College/Unit Assessment Plans
The College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) has 13 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 students who have expressed an interest in COAS; faculty participating in PIGs focused on improving student success; 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. One departments has specific national accreditation and is in good standing:
- Chemistry – Accredited by the American Chemical Society