PLANNING AND REVIEW
COMMITTEE ANNUAL
REPORT
2014-2015
Results of Program Analysis and Recommendations
During the 2014-15 academic year, the Planning and Review Committee reviewed the
enclosed degree programs and made the listed recommendations.
Fiorani, Christine
fioranic@uwstout.edu
Degree programs reviewed by the Planning and Review Committee:
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Business Administration, B.S.
Game Design and Development, B.S.
Operations and Supply Management, M. S.
Real Estate Property Management, B.S.
Retail Merchandising and Management, B.S.
Risk Control, M.S.
Science Education, B.S.
Supply Chain Management, B.S.
Technology Education, B.S.
Technology and Science Education, B.S.
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Notice of Intent proposals: N/A for 2014-2015
 Authorization to Implement proposal (Informational to the PRC): 2014-2015
BFA Game Design and Development-ART (Early 2014-2015)
B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Spring 2015)
B.S. Digital Marketing Technology (Spring 2015)
BACK
Business Administration, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. Provides students with strong experiential learning activities, including an eight week co-op
experience and a minimum 320-hour supervised work experience. (Source: program
director’s report, student surveys.)
2. Offers a broad-based degree and allows students flexibility in selecting areas of emphasis
through minors and concentrations. (Source: program director’s report, student surveys.)
3. Features highly capable faculty who are committed to excellence in teaching. (Source:
student surveys, program director’s report.)
Concerns:
1. Program Administration
 Students and instructors had concerns about class sizes and available sections. (Source:
student surveys, key instructor survey, program director’s report.
2. Retention
 Students need explicit learning experiences related to the appreciation and competence in
working within a culturally and linguistic business and industry setting. (Source: 1 year
and 5 year alumni surveys.)
 Students need more instruction in the areas of international and global business. (Source:
1 year and 5 year alumni surveys.)
 Students report some dissatisfaction with the number of accounting courses they are
required to take. (Source: student surveys, program director’s report.)
3. Program Faculty and Resources
4. Faculty resources are currently strained. High faculty/student ratios could negatively affect
the program’s pursuit of accreditation. (Source: program director’s report, key instructor
survey)
5. Concerns regarding retention, recruitment, and replacement of faculty continues to be
challenging. (Source: program director’s report, key instructor survey.)
BACK
Game Design & Development, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. Interdisciplinary nature of the program, with content delivered by Art/Design and Computer
Science faculty, simulating the art/design/computer science teams of professionals working
in industry.
2. Dramatic growth of program, consistent with polytechnic mission of the university. Since
the program began in 2009, the enrollment has grown to 259 students in 2014, indicating
timely connection with industry growth.
3. GDD-Computer Science is the only Game Design and Development program in the world to
be accredited under the new 2014 ABET Computer Science Curriculum Standards, with the
initial accreditation in August, 2014. ABET extended this special CS accreditation
retroactively to the original ABET accreditation of the program in October of 2012.
4. Rigor and standards of achievement are at an appropriate level, as demonstrated by national
and international recognition and accomplishments:
5. Ranked as one of the best game design programs in the US by Princeton Review in 2013.
6. Ranked as a Top Undergraduate Game Design Program by Animation Career Review in
2014.
7. Senior capstone project, Flash Frozen, won 2013 E3 College Game Competition.
8. Finalist in 2014 CHI-Play International Student Game Competition
9. Strong support for program by students, key instructors and active Advisory Board members.
10. Instructors and advisors accessible to students, little to no problems with repetition/overlap in
program
Concerns:
1. Insufficient instructional faculty/staff overall to meet demands, particularly Art/Design
faculty for capstone courses and Computer Science faculty with specific game design
experience to meet the growing needs of the GDD-CS program.
2. Lack of access to iOS/MAC computers for CS students and instructors. Need 25-station
MAC lab or other comparable arrangement to provide learning experiences critical to the
success of GDD-CS graduates.
3. Lack of access to touch screen/mobile devices (Oculus Rift, Kinect, etc.), sound engineering
equipment and a sound proof room to expand student experiences needed in this area.
4. Need for students to experience broader array of software (game engines) used in industry
and more C++ programming.
5. Constant need for innovative course content and delivery due to the technical nature of the
program, requiring continuous retraining/development/acquisition of new skill sets for
instructional faculty and staff and technology upgrades to remain competitive.
