Report on the Site-Visit and Our 14-day Responses

EAC Team’s Findings EAC Team’s Findings Criterion 1 Requirement: The institution must... advise students regarding curricular and career matters. Finding: “Concern” because: Some students not seeking advisors’ advice because faculty advisors’ interests did not mesh with student interest.... suggestion: assign advisors based on mutual interest.

Requirement:...There must be... an assessment process, with documented results, that demonstrates that the program outcomes are being measured and indicates the degree to which the outcomes are achieved. There must be evidence that the results of this assessment process are applied to the further development of the program. EAC Criterion 3

“Weakness” because:...all of the direct assessment instruments produce data of a qualitative nature. Little or no quantitative direct performance indicators are produced. Although qualitative data can be used to produce useful information for program improvement, it is insufficient for proper assessment. Quantitative outcome data must also be collected on the performance of students & alumni. EAC Criterion 3 Finding

“Concern” because:... criterion also requires an assessment process with documented results to measure outcomes.... documentation exists for multiple assessments, but documentation of how the process is being sustained is not well compiled. Suggested that the program provide a schematic diagram of process with a timeline that reflects systematic processes. EAC Criterion 3 Finding (contd.)

Requirements: Standard I-3: Data relative to objectives must be routinely collected and documented, and used in program assessments. I-4: The extent to which each program objective is being met must be periodically assessed. I-5: The results of the program’s periodic assessments must be used to help identify opportunities for program improvement. CAC Criterion I

Weakness with respect to I-3, I-4, I-5: Program has an assessment process which relies on course outcomes, through the Course Group Review. However: –Quantitative course data is not collected in a timely fashion. –Mapping from course outcomes to program outcomes is not specific. –Assessment timeline is unclear, and there is no evidence that all courses are reviewed periodically. CAC Criterion I Findings

Note: 14-day responses are supposed to focus on factual errors. Plan: –Quote the criteria requirements; –Quote the facts showing that we meet the requirements; –Also say: Looking for improvements in processes; Have been exploring new direct assessment mechanisms to be implemented shortly; Expect to have results soon. 14-day Responses