The MSIS graduation assessment serves as the culminating learning outcomes assessment for students preparing to graduate from the School of Information Sciences with the MSIS degree. The MSIS graduation assessment is an opportunity for students to reflect on their cumulative learning experiences in the School. The contents of the MSIS graduation assessment focus on professional skills and knowledge developed during students' coursework. After ascertaining that all required materials are present, submitted MSIS graduation assessment is evaluated by a faculty committee consisting of a minimum of two full-time faculty members.  

Fall 2024 required learning outcome for the reflective essay for MSIS: 

#2: Leverage databases and datasets to uncover and present insights that drive decision making. 

Click here for a complete list of MSIS learning outcomes. 

Please note: Information regarding the MLIS graduation assessment is available on the MLIS Graduation Assessment webpage.

Information regarding the Certificate Graduation Assessment is available on the Certificate Graduation Assessment webpage.

The MSIS graduation assessment includes all the following items:

• A reflective essay
• Four artifacts or assignments supporting student learning outcome proficiency as discussed in the reflective essay
• A professional resume
• Completed survey in graduation assessment Canvas site

In the reflective essay, the student discusses how they have developed as an information professional and demonstrates how they have become proficient in two of the degree-specific student learning outcomes. For the two learning outcomes, one is randomly selected by the school, and the other is chosen by the student. The student should use 500-600 words to demonstrate his/her understanding of each of the two learning outcomes, and use two artifacts to support their proficiencies in each. 

As a concluding piece of the essay, the student includes their stance or philosophy of the information profession. This philosophy will be supported by using readings of the research, professional literature, personal experiences, and the degree-specific student learning outcomes. The student may address questions like: What is an information professional? What are the characteristics, qualities and knowledge that will be most important to you as an information professional? 

An artifact in the context of MSIS graduation assessment may refer to any sample work a student has completed in an MSIS course since entering the School. 

Students must back up course artifacts to multiple locations during the course of their studies at the school. Students must not rely on the learning management system (e.g., Canvas) as a backup system. It is not the responsibility of the school, its staff or faculty, to retain copies of student work.

Please check each of the following areas for complete information on the preparation, submission and evaluation of the MSIS Graduation Assessment. [links below to be updated]

• Graduation assessment preparation
• Instructions on writing the reflective essay 
• Graduation assessment submission 
• Graduation assessment evaluation

If you have any questions on the completion of your graduation assessment, you may contact Academic Services Officer Amber Case.

Recording of the 2024 Graduation Assessment information session

Copy of Slides from 2024 Graduation Assessment information session