Cal U cites accomplishments
A series of presentations to celebrate accomplishments in outcomes assessment were held in March at California University of Pennsylvania. Undergraduate program-level outcomes assessment featured five departments: biological and environmental sciences, communication disorders, elementary education, nursing and theatre and dance. The presentations demonstrated the effectiveness of outcomes assessment in improving program delivery and student learning. Presenters were Dr. Thomas P. Buckelew, Dr. Nancy Hepting, Dr. Richard M. Wyman, Dr. Margaret Marcinek and Dr. Michael J. Slavin.
Assessment of co-curricular programs featured the work of the staff of student development and services in defining mission, goals, objectives and learning outcomes for students involved in all programs within their jurisdiction. Leigh Hayes, director of student life services and coordinator of the leadership program was the presenter.
Assessment of developmental programs featured developmental math, freshman composition and developmental reading. Each area shared the means used to enhance the performance of students as measured by improved understanding and ability in these skill areas. Presenters were Dr. Paul D. Williams (math and computer science), professor Patricia A. Johnson (academic development), Dr. Kurt Kearcher (English) and professor Marianne MacBeth (English).
The awards are as follows: Award of Excellence (Academic Program Outcomes Assessment) – Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Department of Nursing; Award of Distinction (Academic Program Outcomes Assessment) – Department of Elementary Education, Department of Theatre ; Award of Excellence (Co-Curricular Outcomes Assessment) – Student Development and Services; Award of Excellence (Developmental Math Outcomes Assessment) – Department of Math and Computer Science, (Developmental Reading Outcomes Assessment) – Department of Elementary Education; and Award of Distinction (Freshman Composition Outcomes Assessment) – Department of English.