This publication presents the findings and conclusions as well as policy recommendations for a California State University (CSU) policy on student outcomes assessment. The report was formulated based on 16 meetings to study and discuss assessment issues, to review material from the campuses and to provide guidance to CSU representatives serving on an assessment study group advisory to the California Postsecondary Commission. Chapter 1, "CSU Involvement with Student Outcomes Assessment" defines outcomes assessment, describes the undergraduate education reform movement, conferences, assessment projects and committee work on the issue, and state government interest. Chapter 2, "Factors Contributing to Interest in Student Outcomes Assessment" offers statements by leaders illustrating concerns about assessment and description of actions by governmental and professional agencies. Chapter 3, "Guiding Principles for Assessing Student Outcomes in the CSU," describes the reasons for adopting the twelve principles that guided response to external agencies and proposal of recommendations. Chapter 4, "Recommendations for a California State University Assessment Policy" contains 15 recommendations that seek to balance various objectives and responsibilities. Three appendixes contain current assessment practices at CSU, a summary of responses to a survey, and a bibliography of over 50 items. (JB)