Adopting a Centralized E-Student Assessment System at a University

Many university campuses are implementing centralized, electronic assessment systems. These systems are primarily for measuring student learning and are mandated by federal, state and accrediting agencies. Much effort goes into developing the technology for an efficient and easy to use electronic system, either by private companies or campuses themselves. However, successful implementation depends as much, or even more, on understanding campus culture and what change strategies are appropriate. What often happens is a system is implemented "just in time" for an accreditation site visit and then not sustained. This study was conducted to identify factors that enhance adoption of such assessment systems and foster sustainment. Theories explaining the adoption of innovations and change in higher education were used as a lens to view the adoption of REAL, an electronic assessment system, on a university campus. An outcome of the study is a set of guidelines for successful implementation of assessment systems. These should be useful to both administrators and faculty members who are planning to implement a centralized assessment system and want the system to "stick."