This presentation is designed to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of student learning outcomes assessment for newcomers to that field. This presentation will cover a basic philosophy of values-centered assessment, including the reasons for assessment, its role in higher education, and how to use it to improve curriculum & pedagogy. Topics will include course-level, program-level, and institutional-level assessment, academic program review & accreditation, curriculum mapping, roles and methods of direct & indirect assessment, and the centrality of values and mission to all assessment work. New faculty, new department chairs, and new assessment coordinators are especially encouraged to attend!