Assessment Name in PowerDMS
When you’re preparing for an accreditation assessment, even the little details can make a big difference. One of those small but powerful details is how you name your assessments in PowerDMS.
Assessors spend hours reviewing your files. They’re constantly checking cycle dates to confirm compliance. By putting the cycle dates directly in the assessment name, you save them from having to look back and forth between a tent card, a whiteboard, or a sticky note. The dates stay right in front of them the entire time.
Instead of “CFA Assessment” or “Reaccred 2026,” use:
December 7, 2023 to December 6, 2026
This way, there’s no guesswork. Everyone knows exactly which cycle the assessment covers. And if you have more than one discipline, add the accrediting body acronym before the date, such as CFA December 7, 2023 - December 6, 2026, or CALEA + dates, or COMM + dates. You get the idea.
Click “Manage Assessment.”
Either use the three vertical dots next to the assessment name in the blue lefthand column.
Or, from anywhere inside the assessment, click the Manage Assessment button in the upper right corner.
Navigate to the General tab.
PowerDMS defaults to the General tab when the settings open.
Edit the Assessment Name.
The first field is Assessment Name.
Type in your cycle dates (e.g., December 7, 2023 to December 6, 2026).
Optional: Customize formatting.
The name field accepts most formatted text.
Want to get creative? Try pre-formatting your dates using a free font generator like fsymbols.com/generators, then paste into PowerDMS.
Click Save.
Your new name now appears across the top of every standard in the assessment, as well as in the lefthand file structure.
Note for New Assessments
If you’re creating a brand new assessment in PowerDMS (either from scratch or after a reaccreditation), the steps for naming are exactly the same once the new assessment is created. Just follow the process above to edit the Assessment Name field with your cycle dates.
For the detailed steps on starting a new assessment after just finishing one, see my other Helpful Tip: Update Manual After.
This small tweak keeps your assessors’ eyes focused on the standards and proofs of compliance, while the cycle dates stay right in front of them the entire time. Less distraction, less confusion, and a smoother experience for everyone.
Who do you know that could benefit from these accreditation-friendly tips and resources? Consider sharing this link with a colleague so they can sign up:https://www.accreditationacademy.net/signup
Areaka P. Jewell
Accreditation Academy
areaka@accreditationacademy.net
(305) 360-1075