1. Maintaining Coherence
Integration of Course, Program, and University Outcomes
Michael Zieg
Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Slippery Rock University, PA

2. Degree Coherence: We Are Not Alone
Each program is part of broader institutional environment
Must demonstrate a contribution to University’s mission
Funding, other support may depend on explicit furtherance of institutional goals
University can provide resources outside our specialties
General Education/Liberal Studies (e.g., communication, humanities)
Allied disciplines (e.g., math, chemistry, physics)
Co-curricular activities and organizations (e.g., cultural enrichment, student clubs)

3. Degree Coherence: We Are Not Alone
Student awareness of coherence
Course requirements within and outside department work together
Students frequently divide courses into “major” and “other”
Major courses → important (easy to see relevance)
Other courses → unimportant (difficult to see relevance)
We should demonstrate the importance/relevance of external requirements if we want students to take them seriously

4. Degree Coherence Matrix
How does the program support the University mission?
Program outcomes
University-wide student learning outcomes
How are the goals accomplished?
Degree (program) coursework
Liberal Studies (General Education) program requirements
“Out-of-classroom” or co-curricular experiences
How do we know it’s all working?
Assessment methods
Results & analysis

5. Example

7. Degree Coherence Matrix
Outcomes
Coherence
Assessment Plan

8. “External” Outcomes

9. Establishing Degree Coherence
Consider the relationship between program and university missions and resources
Universities typically strive for ~ “Liberal Arts” education
Programs often emphasize ~ “pre-professional” training
How does your degree program accomplish the university mission?
Courses within the major department
Courses external to the major department
Additional programs/experiences

10. Acknowledgements
Degree coherence approach at SRU inspired by Dr. Dan Weinstein, Winthrop University
Implementation at SRU driven by Dr. Tom Flynn, Communications