PROGRAM REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE                   
 
Minutes of: October 21st 2004
 

Present: C. Coron (co-chair), K. Cummings, H. Podnar (co-chair), E. Schmitt, W. Shyam.

Started: 10:10 am.

The Chair announced the upcoming NEEAN/NEASC Fall Forum on Friday, November 5, at Bentley College, Massachusetts. Funds are available for members of PRAC to attend the conference. Some of the members expressed interest in attending the conference.

Discussion arose on the status of departmental assessment. A new member queried if there were any changes in assessment procedures and requirements now that we have a new administration. So far there has been no written communication from the administration that assessment is mandatory. Committee members felt that unless there is a formal document from the administration to the faculty on the need for and benefits of program assessment, it will be a challenge to sell assessment to the faculty. The Chair affirmed that assessment is being applied and is mandated by the administration. Last year the Dean's Council came up with evaluative performance criteria that must be addressed by all departments. The CSU Office also requires performance indicators related to programs. The administration is committed to assessment and the appointment of Marianne Kennedy as the new Assessment Coordinator is a result of that commitment.

Discussion on PRAC members' involvement in the assessment process followed. A suggestion about organizing an SCSU assessment debate was presented. The debate will provide a medium for SCSU faculty to share their positive and negative assessment- related experiences. The resulting conclusions and directions could be used to initiate a university wide assessment dialog. With this idea, PRAC will apply for a Faculty Development grant. The details of the proposal will be discussed at the next PRAC meeting.

Adjourned at 11:10am

Recorder: W. Shyam