Part of the AALHE Professional Development Series

Patterns, Not Proof: Assessing Learning in Creative Disciplines

• Ryan Smith, Director of University Assessment, Illinois State University

April 22, 2026

3:00pm ET / 2:00pm CT / 1:00pm MT / 12:00pm PT  

Description: In this session, we’ll examine why traditional assessment approaches often feel misaligned with creative disciplines, and what to do about it. Rather than asking creative programs to fit external frameworks, participants will explore a translation model that starts with disciplinary practice. At the same time, assessment, improvement, and data analytics professionals will consider what their own work can learn from how creative disciplines evaluate learning. Using a concrete example, we’ll walk through how starting with the work first and outcomes second, along with focusing on patterns in student work, can inform meaningful improvement. Participants will leave with a way to translate authentic disciplinary assessment into language that satisfies institutional expectations without distorting the work.

Speaker Bio: Ryan Smith is the director of university assessment at Illinois State University. Ryan has presented and administered many workshops on data storytelling in higher education. Ryan focused on how storytelling can address the problems of data overload, audience engagement, and advocacy. He holds a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. MSE in Education from Drake University, and BA in Art History from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Ryan has over 25 years of experience in higher education assessment, institutional research, and planning.

Non-Member Cost: $40

Non-Member Registration

Spring is the season of growth, fresh ideas, and new opportunities, perfect for energizing your assessment strategies! Join us for the Spring 2026 Practical Assessment Strategies Series (PASS) and transform the way you approach learning assessment on your campus.

Why Attend?

• Hands-on strategies: Walk away with actionable tools you can implement immediately.
• Expert insights: Learn from leaders in assessment innovation and student success.
• Collaborative community: Connect with peers, share ideas, and grow together.