 100 first-time first year, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen to accept their invitation to volunteer to take the assessment.  
  • 100 degree-seeking seniors with no previous bachelors degree with 60 or more earned credit hours from Wichita State University that have been invited to take the assessment. 

Incentives will be provided for those who complete the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+). 

The Office of Student Accommodations & Testing will begin accepting appointments on November 8, 2023, through April 30, 2024.  Appointments must be made by registering through RegisterBlast using the instructions listed.

Student Incentive

  • Students who complete the survey are eligible for:
    • $25 WSU Shocker Dollars:  Shocker Dollars can be used at all the RSC food operations – Starbucks, Tu Taco, Panda Express, Chick Fil A, Freddy’s, & Shocker Sports Grill.  The Shocker Dollars can also be used at the Shocker Hall Dining and the Market at GroundHouse (serving coffee from locally owned Reverie Coffee Roasters and on-the-go meal and snacks items).
  • The CLA+ assessment can only be taken one time.