PROGRAM REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE
Minutes of: December 5th 2002
 

Present: K. Buterbaugh, C. Coron (chair), C. Durwin, H. Podnar, W. Shyam.

Started: 9:45am.

Unfortunately, the scheduled meeting with the current assessment coordinator Dr. Ellen O'Sullivan was postponed for the second time. The first meeting, set to be on November 21st, had been postponed due to conflicting schedules. Dr. O'Sullivan suggested to plan the meeting sometime in the Spring semester. All the members and Dr. O'Sullivan expressed their interest and initiative to keep the positive momentum of coordination and dialog.

One of the members reported that some of the departments that had been scheduled to go through the assessment process this (Fall) semester, were rescheduled for the Spring. The departments were reassured that the assessment process will continue.

The members continued their extensive research of on-line resources related to the assessment process at other institutions. It was noticed that all of the institutions have published clearly devised goals that justify the assessment process. In most cases, the assessment is done primarily for an internal circulation. Some institutions encourage departments to practice their own types of assessment as they seem suitable. Some of the methods could be: student evaluations, classroom assessment, practicum and research, exit surveys, interviews, outside assessment. The members will continue to explore the assessment techniques and reports available on the Internet. As the conclusion of the research a list of favorable features will be compiled.

The members reflected on our current assessment process, and suggested that the goals of the process should be well defined. It was clarified that the departments proceed with the assessment process in order to enter into the written agreement with the administration. The departments see the agreement as a basis for resource allocation and negotiation. The members reiterated their department's dissatisfaction with the process, that, in some extreme cases, can end up with the implementation forms never signed.

It was noticed that the PRAC activities had little impact to the assessment process during the last two years. The members concluded that the faculty input is essential to the process and will continue to invest time and effort in this direction. 

Adjourned at 11:00am
 

Recorder: H.Podnar