1 Program Director Self-Study Report For MS in Risk Control Submitted by: Elbert Sorrell, Ed.D, CSP Year: 2014 Planning and Review Committee 1. UW-STOUT’S STRATEGIC PLAN 1.1 UW-Stout's Strategic Plan – Respond to the following: 1.1.1 Describe early and ongoing experiential learning opportunities to students within the program. The MS in Risk Control program is embedded with experiential learning opportunities. The technical nature of the discipline requires critical thinking and the application of technology based instrumentation in order to identify, assess and provide solutions to address workplace safety and health issues. The following are selected courses that have integrated experiential learning opportunities: RC 583 – Occupational Safety Regulations and Standards Students identify safety issues in various work environments and link the identified issues to regulatory mandates that are inclusive of safety program development and employee safety training and evaluation. RC 587 – Human Factors Engineering/Ergonomics Students use ergonomic instrumentation to quantify overexertion exposures in the workplace. RC 595 – Emergency Preparedness and Response This course requires students to assume various roles of individuals responsible for dealing with workplace and other emergencies. Successful completion of this course result in various certifications issued through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). RC 710 – Industrial Hygiene Instrumentation This course is a laboratory based experience which requires the mastery of industrial hygiene instrumentation to assess occupational health exposures. RC 735 – Field Problem in Risk Control The field problem experience requires the student to identify environmental, health and safety issues and apply the principles of scientific methods. RC 782 – Loss Control Systems This course requires students to develop a safety management system appropriate for an identified organization. 2 1.1.2 Describe program initiatives employed to support and/or increase student enrollment, retention and graduation rates? The primary initiative employed to support and increase student enrollment is the active recruitment of the students by the Risk Control faculty in the service courses taught. Retention is enhanced as a result of a federal grant that allows the program to award scholarships to help defray the cost of tuitions for fulltime program students. The scholarships are funded by The Center for Disease Control - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Over the past five years we have awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships. Approximately 50% of the full-time students are awarded scholarships. This grant has been funded for the past 15 years. Unfortunately the program will not be funded after June 30, 2015 (it is anticipated that the program will be funded again during the 2016 grant cycle. Retention and graduation rates are excellent; this is a result of the program faculty actively guiding and encouraging students through the academic process. Retention and graduation rates are also enhanced by the faculty active advocacy on behalf of the program students ensuring that all students wanting professional summer internships get one. Furthermore, the students of the program are aware that securing employment does require them to complete their program. The program has a 100% placement rate 3 months after graduating with a starting salary ranging between $57,000 - $70,000/year. 1.1.3 Describe, provide examples and explain how the program intentionally integrates diversity efforts, functions and contributes to the program in support of Inclusive Excellence: “UW-Stout’s plan to intentionally integrate diversity efforts into the core aspects of everything we do. Diversity is broadly defined and includes, but is not limited to, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and disability status.” Due to the nature of the MS in Risk Control program some aspects of diversity are part of the curriculum by default. Two such courses where differences related to gender are an integral part of the curriculum are ergonomics and occupational toxicology. In the ergonomic course it is imperative that concepts related to physiological and anthropometric limitations and capabilities between genders are discussed. In the toxicology course students are exposed concepts related to physiology and anatomy, these concepts are important in that we are concerned about how chemicals can have adverse effects on individuals based on their genetic differences. The MS in Risk Control program is a relatively small program with enrollment goal between 30 -35 students. In any given year approximately 15 % of the students are women; this is excellent because the field of Risk Control is a male dominated field. Furthermore, approximately 25% of our students are international students or from underrepresented populations. The NIOSH grant 3 mentioned above require the program to set aside $2000 per year for the purpose of recruiting minority students. For past 5 years the M.S in Risk Control program has recruited at the National Black Student Union Conference and we have also recruited at the National Black Student Engineering Conference. Our recruitments efforts and results have been recognized by NIOSH. It is important to note that not only does NIOSH require us to recruit minority students they also have funded a 1/3 time assistantship. This is extremely important due to the fact that our minority students are not Wisconsin residents. The 1/3 assistantship is an attractive recruitment tool because it waives the out-of-state tuition. 