6. Interdisciplinary nature of program requires close communication and collaboration between
two different colleges to ensure effective integration.
7. High faculty turnover in Art/Design instructors for GDD classes.
8. Lack of program content to address business side of creating games/opening a studio
9. Student need for more help in developing portfolios, co-ops and industry connections.
BACK
Operations & Supply Management, M.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. National accreditation in 2011 by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
(ACBSP) (PD report)
2. Applied focus with at least five impactful experiential learning courses offered (PD report, advisory
board surveys)
3. Convenient course scheduling allowing program completion on campus or online (PD report)
4. Competent and experienced faculty (PD report, student and advisory board surveys)
5. Steady and increasing enrollment (68 active student) particularly after the program revision in 2011
including a program name change to reflect the market needs (PD report)
6. Good and promising job market after graduation (PD report, student and advisory board surveys)
7. Strong diversity component with higher percentage of minority and international students than the
average of UW-Stout. (PD report)
8. A unique exchange program with Guangdong University in Guangzhou, China (PD report)
Concerns:
1. Lack of a marketing plan to further grow the enrollment. However, the program should not be
marketed to increase enrollment without filling the open faculty positions in the Operations and
Management department. (PD report)
2. The need of at least one qualified faculty to support the program growth (PD report)
3. The writing assistance particularly for international graduate students (PD report, student survey)
BACK
Real Estate Property Management, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. Unique: This is one of only four similar programs in the United States, and the only BS program that
incorporates all related disciplines into its curriculum.
2. Industry competencies: The program is aligned with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).
As such, it is currently the only program in the United States with the authority to administer exams
for professional certification for IREM. The capstone course of the program is the only college course
that meets the final educational requirement of the institute for certification.
3. The Program is responsive to the needs of industry: While similar college programs are typically
housed in Real Estate or Business departments, this program has the “distinct benefit” of being
housed in the School of Hospitality Leadership. This gives students a “commitment of service”
perspective that is desirable to employers.
Excellent Program leadership: UW-Stout is getting strong exposure and recognition in the industry
(IREM, internships, Weidner donation, etc.). Students are being connected with the corporate world
and have excellent support from Program Director and faculty.
Concerns:
1. Enrollment. The program seems to have a strong growth/recruitment potential. However, in order for
this growth to happen there is a need for additional sections of required classes. External marketing
funds and the retention of a Center Director must be accomplished for growth to become practically
possible.
2. Size of Faculty. Related to enrollment, in order for the program to fulfill its growth potential,
additional resources, i.e. faculty, should be allocated to the program. Currently the program has only
two full-time faculty and one adjunct that was hired for only one semester to prevent a faculty
overload.
3. Lack of Meaningful Data. Although not a problem with the program itself, the program needs (and
intends) to work with the College of Management and PARQ in compiling more meaningful data.
The current methodology used in collecting data for the program does not provide a complete picture
of the program’s impact and creates restraints on future planning. Data currently only shows students
who have declared Real Estate Property Management as a first major.
BACK
Retail Merchandising & Management, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. Recognizing BUSCM-338 Principles of Logistics has provided difficulties for some RMM students,
the program director worked with the supply chain program director and department chair to begin
logistics tutoring. Working across the curriculum is a strength for any program.
2. The increase in instruction from a global context standpoint. A new faculty member (Dr. Chida) has
been leading discussions on textiles and clothing in China and Africa has moved the RMM program
in a positive direction in terms of increasing diversity content in RMM courses. Most recently, Dr.
Chida led a panel of faculty members with African heritage to show students traditional African
clothing. Increasing diversity content may also be an important component of retention activities.
3. As noted in the previous PRC report, the RMM program needed to update/modernize the visual
merchandising lab and the Niche. Both have been done. However, both remain in Heritage Hall as
permanent space has not been located in Micheels hall.
4. Earning accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs is
significant.
5. Having a 98% placement rate.
6. The major program revision for the fall 2013 term and multiple course revisions have been
addressing issues surrounding content duplication. RMM instructors are continuing the course
revision efforts.
7. Increasing offerings of RMM courses during WinTerm and summer as noted in the previous PRC
report has been impactful.
8. Working with multiple entities across campus such as the library, Student Disability Services, MSC
Event Services and the Writing Center clearly point out the RMM program is student centered.
