Assessment Report Standard Format
July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010
PROGRAM(S) ASSESSED __Department of Communication________
ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR Elliot Gaines
YEAR _one of a _five_YEAR CYCLE
1. ASSESSMENT MEASURES EMPLOYED
Briefly describe the assessment measures employed during the year.
What was done?
 In COM 101: a variety of Speech competencies were
measured.
 COM 200: a range of standard writing competencies were
measured.
 In COM 400: Career reports, oral presentations, and senior
portfolios.
Who participated?
 COM 101 data provided by Dr. Mary Rucker
 COM 200 data provided by Adam Gutschmidt
 COM 400 data provided by Carol Morgan
What challenges (if any) were encountered?
 Since the department assessment plan was originally
implemented, changes in faculty and curriculum have
resulted in inconsistent data preparation.
2. ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
List the objectives and outcomes assessed during the year, and
briefly describe the findings for each.
 COM 101 Speech: 75.46 was the average score assessed
for speech organization, execution, research and citing
techniques, extemporaneous speaking behaviors, effective
multi-media use, and knowledge of basic communication
concepts and theories.
 COM 200 Writing: Assessment considered writing,
organization, depth of subject, application of research and
evidence, completeness and accuracy, clarity of expression,
and consistent citation style. 68% percent of students
performed above average.
 COM 400: Senior seminar and portfolio assessment included
speeches, career presentation, and a portfolio. Speaking
abilities of the students were about average. Students were
not very dynamic or engaging. Portfolios varied in quality.
About 10% were top-notch and very impressive. Another 1020% were very poor in quality. The rest of them were pretty
average. The main problem with the portfolios is that it is
much easier for mass communication majors to find
interesting and worthy material to put in their portfolio. Most
had demos of their radio shows, newspaper articles, press
releases, or television clips. The Communication Studies
and Organizational Communication majors really struggled
with the portfolio content.
3. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
List planned or actual changes (if any) to curriculum, teaching
methods, facilities, or services that are in response to the
assessment findings.
 The assessment committee coordinator recommended that
the department address the necessary changes and updates
to the departments assessment plan.
4. ASSESSMENT PLAN COMPLIANCE
Explain deviations from the plan (if any).
 Some data required by the old assessment plan were not
available. As stated earlier, these data were to be generated
by pre and post testing, and surveys that were not
conducted because of changes in the faculty and curriculum.
5. NEW ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENTS
Describe developments (if any) regarding assessment measures,
communication, faculty or staff involvement, benchmarking, or other
assessment variables.
 During our transition to semesters, new assessment
methods and criteria will be discussed in the department.