PROGRAM REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

Minutes of: October 31st 2002

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

Started: 9:45am.

The meeting started with a general discussion about the necessity of the assessment process. The process should be balanced in order to provide a meaningful assessment, but should not be overwhelming to the departments. The process should be seen as an opportunity, with the clear incentives. It should be done in the manner compatible with the university academic vision.

A short briefing about the meeting of Dr Philip Smith with the UCF steering committee followed. It was concluded that the meeting was informative, and did provide a number of replies to the questions compiled at the last PRAC meeting. In the UCF steering committee meeting, several direction for continuation of the assessment process were suggested. It was suggested that PRAC contact Dr. Ellen O'Sullivan and join efforts in determining an alternative assessment method. The members were informed that the next meeting with Dr. Smith will follow on November 7th, with Dr. O'Sullivan and Dr. Ellen Beatty invited.

To be better prepared for the meeting, it was decided to conduct a research in order to gather more information about possible benchmarks, alternative assessment models, and possible guidelines. The effort should concentrate on the institutions that are comparable to SCSU, that will include our sister institutions (under the State of Connecticut).

The members shortly discussed the underfunding of the university and its consequences affecting the assessment. It was simply concluded that more funds are necessary.
 

Adjourned at 11:00am
 

Recorder: H.Podnar