Planning and Review Committee 1999-00
Consultant Report
I.
II.
Degree:
M.S. in Training and Development
Program Director:
Joe Benkowski
PRC Consultants:
Julie Furst-Bowe and Sue Foxwell
Purpose of Review:
To assess the quality of the M.S. in Training and Development program
as part of the continual seven-year review cycle of each UW-Stout
degree program, as done by the Planning and Review Committee.
Committee Findings:
The PRC recommends continuation of this program.
Abstract:
The M.S. in Training and Development was reviewed by the PRC. Program strengths identified
include: a large enrollment, leadership of the program director, knowledgeable and enthusiastic
faculty members, an active Program Advisory Committee, and a large number of courses delivered
off campus and via distance learning technologies.
Opportunities for program enrichment include: obtaining additional faculty members or utilization
of more qualified adjunct instructors, reviewing curriculum to ensure that it is up-to-date with latest
information available in the field, collecting and reporting data needed for the annual “Assessment
in Major” reports and working with the Placement Office to find more job opportunities for
graduates. Enhanced facilities are also needed for the program.
III.
Process Followed for Current Review:
Using guidelines developed by the PRC, information regarding the program was gathered from the
program director, key instructors, students, advisory committee members, and placement data. The
consultants met with the program director to discuss the self-study report. The director presented a
summary of his report to the full committee at its February 2000 meeting.
IV.
Previous Review:
This is the first review of this program.
V.
Program Review:
Program Strengths
1. Program has grown to one of the largest
graduate programs at UW-Stout in a
relatively short time frame.
2. The program director is knowledgeable,
dedicated and student-oriented.
3. The instructors are knowledgeable,
enthusiastic and student-oriented.
Source of Information
Program director’s report
Student surveys, key instructor surveys, and
Program Advisory Committee surveys
Student surveys
Program Strengths
4. The Program Advisory Committee is
active and well-informed regarding the
program.
5. Courses are scheduled at times and
places convenient to students. Many
courses are offered via distance learning
technologies.
Source of Information
Program Advisory Committee Survey
Issues of Concern
1. Program has a large number of students,
both on and off campus. Instructors
typically teach overloads to serve both
audiences.
2. There appears to be some duplication of
content among courses and a need for a
greater variety of specialized courses,
such as additional courses in technology.
3. Although an assessment plan has been
developed, no assessment data have been
collected and report as required in the
annual “Assessment in Major Plan.”
4. Since this is a relatively new program,
little placement information is available.
However, student surveys indicate
difficulty finding jobs in the field.
5. Program director and instructors are
dissatisfied with the quality of
classrooms and other facilities used by
the program.
Source
Key instructor surveys and student surveys
Student surveys, program director’s presentation to
PRC, and program director’s report
Student surveys; key instructor surveys, and
program director’s report
Program director’s report
Student surveys
Key instructor surveys and program director’s
presentation.
Recommendations:
1. The program director and department chair should work together to obtain additional staffing
for the program through hiring an additional faculty member or increased use of qualified
adjunct instructors.
2. The program director should review curriculum for duplication and explore the addition of new
courses to meet the needs of students and employers.
3. The program director should collect and report assessment data in an annual “Assessment in
Major” report.
4. The program director should work with the Placement Office in developing strategies for
assisting graduates in finding jobs in the field.
5. The program director, department chair, and dean should continue working with the campus
planner to develop appropriate facilities for the program.
6. The program director, department chair, and dean should explore further and define the
development of a conference/training facility which could be utilized by the program as well as
the greater university community.