October 21, 2015

Dear WTAC Attendees,
We’re thrilled that you’re joining us in San Angelo for this year’s West
Texas Assessment Conference! Thank you again for your willingness to share your assessment stories with us.
This is our fourth annual conference, and we hope that you’ll continue to make WTAC an annual event. Your commitment to attending this conference helps us strengthen our connections to other assessment professionals within West Texas and beyond. This year’s conference has been organized by Texas Tech University, Angelo State University, and
South Plains College.
After the conference ends, please look for a survey link in your email inbox that asks you to evaluate this year’s conference facilities, food, and program offerings. We value your feedback.
On behalf of the 2015 WTAC Planning Committee, thank you for coming!
Sincerely,
The WTAC Planning Committee
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Crystal M. Braden
Director , SACSCOC Liaison
Office of Accountability
Angelo State University
Shanna Donica
Director of Institutional Effectiveness
& Assessment
South Plains College
Jennifer S. Hughes
Director, Office of Planning and Assessment
Texas Tech University
June Moore
Accountability & Engagement Coordinator
Community Engagement
Angelo State University
Craig Morton
Associate Director,
Office of Planning and Assessment
Texas Tech University
Katie Randolph
Senior Administrator,
Office of Planning and Assessment
Texas Tech University
Dr. Rex C. Peebles
Assistant Commissioner for Academic
Quality and Workforce Division,
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Dr. Peebles has 30 years of experience in higher education, including positions as instructor, professor, department head, dean, and vice president of instruction. He currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner for Academic Quality and Workforce at the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board. In 2010, he received the Ray Williams Outstanding
Leadership Award from the Texas
Community College Instructional
Administrators (TCCIA). He has a
Bachelor’s in Political Science from
The UT-Dallas, a Master’s in Political
Science from The UT-Arlington, and a
Ph.D. in Government from UT-Austin.
He has co-authored a Texas state and local government textbook and authored The Theoria and Praxis of
Obligations to Future Generations.
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8:00 am -
9:00 am
Registration – McNease Convention Center
Breakfast – Black Sheep Grill, Clarion Hotel
1C 1A Panels
ROOM
Session I
9:00 am -
9:50 am
Engagement and
Reflection for Learning and
Assessment
Dr. Doyle Carter
Angelo State University
Dr. Christine Purkiss
Angelo State University
Available for Networking
Session
10:00 am -
10:50 am
II
A Simple Framework for
Non-Academic Assessment
Mr. Edward Hummingbird
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
Panel Discussion:
Best Practices in Assessment
Ms. Shanna Donica - Moderator
South Plains College
Panelists:
Ms. Jean Downs
Del Mar College
Dr. Nancy Kucinski
Hardin-Simmons University
Mr. Yancy Nunez
South Plains College
Dr. Mark Charney
Texas Tech University
Session III
11:00 am -
11:50 am
Common Public Data
Sources
Ms. Shanna Donica
South Plains College
Mr. Ryan Fitzgerald
South Plains College
Panel Discussion:
Student Affairs Assessment
Dr. Craig Morton - Moderator
Texas Tech University
Panelists:
Ms. Margret G. Duran
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Ms. Tamara Krauser
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Ms. Lola Hernandez
South Plains College
Ms. Kara Larkan-Skinner
Our Lady of the Lake University
Ms. Logan Winkelman
Texas Tech University
2A
We’re not in Kansas:Managing the
Data Cyclone to Predict and Increase
Performance on Licensing Exams
Ms. Christy Bennink
Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of
Nursing
Faculty Credentialing
Ms. Elaina Cantrell Robinson
Texas Tech University
2B
The SPE: A birds-eye view of Maintaining a Systematic
Plan of Evaluation
Dr. Jackie Brown
Angelo State University
Dr. Dinah Harriger
Angelo State University
Assessing Distance Learners at Texas Tech University
Dr. Justin R. Louder
Texas Tech University
Dr. Craig Morton
Texas Tech University
Ms. Jennifer S. Hughes
Texas Tech University
Umbrellas and Accreditation
Dr. Wrennah L. Gabbert
Angelo State University
Assessing the Core Using
Signature Assignments &
Locally Developed Rubrics
Dr. Larry J. King
Stephen F. Austin State University
Dr. Rachel Jumper
Stephen F. Austin State University
Ms. Jennifer Stringfield
Stephen F. Austin State University
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ROOM
12:00 pm -
1:00 pm
1C 1A Panels
Lunch and Keynote: Dr. Rex C. Peebles – Main Meeting Room
Session IV
1:10 pm -
2:00 pm
Assessing the Creative:
How Best to Measure the
Process of Performance
Dr. Marcelo Schmidt
Texas Tech University
Dr. Mark Charney
Texas Tech University
Panel Discussion:
SACSCOC Liaison
Ms. Jennifer S. Hughes – Moderator
Texas Tech University
Panelists:
Ms. Crystal Braden
Angelo State University
Dr. Darryl James
Texas Tech University
Dr. Robin Satterwhite
South Plains College
Session V
2:10 pm -
3:00 pm
From West Texas to West
Africa: Building Capacity of Middle-Level Tertiary
Institutions in Nigeria
Dr. Matt Baker
Texas Tech University
Panel Discussion:
Administrative Support
Services
Ms. Crystal Braden – Moderator
Angelo State University
Panelists:
Dr. Tom Milholland
Abilene Christian University
Mr. Randy Sellers
Lubbock Christian University
Ms. Cindy Smith
Howard College
Session VI
3:10 pm -
4:00 pm
Introducing the LEAP- Texas
Faculty Collaboratives
Project: An Invitation to
Innovation!