9. Offering multiple concentrations for RMM students to select from provides for a unique recruiting
opportunity compared to similar programs without concentrations.
10. Continued ties to major players within the retail industry such as Kohl’s, Target, Macy’s, etc. as well
as vendors within the industry provides for student co-op opportunities and professional development
of faculty.
Concerns:
1. Recent changes within the RMM faculty, including the penultimate program director becoming Chair
of the Business Department and the reassignment of another within the Provost’s Office puts a strain
on the program director in terms of advisement time.
2. The bi-annual assessment in major exam should be incentivized to increase participation and from the
standpoint of student achievement. Completing the assessment in major exam is not a condition of
graduation.
3. The program director is in the process of developing an online retailing concentration for the RMM
program. This may increase the need for additional FTE.
BACK
Risk Control, M.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. Faculty is actively involved in multiple professional organizations representing different
specializations in risk control (PD).
2. Faculty are recognized as dedicated and knowledgeable with connections to industry and professional
experience (PD, advisory board, students).
3. Program provides applied and industry-relevant learning (advisory board, students).
4. Internship program is relevant and enriching (advisory board).
5. Program provides good preparation for employment (advisory board, key instructors).
6. Program achieves 100% placement rate with starting annual salaries for graduates ranging between
$57,000 and $70,000. Employment is often secured prior to graduation (PD).
Concerns:
1. Laboratory facilities are due for upgrades to support necessary laboratory courses, requiring funding
for up-to-date laboratory facilities (PD, advisory board, key instructors, students).
2. Heavy teaching loads for program faculty (i.e. taking on overloads for undergraduate classes) may
hinder the ability of instructors to conduct research and to explore other program delivery methods
(PD). In particular, the program has 3 FTEs but about 1.5 FTEs are dedicated to service programs
(i.e. the undergraduate program), leaving 1.5 FTEs as dedicated faculty to deliver the MS program.
BACK
Science Education, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. 100% Job Placement Rate
2. Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and accredited
3.
4.
5.
6.
by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Program director has emphasized personalized advisement.
Program has engaged in multiple recruiting efforts to increase enrollments during the past
several years.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) student organization was created in 2009.
Most of the graduates of the program are teaching in the state of Wisconsin, meeting a local
need for science teachers in middle and high schools.
Concerns:
1. The program has a low enrollment.
2. The supply shortage of future science teachers in the state of Wisconsin and the nation is well known.
The recruitment of new science teachers is a local, state, and national priority.
3. The Science Education program is in need of a new Microteaching Lab for the STMED-460
Teaching Methods course.
BACK
Supply Chain Management, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Steady enrollment growth
Provides multiple experiential learning opportunities including a co-op for each student
Strong demand for co-op students with high salaries
Graduates are highly desired and offered high salaries
High program standards attract high quality students
6. A second major in Business Administration is obtainable with 12 additional credits
Concerns:
1. Program enrollment is still somewhat low and could be increased somewhat with current resources
2. Significant enrollment growth would require increased staffing
3. Program contains chains of 3, 4 or 5 courses which must be taken in sequence. Students need to enroll
in the initial courses sufficiently early in their college career to graduate on time
4. Coursework needs to provide sufficient depth so that students can better succeed in upper level
coursework, pass the APICS exams and increase their level of performance on their co-ops
5. Students do not currently have access to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software which is
commonly used in industry
BACK
Technology Education, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. A curriculum that is focused on applied learning and research, especially experiential
learning opportunities totaling to 16 credits (PD self-study; Student Surveys; Alumni
Surveys; Faculty Surveys; Program Advisory Committee surveys).
2. Four required field experiences help students to connect theory and practice (PD self-study).
3. An integrative approach in which students complete professional education courses with
Science Education and Math Education students (Advisory Committee survey).
4. Flexibility in program delivery, reaching students beyond the Stout campus (PD self-study;
Student surveys; Alumni Surveys; Faculty Surveys; Program Advisory Committee surveys).
5. A rigorous curriculum that meets accreditation guidelines of the National Council for the
Accreditation of Teacher Education, and attends to objectives based on the Ten Wisconsin
Educator Standards (PD self-study; Student surveys; Alumni Surveys; Faculty Surveys;
Program Advisory Committee surveys).
