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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:
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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 Other items requested by the consultant
No additional items were requested.