Computer Science Department Program Improvement Plan December 3, 2004

2 ABET (CAC) Standards The program must have documented, measurable objectives. The program’s objectives must include expected outcomes for graduating students. Data relative to the objectives must be routinely collected and documented, and used in program assessments. The extent to which each program objective is being met must be periodically assessed.

3 ABET (CAC) Standards (cont’d) The results of the program’s periodic assessments must be used to help identify opportunities for program improvement. The results of the program’s assessments and the actions taken based on the results must be documented.

4 CS Program Improvement Plan - Main Components Gathering input from constituents on a regular basis Establishing meaningful student learning outcomes for each course in the program Implementing an ongoing cyclical process for systematically directly assessing student learning with respect to our established Program Objectives and Expected Student Outcomes

5 Gathering Input from Constituents Mechanisms Senior Exit Surveys given each semester Meetings every semester with the Industrial Advisory Board Alumni Surveys conducted every three years Employer Surveys conducted every three years

6 Gathering Input from Constituents (cont’d) Input Solicited Opinions regarding the program objectives and expected outcomes Feedback regarding the quality of the program Subjective assessments of student learning

7 Establishing Learning Outcomes for each Course A plan is in place to review existing learning outcomes and/or create them for all courses in the computer science program. By the end of this semester this will be completed for all required computer science courses. The remaining courses will be addressed over the next two years.

8 Process for Direct Assessment of Program Objectives and Outcomes At the beginning of the (calendar) year an assessment plan is put in place. The plan is carried out during the year. At the beginning of the next year the results are evaluated, program improvements are made if indicated, and a new plan is created.

9 Computer Science Program Objectives 1. Create an understanding of the principles of computer science and problem solving. 2. Build an awareness of computing practices in industry and emerging technologies, emphasizing a working knowledge of current software design and development techniques.

10 Computer Science Program Objectives (cont’d) 3. Provide a broad education that enables graduates to understand the impact of computing technologies in a societal context. 4. Provide a computer science education that enables our graduates to pursue rewarding professional careers, graduate studies, and lifelong learning.

11 Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for Objective 1 Students will: a) Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of algorithms, data structures, software design, concepts of programming languages, and computer organization and architecture, and an awareness of the evolution and dynamic nature of the foundational core of computer science. b) Demonstrate the ability to analyze and solve computing problems.

12 Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for Objective 1 (cont’d) c) Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of programming languages and a proficiency in at least one higher-level language. d) Demonstrate understanding of discrete mathematics, differential and integral calculus, and probability and statistics. e) Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data

13 Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for Objective 2 Students will: a) Demonstrate an awareness of emerging technologies and the ability to evaluate and utilize currently available software development tools. b) Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practices for software design and development.

14 Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for Objective 2 (cont’d) c) Demonstrate the ability to successfully apply the principles and practices for software design and development to real problems. d) Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form, and work in a team environment.

15 Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for Objective 3 Students will: a) Demonstrate familiarity with basic concepts, emerging technologies, and contemporary issues relating to the societal impacts of computing. b) Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical considerations related to computing.

16 Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for Objective 4 Students will: a) Be competitive in the computing job market or be admitted to a good graduate program in computing. b) Demonstrate an ability to acquire new knowledge in the computing discipline and to engage in life-long learning.

17 Process for Collecting & Assessing Data Regarding Program Objectives The following activities take place each calendar year: 1. At the first Department meeting of the spring semester, Course Group Coordinators are elected (selected) for each of our “ Course Groups ”. This set of Course Group Coordinators constitutes the Assessment Committee for the year.

18 Process for Collecting & Assessing Data (cont’d) 2. Prior to the second Department meeting of the spring semester, the Assessment Committee selects one or more program objectives and a specific set of expected student outcomes to be assessed during the current year. 3. At the second Department meeting of the spring semester, the Assessment Committee presents its recommendations for assessment for to the department for approval.

19 Process for Collecting & Assessing Data Regarding (cont’d) 4. Prior to the third Department meeting of the spring semester each Course Group prepares an assessment plan for the (calendar) year based on the objectives and outcomes selected for assessment. 5. At the third Department meeting, each Course Group presents their assessment plan for Department approval.

20 Process for Collecting & Assessing Data Regarding (cont’d) 6. The Course Group ensures that the planned and approved assessment activities are accomplished and prepares a final report, prior to the last Department meeting of the year, summarizing and evaluating the results of these activities. 7. Prior to the first Department meeting of the spring semester the reports of all Course Groups are analyzed by the Assessment Committee and recommendations for program improvements are made.

21 Process for Collecting & Assessing Data (cont’d) 8. During the first meeting of the spring semester, the program improvement recommendations from the Assessment Committee are discussed, and the Department decides what actions are appropriate based on the recommendations. The process then loops back to step 1.

22 Process for Collecting & Assessing Data (cont’d) Additional activities conducted include: 1. Each semester an Exit Survey is given to students near graduation (Comp 450 students) asking their opinions about the program. 2. Each semester one or more meetings of the Industrial Advisory Board are held. 3. Every three years an Employer Survey is conducted. 4. Every three years an Alumni Survey is conducted

23 Computer Science Department Assessment Plan

24 Computer Science Department Assessment Plan (cont ’ d)

25 Computer Science Department Assessment Plan (cont ’ d)

26 Computer Science Department Assessment Plan (cont ’ d)