1. Department of Communication School of Liberal Arts B.A. in Communication CIP Code 090199 Program Code 140 1 Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

2. Student Learning Outcomes We have 14 Program Objectives 2 1.Public speaking 2.Writing skills 3.Research competency 4.Critical thinking 5.Content knowledge 6.Newswriting 7.Photography 8. Media graphics 9. Radio production 10. TV News production 11. Video production 12. Broadcast writing 13. Computer literacy 14. Satisfaction w/ major Students will be able to demonstrate the following: Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

3. Holistic Alignment of Outcomes 3 “... provides quality educational opportunities [and] … combines innovative classroom teaching with experiential learning; prepares students for professional success … ” [UNIVERSITY] Cameron University … “… fosters a student-centered academic environment, in keeping with the mission of the University, and is dedicated to guiding students to the highest possible standard of achievement.” [SCHOOL] The School of Liberal Arts… Alignment with University, School, and Departmental mission statements, and Plan 2013: Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

4. Holistic Alignment of Outcomes 4 Alignment with University, School, and Departmental mission statements, and Plan 2013: [DEPARTMENT] The Communication Department strives… “To offer learning opportunities that develop student intellectual capacities … preparing students for graduate school or a number of communication-related professions.” [Strategic Plan 2013 – GOAL #1.1] “Maintain and enhance Cameron’s commitment to providing programs of the highest quality in instruction, research, and service … ” Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

5. Measures of Learning Outcomes 5 Direct measures of student learning objectives: Portfolio review [Standardized assessment rubrics] Performance review Locally developed test [knowledge] Indirect measures of student learning objectives: Graduating senior attitudinal survey Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 IDEA Student Reactions are included in faculty reappointment Faculty Perceptions of Student Learning

6. Measure of Learning Outcomes 6 Program methodologies that addresses academic shortfalls prior to graduation: [Institutionalized] None. [Non-institutionalized] Informal workshops One-on-one study sessions Group study sessions Emphasis on proper academic advisement Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

7. Program goals and objectives Each OBJECTIVE is tracked using data from a number of COMPETENCIES. Ranging from 1 to 8 COMPETENCIES COMPETENCIES are rated using a 9-pt. scale Divided into three RANGES: * UnsatisfactorySatisfactory Excellent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 * Borrowed from NCA – National Communication Association Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 7

8. Program goals and objectives Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 These areas were scored on the following four-point scale of 0-3: 0-unacceptable, 1-marginally acceptable, 2-acceptable, 3-excellent. The scale was adapted from Kohl & Wilson (1986). P.O. # 11 Demonstrate* effective video production *Bloom’s Taxonomy Knowledge* areas measured: Lighting, audio, camera work, graphics, editing, content and length. 8

9. Program actions since last assessment presentation 1.WRITING - Our department chose the following strategies to improve scholarly writing: 9 Make clear the ground rules early-on as to departmental expectations [Idea development, Documentation, Grammar, etc.] Emphasize the depth and maturity of reasoning expected at the collegiate level. Provide extended feedback in these areas. Encourage students to utilize other campus writing resources [Center for Writers, library, etc.] - - - - 2008-2009 - 6.32009-2010 - 6.72010-2011 - 6.9 Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

10. Program actions since last assessment presentation 2.RESEARCH - We implemented the following strategies to improve research skills: 10 - - - - 2008-2009 – 5.82009-2010 – 5.52009-2010 – 4.9 Consider adding the Communication Research Course to the Core.* Consider making the Communication Research Course a pre- requisite for some research based courses. Broaden the usage of EBSCO Communication and Mass Media Utilize newly formed committee to review the PR and Speech degree structures. * New course offered Spring 2010; Curriculum proposals in progress. Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

11. Program actions since last assessment presentation 3. Video Production 11 Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 Since changes have been implemented, we will be looking forward to the assessment results in the next year as this is when the students who have benefited from the changes will be participating in the assessment process. So we will analyze and make changes on those results.

12. Program objective and measurement PROGRAM GOAL: PROGRAM OBJECTIVE 1 CURRICULUM AREA OR TARGET AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT OF PROGRAM OBJECTIVE Measurements Methods used to determine validity of measurement instruments Methods used to determine reliability of measurements Schedule for measurements [#2] Demonstrate effective [scholarly] writing skills Upper-division Communication Department courses. DIRECT: Portfolio review [Research paper] INDIRECT: Standardized national assessment rubric [adapted from NCA] Multiple raters Consistent use over 15 years Inter-rater reliability Annually [Fall] 12 PO #2 - Demonstrate effective [scholarly] writing skills [PR/Org Comm emphasis] Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

13. Display of assessment data [N = 10 students] 13 COMPETENCIES Statement of Purpose Sentence structure Organization Development of Ideas Grammar Documentation Connectives AVE. 7.7 6.6 7.4 6.9 6.3 6.7 7.0 6.9 PO #2 - Demonstrate effective writing skills [Public relations/Organizational communication emphasis] 2008-2009 - 6.32009-2010 - 6.72010-2011 - 6.9 Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