6. All faculty members have a Ph.D., and have diverse educational backgrounds, including all
having experience in K-12 schools (PD self-study).
7. A committed Program Director and Advisory Board (Alumni Surveys; Faculty Surveys;
Program Advisory Committee surveys).
8. Program courses and lab time, and the existing order of coursework (Alumni Surveys).
9. Attention to supporting UW-Stout’s emphasis on Inclusive Excellence (PD self-study).
10. An established history of supplying technology education teachers to the state, with a 100%
job placement in recent years, with an average salary of all program graduates of over
$47,000 (PD self-study).
Concerns:
1. Relatively low enrollment; need to develop marketing strategies to promote the program (PD
self-study; Advisory Committee survey).
2. Potential need to add additional faculty/academic staff, for the programs as they are and for
these programs in the future (PD self-study).
3. Lack of a Microteaching Lab for the Teaching Methods course (PD self-study).
4. Opportunities for improvement exist, as identified in all recent surveys, such as whether
more technical coursework is needed in certain areas; preparation in writing effectively; to
be better able to identify, apply, and promote an understanding of career clusters and
pathways; to make data-driven decisions about strategies for teaching and learning; more
opportunities for teaching throughout the program and increased curricular structure in
technical content courses (Student surveys; Alumni surveys).
5. Potential need to increase the rigor in the technical courses being used to develop domain
knowledge for the study of technology (Technology Education instructor survey).
6. Low numbers of obtained data through surveys of students, alumni, faculty, advisory
committee, and employers, as the existing data comes from surveys (2012; 2014) with low to
very low response rates.
BACK
Technology & Science Education, B.S.
PRC Recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that this program continue to function as one of UW-Stout’s
degree programs for the ongoing seven year cycle, and that recommendations made by the
committee be implemented. The next review will take place in 2021-2022.
Strengths:
1. A curriculum that is focused on applied learning and research, especially experiential
learning opportunities totaling to 16 credits (PD self-study; Student Surveys; Alumni
Surveys; Faculty Surveys; Program Advisory Committee surveys).
2. Four required field experiences help students to connect theory and practice (PD self-study).
3. An integrative approach in which students complete professional education courses with
Science Education and Math Education students (Advisory Committee survey).
4. Flexibility in program delivery, reaching students beyond the Stout campus (PD self-study;
Student surveys; Alumni Surveys; Faculty Surveys; Program Advisory Committee surveys).
5. A rigorous curriculum that meets accreditation guidelines of the National Council for the
Accreditation of Teacher Education, and attends to objectives based on the Ten Wisconsin
Educator Standards (PD self-study; Student surveys; Alumni Surveys; Faculty Surveys;
Program Advisory Committee surveys).
6. All faculty members have a Ph.D., and have diverse educational backgrounds, including all
having experience in K-12 schools (PD self-study).
7. A committed Program Director and Advisory Board (Alumni Surveys; Faculty Surveys;
Program Advisory Committee surveys).
8. Program courses and lab time, and the existing order of coursework (Alumni Surveys).
9. Attention to supporting UW-Stout’s emphasis on Inclusive Excellence (PD self-study).
10. Attention to supporting UW-Stout’s initiatives in environmental sustainability (PD selfstudy).
11. An established history of supplying technology education teachers to the state, with a 100%
job placement in recent years, with an average salary of all program graduates of over
$47,000 (PD self-study).
Concerns:
1. Relatively low enrollment; need to develop marketing strategies to promote the program (PD
self-study; Advisory Committee survey).
2. Potential need to add additional faculty/academic staff, for the programs as they are and for
these programs in the future (PD self-study).
3. Lack of a Microteaching Lab for the Teaching Methods course (PD self-study).
4. Opportunities for improvement exist, as identified in all recent surveys, such as whether
more technical coursework is needed in certain areas; preparation in writing effectively; to
be better able to identify, apply, and promote an understanding of career clusters and
pathways; to make data-driven decisions about strategies for teaching and learning; more
opportunities for teaching throughout the program and increased curricular structure in
technical content courses (Student surveys; Alumni surveys).
5. Potential need to increase the rigor in the technical courses being used to develop domain
knowledge for the study of technology (Technology Education instructor survey).
6. Low numbers of obtained data through surveys of students, alumni, faculty, advisory
committee, and employers, as the existing data comes from surveys (2012; 2014) with low to
very low response rates.