PRAC minutes for November 18, 2010
Attendance: Scott Graves, Tom Radice, Charlie Dellinger-Pater, Karen Cummings, Patricia Kahlbaugh
Not Present: Susan Clerc, Marybeth Fede, Susan Felsenfeld, Jane McGinn and Sanja Grubacic
Meeting began at 10:00a.m. in ASC 229
PRAC's bylaws were reviewed and voted on. A quorum was present (with two electronic votes). The vote was 7 in favor and 0 opposed.
PRAC continues to discuss a Wiki or some similar vehicle to share comments about program reviews before meetings. Scott Graves has taken a leadership role on this issue. We hope to have a mechanism in place for spring 2011.
PRAC reviewed the Employer survey developed by the Office of Assessment and Planning. No suggestions were offered for revision; however, some discussion ensued about the relevance of such a survey for certain programs/departments. Revision to the Academic Program Review and the Program Review Checklist may be forthcoming.
Reminder: Geography's program review will be submitted to PRAC December 1, 2010.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:45.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Patricia Kahlbaugh
Program Review and Assessment Committee (PRAC)
University Curriculum Forum
Undergraduate Program Review Report: Theatre - School of Arts and Sciences
November 29, 2010
The Theatre Department in the School of Arts and Sciences submitted a self-study report to UCF - PRAC on October 27, 2010. The self-study covered Standards 1-17 of the Academic Program Review document. PRAC reviewed all submitted materials and met with the Assessment Coordinator, Dr. Kaia Monroe, for discussion of the self-study report on November 4, 2010. No revisions were required. All standards were met and PRAC recommends continuing approval of the program. PRAC's summary report as well as the Theatre department's executive summary are submitted to UCF for the December 2, 2010 meeting.
PRAC commends the work done by the Theatre Department and views this program review as exemplary. The following are some specific evaluations of Standards 1-17:
Standard 1: The department/program's mission supports the University's mission
Met
The mission of Theatre Department is well articulated and aligned with the University's mission of academic excellence, access, social justice and service for the public good. The report identifies specific examples of this alignment as well as unique department goals regarding preparation of students for training in all facets of theatre.
Standard 2: The department/program has clearly stated program goals and objectives
Met
The Theatre Department identifies five program goals/objectives and makes clear statements of what the program intends to accomplish. Examples are "preparing students with broad theatrical education through curriculum that encompasses history, literature, criticism, performance practices, production practices and design. "
Standard 3: The department/program has clearly stated program -level expected student outcomes and methods for measurement
Met
The Theatre Department identifies eight specific student learning outcomes linked to the program goals and direct methods for assessing these student learning outcomes. For example, a junior exit exam serves as a direct assessment of six of the eight learning outcomes (e.g., two of these six are: recognition of principal theatrical eras, movements and playwrights, and identifying characteristics of theatrical genres and styles). One indirect measure is student job placement rate.
Standard 4: The department/program actively uses data about student learning to improve its programs
Met
The Theatre Department has actively used student performance data to improve its programs, and has a mechanism in place for ongoing evaluation of the program and implementation of program changes as needed. For example, modifications have been made in two courses based on the junior year exit exam. The department continues to work toward closing the assessment loop .
Standard 5a: Evidence of quality instruction
Met
Syllabi, summaries of student evaluation forms, and surveys are used as evidence of quality instruction.
Standard 5b: Evidence of Teaching effectiveness
Met
Evidence from students support teaching that is challenging, dynamic and engaging.
Standard 6: The department provides evidence of a coherent and current program
Met
The Theatre Department describes the mapping of learning objectives to courses in the core curriculum. Mention is given to the particular challenges faced by the department in terms of the multi-faceted nature of the discipline (e.g., performing, conceptual, visual artists, craftsmen, marketing and financial professionals, etc. ). Commitment to current practices is evident.
Standard 6a: The Department clearly describes the relationship between graduate and undergraduate programs
Met
Standard 7: The department has an appropriate number of qualified faculty
Met
Faculty represent diverse backgrounds and expertise. CVs are included in the report for this standard. Time committed to the program and courses taught are indicated. Documentation of student enrollment patterns is provided and interpreted. Faculty "regularly receives accolades from the regional and national Kennedy Center of American College Theatre Festival and the new England Theatre Conference. Recruitment strategies for new students and issues with staff are identified.
Standard 8: The Department provides high quality student advisement and maintains adequate tracking procedures of its students
Met
Appreciation for the importance of advising and tracking of students is emphasized. A typical four-year program sequence is provided.
Standard 8a: Undergraduate Program Direction
Met
Standard 9: The department offers an appropriate number of courses and sections to meet the needs of students. Statistical data concerning admissions, graduations, courses offered and cancelled, and other relevant statistics are provided and analyzed
Met
Theatre has identified some enrollment issues for upper-level electives and has used independent study as an alternative.
Standard 10: The department/program demonstrates a climate of intellectual/professional curiosity and achievement among faculty and students
Met
The Theatre Department has demonstrated a climate of intellectual and professional achievement and has highlighted specific examples of successful collaborations between students and faculty, most notably the Crescent Players.
Standard 11: There is evidence of faculty and student research, scholarship, and/or creative activity.
Met
Summary of faculty and student scholarship is provided.
Standard 12: The department/program has adequate library resources to meet its needs
Met
Since 2007, the Theatre department has been working closely with the library to rectify a previous neglect of important acquisitions and has met with encouraging success to benefit students.
Standard 13: The department/program has adequate facilities and non-print resources, such as audio-visual, computers, labs, practica to meet its needs.
Met
The Theatre Department has identified some significant limitations with its facilities (e.g., the Kendal Drama lab, Lyman Center mainstage, light sources, needs for dance studio, etc. ). Despite issues, the department is grateful for the relationship with Lyman Center as well as relationships with external off-campus learning environments (e.g., Long Wharf, etc.).
Standard 14: Periodic Review and Evaluation
Met
The Theatre department has sent out alumni and employer surveys and has been reviewing the junior exit exam. In addition, an external review was conducted this fall. The external reviewer, from a comparable theatre department in New England, has generated a report for their use in their ongoing self-assessment.
Standard 15: The department's activity in community service and outreach is appropriate to the mission of the program and the university
Met
Standard 16: The department provides an analysis of program strengths and weaknesses
Met
The Theatre Department provides an informative list of strengths and weaknesses consistent with the points made in the self-study. Strengths included faculty/student ratio and curricular innovations. Weaknesses included space and technology needs.
Standard 17: The department describes a vision and action plan for the future
Met
The Theatre Department provides a vision and action plan for 5 years.
Summary
PRAC appreciates the work the Theatre Department, and Dr. Kaia Monroe , the department assessment coordinator, have done in the preparation and presentation of this self-study report, and has evaluated standards 1-17 as "met." PRAC recommends to the University Curriculum Forum that Continuing Approval be given, and in doing so, understands that Standard 1-17 have been met.