Dr. Catherine Parsoneault
University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Doyle Carter
Angelo State University
Available for Networking
2A
The Hard Way or The Easy Way
-- Core Outcomes Assessment
Dr. Glenn James
University of the Incarnate Word
Data Driven Decision-Making:
Institutional Effectiveness
Dr. Katherine Austin-Beltz
Texas Tech University
Ms. Jennifer S. Hughes
Texas Tech University
2B
Available for Networking
Available for Networking
Powerful Partnerships: Building a
Supportive Climate of Teaching,
Learning and Research through
Academic and Student Affairs
Partnerships
Ms. Lauren Sullivan
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Dr. Karla Chapman
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Assessing an Experiential
Learning Experience
Dr. Donna Gee
Angelo State University
Dr. Charlene Bustos
Angelo State University
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Registration – McNease Convention Center 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Breakfast – Black Sheep Grill, Clarion Hotel 8:00 am - 9:00 am
CONCURRENT SESSIONS I 9:00 am - 9:50 am
ROOM
1C
2A
Engagement and Reflection for Learning and Assessment
Dr. Doyle Carter
Angelo State University
Dr. Christine Purkiss
Angelo State University
Active learning strategies such as communitybased learning and other forms of engagement are becoming more popular in higher education.
The strategies employed to assess learning in these environments are somewhat different from those used in more traditional learning environments. One such strategy is to assign and assess student reflection papers.
The presenters will share principles and best practices associated with the action-reflection model, communicating expectations for learning, and writing good reflective prompts.
We’re not in Kansas: Managing the Data Cyclone to Predict and Increase Performance on Licensing Exams
Ms. Christy Bennink
Texas Tech Health Sciences Center
School of Nursing
Whether a program concludes with the NCLEX,
USMLE-1, MBE, CPA, or any other licensing or certification examination, the same question echoes in the minds of administrators and faculty: how do we identify which students will pass, and what can our program do to improve the pass rate? The TTUHSC School of Nursing
Second Degree Program, driven by a goal of
95% pass rate on the National Council Licensure
Examination for RN’s, set forth to improve the overall educational program using data from a variety of sources.
2B
The SPE: A birds-eye view of Maintaining a Systematic Plan of
Evaluation
Dr. Jackie Brown
Angelo State University
Dr. Dinah Harriger
Angelo State University
A Systematic Plan of Evaluation (SPE) provides a comprehensive framework for education programs to track and trend data required by their accrediting bodies (like NLNAC and CCNE in the nursing field). Although maintaining a quality SPE is essential for meeting accreditation standards, the process itself proves cumbersome given the quantity of data involved, amount of time spent updating the SPE, and the number of individuals involved in the process. This presentation will outline the problems, pitfalls and lessons learned while preparing for two successful accreditation site visits in the same year.
ROOM
1C
CONCURRENT SESSIONS II 10:00 am - 10:50 am
A Simple Framework for Non-Academic Assessment
Mr. Edward Hummingbird
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic
Institute
This session will present a simplified framework for institutions to conduct assessment of administrative departments and student services.
The framework recognizes the difference between assessment of student learning and administrative process, and presents a framework that facilitates continuous improvement of processes to improve the environment for student success.
1A
2A
2B
Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Assessment
Moderator:
Ms. Shanna Donica
South Plains College
Panelists:
Ms. Jean Downs
Del Mar College
Dr. Nancy Kucinski
Hardin-Simmons University
Mr. Yancy Nunez
South Plains College
Dr. Mark Charney
Texas Tech University
This panel will offer faculty and administrator perspectives on “best practices” in assessment.
Panelists will share their own assessment adventures and journeys, with an emphasis on what assessment techniques actually work.