1.1.4 Describe environmental sustainability initiatives embedded and supported by the program: “UW-Stout’s attempt to make students, faculty, and staff more aware of the importance of sustaining our environment through energy conservation, waste reduction, and other measures that will not bring harm to the environment, and to provide students with innovative research opportunities in these areas.” The MS in Risk Control program has recently updated its curriculum which resulted in the development of RC 640, Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Management. The following is a description of this course: Analysis and evaluation of topics related to environmental leadership and sustainability management. Environmental and sustainability issues as well as management challenges will be explored to promote cost-effective management strategies in the emerging global green economy. This course was recommended by the MS in Risk Control Advisory Committee. It was recommended because environmental sustainability responsibilities are being inherited by safety professionals; it was felt that graduating students needed competencies in environmental stewardship and sustainability in order to be properly prepared for their job responsibilities. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM The Risk Control program is a comprehensive course of study designed to meet both the personal and professional needs of the student by emphasizing a technical base in employee, legal, environmental and property protection; and a solid management perspective in those areas. The program stresses the means by which loss prevention as well as loss reduction-based activities are integrated into an organization’s day-to-day practices. Individuals from business, industry, education and government-oriented backgrounds seek this program to assist with professional growth and/or a possible career change. Students in the program continuously integrate theory with realistic, practical problem solving experiences with local industries and thus hone their ability to work in a team-oriented professional setting. The M.S. in Risk Control program maintains a competency-based focus which stems from close collaboration with successful business leaders that work in the risk control/safety profession. 4 Curriculum Design – Respond to the following: 2.1.1 State the approved program objectives. 1. Apply the essential theoretical, technical and practical elements of anticipation, recognition, evaluation, management, control, and communication of risk control/ safety, health and environmental hazards in the work environment. 2. Apply and communicate knowledge of hazards to positively transform work place safety and health to sustain and improve quality of life. 3. Think critically in defining and solving problems individually and in collaboration with other professionals in a globally competitive broad based economy and multicultural society. 4. Perform all duties in a professional and ethical manner. 5. Demonstrate the pursuit of lifelong learning through personal professional development. 2.1.2 Describe processes and initiatives employed in determining the need for program revision? The MS in Risk Control program has an advisory board which consists of risk control practitioners and faculty who are actively engaged in professional development. The program objectives are reviewed once a year in order to identify opportunities for program improvement. Furthermore, the Risk Control Program Director is a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Education Standard Committee (ESC). ASSE is the sponsoring society for accrediting safety programs under the ABET Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC). The ESC committee is responsible for developing and standardizing safety/risk control curriculum for accreditation purposes. The Risk Control Program Director is also an ASAC commissioner and program evaluator (PEV). The role of the commissioner is to lead an accreditation team and the role of a PEV is to perform evaluations of accredited safety programs. Information gathered from the program director’s involvement indicated above is shared with the program advisory committee. Input provided by the advisory committee and program faculty is discussed during advisory board meetings; the results of this information exchange positions the program to well understand the curriculum needs of the dynamic field of risk control. 2.1.3 Check all that apply regarding the program: X Traditional, on campus program – Note - (This program is delivered during the evenings between 4:00 PM and 6:50 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:50 PM) ___Offsite location ___Online program 5 2.1.4 Briefly describe the components of your program where students participate in scholarly activity such as: research, scholarship, experiential learning and creative endeavor. “programs are presented through an approach to learning which involves combining theory, practice and experimentation” (UW-Stout’s Mission Statement) MS in Risk Control students are provided experiential learning opportunities in the courses indicated in section 1.1.1 of this self-study. The primary opportunity to engage in research and scholarship is through the field problem requirement. As indicated the field problem requires students to identify a problem in business and industry and apply the concepts of scientific methods. Students are provided opportunities to present their research every April at the ASSE Northwest Chapter Professional Development Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Two students have presented their research at this conference every year for the past 5 years. Two years ago a risk control student presented his research at the annual meeting of the Federation of Environmental Technologist in Milwaukee, WI. Lastly, students are encouraged to submit research posters to be displayed at the ASSE National Professional Development conference. 