About the Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research

The Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (formerly known as CTAAR) was originally founded as the “Teaching Excellence Center” in 1992 and has gone through a few name changes during its history.

As a reporting unit within University Academic Affairs, the Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (OTEAR) convenes networks on teaching evaluation and assessment to support continuous academic improvement across the institution. OTEAR provides research support, workshops, training, and outreach in order to enhance evidence-based decision making within University Academic Affairs and Chancellor-led Units. The office leads the effort to collect, analyze, and share student feedback on instruction to inform continuous improvement efforts as well as for academic appointments and promotions, and supports the design and implementation of program-specific instruments. Driven by collaborations with partners across the institution and best practices, OTEAR reviews and coordinates the annual assessment cycle and reviews assessment of learning outcomes of new programs.