Faculty Credentialing
Ms. Elaina Cantrell Robinson
Texas Tech University
Faculty and instructor credentialing is a critical component during accreditation and reaffirmation reviews and many institutions have developed a
“panic and forget it” strategy when dealing with compliance in the area of faculty competence
(CS 3.7.1). Session will show the value in making faculty credentialing a part of the process and not something to panic about every 10 years.
Also, how to capture departments and/or colleges interest in keeping faculty credential information current. Discussion will include developing an inhouse faculty credentialing system contrasted with purchasing a system.
Assessing Distance Learners at Texas Tech University
Dr. Justin R. Louder
Texas Tech University
Ms. Jennifer S. Hughes
Texas Tech University
Dr. Craig Morton
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University has designed a comprehensive distance learning assessment plan that was implemented this Fall 2015. The plan was developed collaboratively among two key offices at Texas Tech, and the plan will provide assessment data for the University’s Fifth Year
Interim Report. This session will present how Texas
Tech is using locally developed assessments and commercial assessments to provide evidence of student learning gains. At the end of the session, attendees will be asked to participate in a discussion about how their respective institutions are assessing distance learners.
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CONCURRENT SESSIONS III 11:00 pm - 11:50 pm
ROOM
1C
1A
Common Public Data Sources
Ms. Shanna Donica
South Plains College
Mr. Ryan Fitzgerald
South Plains College
Data is becoming an increasingly important tool to be used in assessment at the institutional level. Making data driven decisions enhances an institution’s ability to remain competitive in an ever changing higher education environment. There are some common resources made available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board (THECB) and National Center for Educational
Statistics (NCES) that allow the public to access data reported by institutions. This information can be used by Colleges and Universities for institutional assessments, internal benchmarking and peer group benchmarking.
Panel Discussion: Student Affairs Assessment
Moderator: Ms. Lola Hernandez
South Plains College Dr. Craig Morton
Texas Tech University
Panelists:
Ms. Margret G. Duran
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Ms. Tamara Krauser
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Ms. Kara Larkan-Skinner
Our Lady of the Lake University
Ms. Logan Winkelman
Texas Tech University
The Student Affairs panel will discuss current trends in student affairs assessment. This panel will discuss challenges unique to student affairs assessment, and how these challenges may present difficulties with demonstrating evidence of continuous improvement. Panel #2 will conclude with a discussion of Title IX requirements.
2A
Umbrellas and Accreditation
Dr. Wrennah L. Gabbert
Angelo State University
The words “accreditation, assessment and upcoming site visit” can start the “wheels “of stress and anxiety turning for most academic faculty, staff and leadership team members.
When an academic Department is faced with two accreditation site visits in one academic year the anxiety level can rise to threat level RED! The good news is you and your department can not only survive but thrive! Through the recognition and application of essential behaviors and processes the “deep waters” of the accreditation site visit can be navigated. Successful outcomes and recognition of educational excellence
(accreditation status) can be achieved.
2B
Assessing the Core Using Signature Assignments & Locally
Developed Rubrics
Dr. Larry J. King
Stephen F. Austin State University
Dr. Rachel Jumper
Stephen F. Austin State University
Ms. Jennifer Stringfield
Stephen F. Austin State University
This panel will provide an overview of one university’s core curriculum assessment plan. The presentation will cover how Stephen F. Austin State
University has used LiveText to collect and assess signature assignments using locally developed university rubrics. After attending this session, attendees will be able to explain how local rubrics can be developed for use in core assessment and explain how signature assignments can be used in core assessment.
Lunch and Keynote: Dr. Rex C. Peebles – Main Meeting Room 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS IV 1:10 am - 2:00 am
ROOM
1C
Assessing the Creative: How Best to Measure the Process of
Performance
Dr. Marcelo Schmidt
Texas Tech University
Dr. Mark Charney
Texas Tech University
Creative expression is a core value and required learning of visual and performing arts programs.
While most programs are effective at building environments that nurture creativity, they find it difficult to measure creativity as a student learning outcome. In this session we describe the planning and implementation of assessment of creative expression of students enrolled in a theatre performance lab hosted by the Department of
Theatre and Dance at Texas Tech University.
1A
Panel Discussion: SACSCOC Liaison
Moderator:
Ms. Jennifer S. Hughes
Texas Tech University
Dr. Darryl James
Texas Tech University
Dr. Robin Satterwhite
South Plains College Panelists:
Ms. Crystal Braden
Angelo State University
This panel offers a conversation with three
West Texas SACSCOC accreditation liaisons. Dr.
Darryl James (Texas Tech University), Dr. Robin
Satterwhite (South Plains College), and Ms. Crystal
Braden (Angelo State University) will discuss recent SACSCOC policies on student achievement, and how this affects their respective institutions.