2.1.5 Does your program currently have an accreditation or certification agency that reviews the program? If so, which agency and to what extent does it influence the structure of the curriculum? ABET is the accreditation body that accredits safety programs. The MS in Risk Control program is not accredited. 2.2 Faculty/Academic Staff Expertise – Respond to the following: 2.2.1 List key instructors in the program. A key instructor is one who teaches at least one required professional course in your program (this should be the combined faculty of Key A and Key B who were surveyed by the PRC). Dr. Elbert Sorrell Dr. Brian Finder Dr. Bryan Beamer (resigned effective spring 2015) Dr. Dale Krageschmidt (adjunct) 2.2.2 What additional faculty/academic staff expertise is needed? At the present time the program will need to replace Dr. Beamer who resigned at the end of the fall 2014 semester. A search and screen process has been initiated. 6 The College of Management recently requested permission to take ownership of three courses that were taught by the CSTEM (Industrial Hygiene, Industrial Hygiene Instrumentation and Toxicology). These courses are critical components of the program and require practical and academic expertise that the current faculty does not have. It is imperative that the COM understands the importance of these courses and the need to support outside expertise that is needed to teach these courses. 2.3 Facilities – Respond to the following: 2.3.1 Describe facilities and or capital equipment currently used and how it supports or strengthens the program? What program specific facilities (unique classrooms, labs, additional space involving minor construction) have been requested and provided? The Risk Control program is housed in the JHSW addition. The risk control program has a lab and storage area to store equipment that is used to accomplish experimental learning activities. The Risk Control faculty offices are directly across from the lab allowing the faculty to access when needed and monitor students’ use of the equipment. In the same building on the same floor the Risk Control program shares a lab with the Chemistry Department. This lab is used as a class room and is equipped with industrial hygiene instrumentation. Again being in close proximity to the lab allows the faculty to keep tabs on the equipment and monitor student use. At the end of last semester the risk control faculty was told that they were being relocated. This move could create challenges; the entire risk control faculty will not have an opportunity to access the lab with ease and will no longer be able to monitor students working in these program specific laboratories. 2.3.2 What added facility’s needs (if any) such as unique classrooms, labs, additional space involving minor construction exist in the program? No additional facilities are needed; however equipment upgrades will be needed in the very near future. 2.4 Resources for the Program – Respond to the following: 2.4.1 Evaluate the quality, relevance, and quantity of the library resources to support the program. Include a brief statement as to how these needs have been met by the library. The quality, quantity and relevance of the library resources are excellent. The 7 library staff has been extremely receptive in ensuring that relevant resources are made available upon the request from the program director. 2.4.2 List any special resources used to meet program and/or student needs such as: Learning Technology Services for curriculum materials development, ASPIRE, Research Services, Advisement Center, Disability Services, Multicultural Student Services, etc. Learning Technology Services is used to a great extent. Services provided by LTS include the printing of posters for research presentations, assistance with technology to enhance course delivery with the use of technology. 2.4.3 Describe other resources (if any) needed to meet the program objectives? Resources that will be needed in the very near future include the acquisition of upgrades in industrial hygiene and ergonomic instrumentation. The instrumentation currently used is several generations older than the technology currently used in the profession. 3. Quality of the graduates of the program – Respond to the following: 3.1 Describe program graduate demand and/or anticipated changes or trends impacting the future demand. According to a survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control/NIOSH titled “National Assessment of Occupational Safety and Health Workforce” Key findings indicate that the current trends, future national demand for occupational safety and health services will significantly outstrip the number of professionals with the necessary training, education and experience to provide such services. A synopsis of this report is linked under section 5 of this report. The full report resulting from this survey can be accessed from the linked synopsis. 3.2 Interpret the data provided by the Planning, Assessment, Research and Quality (PARQ) office of the alumni follow-up surveys. A review of the general alumni follow-up surveys from 2010 suggest that students were relatively satisfied with their graduate experience while pursuing the MS in Risk Control degree at UW-Stout. In 2010, 20 surveys were sent out and 9 returned for a 45% response rate. The approximate average score on the general survey was 3.3/4.0. Low scores on the general survey were related to the development of a global perspective and the lack of a graduate assistantship experience. The concern related to developing a global perspective has been addressed in a new course, RC 640 – Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Management. With regards to graduate assistantships we do not have the ability to provide more assistantships than what the university assigns to the program. 