# Defining Program Outcomes

Program outcomes describe what students should know, do, or value upon completing a program. In Nuventive, outcomes form the foundation of your assessment plan and must be created before you can add methods or findings.

<p class="callout warning">You cannot add **Methods** or **Findings** until at least one **Outcome** has been created and saved.</p>

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## **Video Tutorial**

**Watch:** Defining Program Outcomes  
This short video explains how to create and manage program outcomes in Nuventive.  
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## **Key Features**

### **Accessing Outcomes**

- Navigate to your program using the **selection menu**.
- From the **left-hand menu**, select **Assessment &gt; Outcomes, Methods, and Findings**.

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### **Creating an Outcome**

- If no outcomes exist, you’ll see blank fields for **Outcome Short Name** and **Outcome Description**.
- Click the **green and white plus button** to add a new outcome.
- Complete the following fields: 
    - **Outcome Short Name**: A brief label (e.g., *Communication*).
    - **Outcome Description**: Full text of the outcome statement.
    - **Status**: Defaults to *Active* unless archiving an old outcome.
    - **Assessment Schedule**: Select the academic years for assessment.  
        *Institutional requirement: All outcomes must be assessed within a four-year cycle.*
    - **Outcome Type**: Typically *Program-Level Outcome*.

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### **Saving and Managing Outcomes**

- Click **Save** in the top-right corner to finalize your outcome.
- After saving: 
    - Reorder outcomes using the **six-dot handle**.
    - Edit, copy, or delete outcomes using the **vertical ellipses (⋮)** menu.

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## **Need Help?**

Contact the Office of Accreditation and Assessment:  
**Phone:** (870) 972-2989  
**Location:** Room 610, Dean B. Ellis Library  
**Email:**<klee@astate.edu>

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[➡️ **Next**](https://kb.astate.edu/books/nuventive/page/mapping-outcomes)