This panel will also focus on each institution’s current QEP status.
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2A
The Hard Way or The Easy Way -- Core Outcomes
Assessment
Dr. Glenn James
University of the Incarnate Word
Dr. Catherine Wehlburg (TCU) offers terrific workshops on how to apply core-learning rubrics to assignments that were not “designed to” those rubrics. This talk will share the successful application of Wehlburg’s approach, with minicase-study samples of UIW’s evolution from a
5-year writing assessment (“results not typical”) to a 2-year Global & Historical outcome, to this year’s
2-month (!) Aesthetic Engagement assessment.
Come learn how to do it the easy way!
ROOM
1C
CONCURRENT SESSIONS V 2:10 pm - 3:00 pm
From West Texas to West Africa: Building Capacity of Middle-
Level Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Dr. Matt Baker
Texas Tech University
The author will share his experience in working as a volunteer for Winrock, International on a
USAID-funded program at the Federal Polytechnic in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Baker used a mixed-methods approach in proposing a five-year plan of work and related logic model for Federal Polytechnic’s
Center for Entrepreneurship Development and
Vocational Studies (CEDVS). CEDVS delivers a core academic program in Entrepreneurship
Education for students in the National Diploma and
Higher National Diploma programs. The author will also share how participants can become involved in similar USAID initiatives across the goal by volunteering their time with selected nongovernmental organizations.
1A
Panel Discussion: Administrative Support Services
Moderator:
Ms. Crystal Braden
Angelo State University
Panelists:
Dr. Tom Milholland
Abilene Christian University
Mr. Randy Sellers
Lubbock Christian University
Ms. Cindy Smith
Howard College
This panel discusses how administrative support services are increasingly important to achieving compliance with CS 3.3.1.3. Panelists will share their insights into their experiences with achieving compliance on this important IE standard.
Panelists will also offer their creative solutions for working with this employee group at their respective institutions.
2A
2A
Data Driven Decision-Making: Institutional Effectiveness
Dr. Katherine Austin-Beltz
Texas Tech University
Ms. Jennifer S. Hughes
Texas Tech University
Presenters will discuss the infrastructure and tools supporting institutional effectiveness analytics.
ROOM
1C
CONCURRENT SESSIONS VI 3:10 pm - 4:00 pm
Introducing the LEAP-Texas Faculty Collaboratives Project: An
Invitation to Innovation!
Dr. Catherine Parsoneault
University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Doyle Carter
Angelo State University
Texas is one of five states participating in Phase
One of AAC&U’s Faculty Collaboratives Project
, engaging educators in adapting and applying educational tools developed by AAC&U, Lumina, and other groups, including the LEAP learning outcomes, VALUE rubrics, General Education
Maps and Markers (GEMs), Tuning projects, and the Degree Qualifications Profile. Five LEAP-Texas
Faculty Fellows will engage with educators across
Texas and the other states, convening creative conversations and creating a library of examples and practices that can be widely shared through an interactive Innovation Hub. The Fellows form the spokes to connect this Hub to faculty throughout the state.
Powerful Partnerships: Building a Supportive Climate of
Teaching, Learning and Research through Academic and
Student Affairs Partnerships
Ms. Lauren Sullivan
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Dr. Karla Chapman
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
The American College Personnel Association’s
(1996) Student Learning Imperative emphasizes the role of student success on institutional improvement. If student learning outcomes, enrollment numbers and graduation rates are a measurement of quality education, then faculty and student affairs professionals must work together to ensure student success. In 2012, an initiative was launched to build a collaborative partnership between undergraduate faculty members and student affairs professionals. Over the past three years, this partnership has guided a
School of Nursing into a collaborative relationship with the haring of language and responsibility, improving institutional effectiveness as well as enhancing student learning and success.
2B
Assessing an Experiential Learning Experience
Dr. Donna Gee
Angelo State University
Dr. Charlene Bustos
Angelo State University
This session provides information of the evaluation criteria and measures used to assess university students’ experiential learning experience through a study abroad program. Information regarding the learning goals, assignment, criteria, and assessment instrument will be provided.
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McNease Convention
Center
500 Rio Concho Dr
San Angelo, TX 76903
325.653.9577
16
Meeting
Room 2A
Hospitality
Room
Meeting
Room 2B
2 nd Floor Plan
Entrance from South
Side Parking Lot
Walkway from Clarion Hotel
Main Meeting Room
(Lunch & Keynote)
Meeting
Room 1C
Hospitality
Room
Meeting
Room 1A
Entrance From North
Side Parking Lot
Registration / Bathrooms
1 st Floor Plan