8 With regards to the program specific survey for 2010 it could be surmised that students feel they have developed the needed knowledge, skills and competencies enabling them to perform the duties and functions related to their jobs. The average scores on this assessment is approximately 4.0/5.0. 3.3 Interpret program specific surveys (students, faculty and advisory committee) conducted by the Planning and Review Committee. A review of the surveys provided to students, faculty and advisory board all suggest that the program is operating as designed. The students appear to be satisfied for the most part. The most significant student concern expressed is related to the outdated and inoperable industrial hygiene instrumentation. For the most part faculty expressed satisfaction with the program. However, concerns were expressed with regards to developing higher admission standards and the consideration of offering courses in an on-line format. A review of the program advisory board comments were positive and highlighted the fact that their suggestions for improving programs are taken seriously. They appreciate that fact that we have invited university support services to our meeting to assist with activities such career services and marketing. 4. Program evidence of continuous improvement – Respond to the following: 4.1 Describe program strengths distinguishing it from similar programs. Describe and explain program weaknesses? Strengths of the program which distinguishes it from like program are as follows: 1. The entire core faculty has completed terminal degrees in a discipline related to the program’s mission. 2. Terminal degrees were completed after hiring on at the university. 3. The entire faculty has practical work experience. 4. The entire faculty has a professional certified (Certified Safety Professional or Certified Industrial Hygienist). 5. The program has 3 core faculty members. The entire program is delivered with approximately with 1.5 FTE, the other 1.5 FTE dedicated to teaching support course of CSTEM related programs. 6. The core faculty is actively involved in professional organization related to the discipline. Weaknesses of the program are as follows: 1. Inability to provide equipment upgrades for the laboratory courses. 2. Teaching loads hinder the ability of the faculty to engage in research based 9 activities. 3. Teaching loads hinder the ability to explore other program delivery methods. 4.2 Submit evidence of program response to the concerns and recommendations from previous program review. Recommendations resulting from the PRC review in 2008 were as follows: 1. Acquire funding to modify risk control laboratory. The risk control laboratory was upgraded as a result of the Jarvis Hall Science Wing addition. 2. Pursue funding to allow program students to take the Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologist Examination to be used as an assessment tool. Funding was secured through Access to Learning dollars for several years. However, this certification is no longer available. 3. Share survey results regarding instructor and student concerns about the industrial hygiene courses to the Chemistry Department Chair (the owner of industrial hygiene courses) This is no longer a concern because the industrial hygiene courses have been assigned to the College of Management. 4.3 In the next seven years, what major improvements or changes are planned for implementation to improve program quality? The following improvements are planned to improve program quality. 1. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is updating its curriculum standards. Once this process is completed the program advisory board will review these changes to determine opportunities to improve the existing program curriculum. 2. Develop and implement a sustainable assessment process to measure student outcomes. 3. Consider the benefits of pursing ABET accreditation. 10 5. Attachments - Include electronic links to the following: 5.1 Links of specific program information to be included: Current assessment in the major Note: An assessment in major report for the past year was not completed. The program and its advisory are developing an assessment plan which will be introduced during the fall of 2015. The following is the assessment report completed during the fall of 2013. https://liveuwstoutmy.sharepoint.com/personal/sorrelle_uwstout_edu/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx ?sourcedoc=%7BE1AC4B64-82D2-4B0D-B5F2FD9CD40B83C1%7D&file=Assessment%20in%20the%20Major%2020122013.doc&action=default Program plan sheet https://liveuwstoutmy.sharepoint.com/personal/sorrelle_uwstout_edu/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx? sourcedoc=%7B407452A8-CF65-4BCC-ADEA47E0FAEFE2AE%7D&file=msrc_pp.xlsx&action=default Individual program facts https://liveuwstoutmy.sharepoint.com/personal/sorrelle_uwstout_edu/Documents/Shared%20with%2 0Everyone/RiskControl%2CMSReport20111229.pdf https://liveuwstoutmy.sharepoint.com/personal/sorrelle_uwstout_edu/Documents/Shared%20with%2 0Everyone/RiskControl%2CMSReport20141229.pdf Current program advisory committee https://liveuwstoutmy.sharepoint.com/personal/sorrelle_uwstout_edu/Documents/Shared%20with%2 0Everyone/Copy%20of%20Advisory%20Board%20Members%20-%20MSRC.xls o Other items that may be helpful to PRC http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oshworkforce/ https://liveuwstoutmy.sharepoint.com/personal/sorrelle_uwstout_edu/Documents/Shared%20with% 20Everyone/NIOSH%20Summary%20Statement%202010%20-%202015.pdf 11 Other items requested by the consultant No additional items were requested.