Catholic Identity and Mission Assessment (CIMA)

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St. John’s University will use Catholic Identity and Mission Assessment (CIMA) survey tools to regularly assess student perception of the institution’s engagement with its Catholic mission and identity.

CIMA logo

What is CIMA?

The Catholic Identity and Mission Assessment, created by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, includes best practices and surveys designed to help Catholic institutions evaluate their adherence to Catholic values and mission. These tools offer a structured approach to assess and enhance alignment with Catholic teachings, providing valuable insights for improvement and ensuring that academic, social, and community activities reflect the Catholic mission effectively.

Benefits for St. John’s University

By using CIMA, St. John’s University assesses the impact of its efforts to

  • Align with its Catholic and Vincentian values.
  • Support the integration of these values into academics, community outreach, and student life.
  • Evaluate the promotion of Catholic teachings, social justice, and ethical leadership.
  • Ensure the University’s mission remains visible and impactful.
  • Foster a holistic education that supports intellectual and moral development.

Survey Tools

The CIMA surveys measure student experiences at different stages as it relates to their experience with the Catholic mission:

  • New Students Survey: Captures insights on incoming students’ backgrounds and the influence of the Catholic mission on their decision to enroll.
  • Graduating Student Survey: Assesses changes in students’ understanding and engagement with the Catholic mission since their first year, highlighting areas where the mission has had the most and least impact as they approach graduation.
  • Alumni Survey: Evaluates the long-term impact of mission-related strategies on alumni five or 10 years after graduation.

More Information

Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU):  Founded in 1899, the ACCU supports Catholic higher education by offering programs and resources to strengthen the Catholic identity and mission of its member institutions. ACCU helps colleges evaluate how well their mission is integrated into campus life. They developed the Catholic Identity and Mission Assessment (CIMA) survey to gather insights into student experiences with Catholic values, helping institutions understand the impact of their identity, align programs with mission goals, and make improvements to enhance the Catholic experience

Catholic Mission Assessments: A Best Practice Guide:  Provides a comprehensive overview of the Catholic Identity and Mission Assessment (CIMA) project, which aims to help Catholic colleges and universities evaluate and strengthen their mission integration. It covers the background and development of CIMA, provides best practices for mission assessment; includes principles, guiding questions, and possible indicators to help institutions evaluate their Catholic identity in various areas, such as curriculum, governance, community engagement, and institutional practices.

Process and Principles for Vincentian and Mission Accreditation:  Outlines a structured accreditation process for Catholic and Vincentian institutions to evaluate how well they integrate their mission and identity across all areas of university life. Similar to traditional accreditation processes, it aims to ensure these institutions maintain their Catholic and Vincentian values through regular self-assessment and external reviews.