General Education Assessment Committee
October 22, 2015
MSU, Room 312
Present: Mary Eicholtz (at-large teaching faculty), Krista Prock (at-large non-teaching faculty), William
Donner (SPRC), George Sirrakos (COE), Gil Clary (Office of Assessment), Varsha Pandya (CLAS), Karen
Rauch for David Beougher (Academic Dean), Stephen Hensler (COB).
Absent: TBA (at-large teaching faculty), Megan Luckenbaugh (Student Representative), Matthew
Delaney (Admin & Finance), Valerie Trollinger (VPA), Patricia Derr (Gen Ed Committee), Kim Shively
(at-large teaching faculty).
Eicholtz called the meeting to order at 3 pm.
Minutes: Eicholtz introduced the Minutes from the September 24, 2015 meeting for approval. After
some discussion it is noted that Megan Luckenbaugh (student representative) was not present. Motion
to approve the Minutes as amended made by Donner; seconded by Prock. Minutes are approved.
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be on Thursday, November 12th at 3 pm in MSU 312.
Committee Membership: Eicholtz informed the Committee that six people submitted their name to
serve on this Committee. She asked that all eligible people vote. We should know the outcome soon.
Training: The two sessions had good attendance, and individual departments were given training
sessions. Attendees asked engaged questions and had good conversations – it was encouraging. Once
the process was explained, people were more relaxed with what is expected and required of them.
Goal 1 Data: Eicholtz reminded that in a week or two reminders should be sent to liaisons to send their
data. She further requests that she be copied on your communication.
Website: The website is being updated. We are working towards transparency of the Committee’s work
for the campus community.
Gen Ed Committee: Eicholtz touched based with the Gen Ed Committee and Patti Derr. Derr indicated
the Gen Ed Committee is looking at possible changes, but will wait to see what data the fall assessments
bring. They are considering the idea of a freshman experience with a possible credit value of one to
three credits as part of the University core. They only have one more meeting this semester in
November, and so no real changes are expected.
VSA: Clary was asked what we need to do at this point. Clary indicated there is some movement. The
Provost wants to follow “best practices”. We need to start planning, and he believes the GEAC should be
heavily involved. He believes it would be useful for the Provost and President to meet with this
Committee. No date has been scheduled yet. We need to decide what “best practices” looks like.
Discussion followed. Clary indicated that we need a large group to act as raters and train people to
perform the rating uniformly. This could be a model for the way we do things. Are there models that we
can emulate? Clary will contact other sister institutions to see what they are doing. After developing
best practices, then we need to set up technology and recruit, train and work on reliability issues, rate,
data analyses, reports and feedback and implement recommendations. Discussion followed. Will we
limit ourselves to written communication and critical thinking? Yes, but next time perhaps we will
build in other competencies.
Donner made a motion to support best practices in the VSA. Prock seconded. Motion approved.
Clary will meet with Doug Scott. A sub-committee will be formed before the end of the semester. A
communication plan needs to be created in terms of all the stakeholders on campus.
Spring meetings: The best days look like Monday or Wednesday at 1 pm. Eicholtz asks that all
committee members check their calendars to see if Monday at 1 pm will work for everyone.
Eicholtz and Derr will meet next week before our November 12th, 2015 meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 3:45 pm.
/km
10/29/2015