The Policy on Assessment of Student Learning (PASL) is intended to provide a framework for assessment practices at McGill. The new principles-based Policy has replaced the former University Student Assessment Policy (USAP) as of Fall 2024.
PASL applies to all undergraduate and graduate courses for which credit is earned and students receive a final grade on an official McGill transcript.
PASL is core to McGill's mission of advancing learning as it centres assessment for learning.
PASL: Rhymes with tassel
Assessment for learning:
- Allows for fair, meaningful, and effective assessment of a student’s learning.
- Creates a learning environment that is both healthy and rigorous.
- Helps to determine whether planned learning outcomes are achieved.
A focus on assessment design can have a significant impact on student learning and may be the most important area of focus to help students learn (Brown, 2004-05).
► Read more about assessment for learning.
Why PASL?
Assessment can be more than just assigning grades to student work. It has an important role to play in students’ ability to develop their knowledge, skills, and values. When focused on learning, assessment can also have a positive impact on well-being. PASL was developed with these considerations in mind.
The Policy aims to advance student learning, support instructor and student well-being, and promote equity by encouraging pedagogically sound assessment practices. Its development was informed by McGill’s mission, recommended assessment practices in higher education, and extensive consultation with the McGill community.
► Listen to the Teach.Learn.Share podcast to learn more about assessment and well-being.
Guiding principles
PASL outlines a set of common principles, which serve as an overarching framework for the Policy and allow for flexibility to adapt the Policy to local contexts.
Faculties and units are able to develop local guidelines and procedures adapted to their disciplines and contexts but consistent with the Policy and its guiding principles.
Assessments should:
Align with healthy teaching and learning environments
Promote high academic standards and academic integrity
Be pedagogically sound
Allow for valid and reliable judgment of student learning
► Read more about the guiding principles and key concepts underlying PASL.
Key policy topics
In addition to the principles, PASL outlines policy on several different topics, including:
- Right to fair assessment (Section 5)
- Communication of course assessment tasks (Section 6)
- Reasonable accommodation for students (Section 7)
- Third party rereads (Section 8)
- Examination and final assessment tasks (Section 9)
- Process for contesting assessment (Section 10)
► Read more about the Policy details and key differences from USAP.
PASL implementation timeline
► Read more about the development and approval process of PASL.