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Indiana University Northwest

Campus Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

Campus Assessment Plan - Unit Assessment Plans

College of Arts and Sciences Plan

College/Unit Assessment Plans

The College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) has 14 formal departments/programs and several smaller programs.  All programs have assessment procedures in place.  Assessment in COAS occurs on two levels—the college level and the departmental level.  The assessment outcomes are consistent with the campus’ General Education and Student Learning Outcomes of: Lifelong Learning, Ethical Practices, Successful Careers and Effective Citizenship.  Assessment and Analysis occur during Spring semester, and Assessment Reports are generated during Fall semester of each year. 

At the college level, we use oral/written tests, simulations, labs, service learning/internships, grade distribution indices, alumni surveys, etc., as measures for student learning outcomes.  We also revise courses and program curriculum and identify specific ways to improve the student learning for our majors.  COAS Faculty Teaching and Faculty Service Awards are in place as motivators. The Dean, Associate Dean or Curriculum Committee Chair lead these efforts at the COAS level.  Retention is related to assessment and it is addressed through: Advising of Majors and of Undecided Advisors who have expressed an interest in COAS; Psychology faculty generating and using motivation toward retention research; English “Stretch Program” whereby a ‘learning community” results from students retaining the same instructor for subsequent courses; COAS Conference involving students in undergraduate research, credit through proficiency testing for Foreign Language and Mathematics, the Pre-Professional advising support program toward careers, etc. 

On the departmental level, External Reviews/Self Studies of the entire department occur.  Additionally, Department Chairs submit Assessment Reports to the COAS office and include assessment within their standard Departmental Annual Reports.  Two departments have specific national accreditation and are in good standing:

  • Chemistry – Accredited by the American Chemical Society
  • Psychology – Major Field Test Accreditation

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES (COAS) ASSESSMENT for Year 2007-08

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

METHOD

RESPONSIBLE PARTY

TIMETABLE

Assessment of Baccalaureate Degree Majors, Interdepartmental Majors, Associate Degrees, Minors, & Certificates Requirements
  • General Requirements, Number of graduation credits needed, GPA Transfer Credit, Course Level, Group Distribution of Course Requirements, etc.

General Education Goals mainly through courses in COAS

  • Eng. Proficiency Test
  • Math Proficiency Test
  • Foreign Language Test
  • Dean of COAS
  • Dept. Chair (with assistance of Full Time Faculty and/or COAS Curr. Committee)
  • Assessment Data collected in the Spring
  • Assessment  Data Analysis & Written Report Submitted in the Fall
Basic Intensive Writing Competencies Intensive Writ.Course Requirements    

Evaluation of Theoretical Concepts, per dept. student learning goals

 

Hist/West. Civ.

  • Culture Studies
  • Capstone Course
  • Electives

Dept. Chair & Full time Faculty
  • Assessment Data collected in the Spring
  • Assessment  Data Analysis & Written Report Submitted in the Fall

Evaluation of Applied Concepts, per dept. student learning goals

 

 

Experiential Learning: Internships, Service Learning, Study Abroad,  etc.

  • Pre-Professional Program
  • Sr. Projects, Labs, etc. 
  • Exit Interviews
  • Results of Alumni Surveys
  • Assessment Data collected in the Spring
  • Assessment  Data Analysis & Written Report Submitted in the Fall

1-2 New Improvement Target Areas suggested for next yr.--Congruent with Gen Ed. & Campus Student Learning Outcomes
  • Dept. Faculty Meeting (Working Session dedicated to Assessment of Curriculum and Student Learning Outcomes)

Dept. Chair

New Improvement Areas Identified in the Spring

For 2007-08:

  1. Put forward relevant degrees that focus on academics, careers, and the community
  2. Collect Alumni Data more systematically

SPECIFIC DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT -  Year 2007-08

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

METHOD

RESPONSIBLE PARTY

TIMETABLE

Evaluation of Theoretical Concepts, per dept. student learning goals

Internal or external, tests, research papers, lab/diagrams, etc., blind graded and discussed by faculty for consistency in performance and expectations

Dept. Chair (with assistance of Full Time Faculty and/or COAS Rep. to Curr. Committee)
  • Assessment Data collected in the Spring.
  • Assessment  Data Analysis & Written Report Submitted in the Fall
Evaluation of Applied Concepts, per dept. student learning goals
  • Internships, Service Learning; Capstones;  Sr. Projects, Labs, Portfolios, etc. 
  • Exit Interviews & Results of Alumni Surveys, etc.

Dept. Chair & Full time Faculty
  • (Same Report and time tables as listed above)

1-2 New Dept. Improvement Target Areas suggested for next yr.--Congruent with Gen Ed. & Campus Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Selected Depts. will put forward degrees that focus on academics, careers, and community
  2. All depts. will collect Alumni Data more systematically

Dept. Faculty Meeting (Working Session dedicated to Assessment of Curriculum and Student Learning Outcomes)

Dept. Chair

New Improvement Areas Identified in the Spring