14. Program objective and measurement PROGRAM GOAL: PROGRAM OBJECTIVE 1 CURRICULUM AREA OR TARGET AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT OF PROGRAM OBJECTIVE Measurements Methods used to determine validity of measurement instruments Methods used to determine reliability of measurements Schedule for measurements [#3] Demonstrate effective research competency Upper-division Communication Department courses. DIRECT: Portfolio review [Research paper] INDIRECT: Standardized national assessment rubric [adapted] Multiple raters Consistent use over 15 years Inter-rater reliability Annually [Fall] 14 PO #3 - Demonstrate effective research competency [Speech Comm emphasis] Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

15. 15 PO #3 - Demonstrate effective research competency [Speech Communication emphasis] 2008-2009 – 5.82009-2010 – 5.5 Display of assessment data [N = 5 students] COMPETENCIES Research problem Definition Review of literature Data Analysis Conclusions Implications AVE. 5.1 4.8 5.0 5.6 4.7 4.6 4.9 2010-2011 – 4.9 Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

16. Program objective and measurement 16 PO #11 - Demonstrate effective video production Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 PROGRAM OUTCOME CURRICULUM AREA OR TARGET AUDIENCE MEASUREMENTS OF STUDENT LEARNING OR SERVICE OUTCOME Measurements Methods used to determine validity of measurement instruments Methods used to determine reliability of measurements Schedule for measurements Demonstrate* effective video production competency RTV 2313 Basic Television Production RTV 3323 Field Production and Editing Direct Measures Portfolio Locally Developed and Validated Examinations Indirect Measures IDEA Student Reactions are included in faculty reappointment Exit Interviews Faculty Perceptions of Student Learning Gay (1992) stipulates that validity is “the degree to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure.” In determining validity Gay recommends determining instrument validity for subject matter and for the person being assessed. Inter-rater reliability Annually every Fall Semester

17. 17 PO #11 - Demonstrate effective video production Display of assessment data [N = 6 students] Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 0-unacceptable, 1-marginally acceptable, 2-acceptable, 3-excellent. LightingAudioCameraGraphicsEditingScriptContentLength Student Average 2.81.82.92.73.02.92.82.0

18. Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 18 Display of assessment data [N = 6 students] P.O. # 11 Demonstrate* effective video production Knowledge Area - Length

19. Action plan 19 Offer the Communication Research course every year and require as a departmental core course Encourage students to utilize other campus writing resources [Center for Writers, library, etc.] Communicate strict departmental guidelines [Idea development, Documentation, Grammar, etc.]; Provide extended feedback in these areas Ongoing PO #2 - Demonstrate effective writing skills [Public Relations/Organizational Communication Emphasis] Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 Spring 2011

20. Action plan 20 Faculty will examine rubric and examine inner-rater reliability Emphasize the depth and maturity of scholarly writing expected at the collegiate level [in upper division courses]. Spring 2011 Ongoing PO #2 - Demonstrate effective writing skills [Public Relations/Organizational Communication Emphasis] Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 COST1/8 Full-time faculty load to offer the research methods course once per academic year. Provide models of exceptional research projects/papers from previous semesters. Spring 2011

21. Action plan 21 Offer the Communication Research course every year and require as a departmental core course Have a faculty workshop to improve student research writing Have faculty examine research rubric and inner-rater reliability Increase the usage of EBSCO Communication and Mass Media Make the Communication Research course a pre-requisite for research based communication courses. Ongoing Spring 2011 Ongoing PO #3 - Demonstrate effective research competency [Speech Communication Emphasis] Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011

22. Action plan 22 Communicate strict departmental guidelines [Data gathering and reporting, analysis, implications/critical judgment, etc.]; Provide extended feedback in these areas. Spring 2011 COST1/8 Full-time faculty load to offer the research methods course once per academic year. PO #3 - Demonstrate effective research competency [Speech Communication Emphasis] Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 Provide models of exceptional research projects/papers from previous semesters. Spring 2011

23. Action plan 23 Based on our data, we recommend the following: PO #11 - Demonstrate effective video production Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 Ongoing COST1/8 Full-time faculty load Offer remediation to graduating students who did not perform. Develop a capstone course that will provide the atmosphere for providing serious Reemphasize importance of producing a quality project and provide extended feedback in knowledge areas.

24. Ancillary Action -Provide a room for the Speech Center that is available all day -Assign the current Fundamentals of Speech instructor position to direct the Speech Center, mentor new adjuncts, and coordinate the General Education Assessment data for the department -Propose a new full-time Public Relations position to support future course offerings on campus and online - Propose a new full-time faculty member to teach Mass Communication classes and serve as Production Manager for the new television studio Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 24

25. Published information on graduates 25 Academic Year 09-10 Entered Graduate SchoolWorking In Discipline Other Summer 2009 Fall 2009 Spring 2010 Total Program Quality Improvement Report 2010-2011 Academic Year Entered Graduate SchoolWorking In Discipline Other Summer 2010 Fall 2009 2 3 3 Spring 2010 3 6 3 Total 5 9 6