The department created its departmental outcomes and program outcomes
after careful review of University and College Missions and Outcomes.
The department also created an outcomes assessment plan for each course
which includes the course outcomes, strategies for assessment and course
assessment methods.
The course outcomes are mapped to the appropriate program outcomes
and the program outcomes are mapped to the University outcomes.
The department utilizes three different assessment methods by three different constituencies. Data has been collected since 1998 for student surveys and since 2002 for course embedded assessment and external appraisals. In 2009, the external appraisal assessment method was replaced with an alumni survey. In the 2005 -2006 academic year, the feedback loop schedule was be modified to synchronize with the University wide assessment schedule.
Student surveys are calculated using a weighted average on a scale of 1 -5. Course embedded data is also calculated using a weighted average on a scale of 1-5. Averages of 3.0 are considered good, 4.0 is considered very good. Any average under a 3.0 requires attention.
Feedback is given annually to each constituent. Faculty feedback is ongoing,
but is scheduled to occur at the department meeting towards the end of
the Spring semester.
In addition, meetings to discuss assessment and curriculum
are scheduled as needed.
Beginning in the Fall of 2005,
the Department advisory board (external constituents) are provided with a
report at their annual Fall meeting (usually November).
Students provide feedback on assessment results during a fall student club meeting.
The assessment committee meets approximately 3 times per semester.
The assessment committee analyzes the data at the beginning of the
Spring semester. The department faculty discuss the assessment committees
recommendations. Modifications to courses, curriculum, and the asseesment
process are delegated to the appropriate committee.
The assessment committee meets with the curriculum comnmittee
to
discuss the analysis. The curriculum committee will take the necessary
actions to implement curriculum changes.
Curriculum changes will be made during the Spring semester.
The assessment committee will take
the necessary actions to make changes to the assessment process.