Academic Program Review Committee Report
Department of Geography/Earth Science
April, 2007
Prepared by the Academic Program Review Subcommittee: Helen Skala
APR’s Summary of Self-Study
Background.
The Department of Geography and Earth Science resides in the College of
Science and Allied Health and offers four majors, six minors, a certificate program in
GIS and contributes to the broadfield social science major. In recent years, the
department has averaged about 75 majors and 60 minors.
Goals and Objectives
The department’s programs are designed to develop the knowledge and practical
skills that students would need for (a) careers in Geography involving evaluations of the
geographic or spatial characteristics of human societies and physical environment or (b)
pursuing graduate students in Geography and related fields.
Departmental Strategic Plan
During the next five years, the Department plans to
a. maintain a balance between cultural and physical geography in future
replacements of retiring faculty;
b. seek pedagogical and research collaborations with members of appropriate
departments (e.g. biology, business, history, river studies, education, archaeology)
and extend undergraduate research;
c. develop new courses teaching the fundamental concepts of GIS and GPS aimed at
the general campus community and pursue future expansion of its community
outreach programs;
d. assess and revise its curriculum, learning outcomes and scheduling of courses
both for major/minor courses and in general education;
e. incorporate awareness of career opportunities and graduate study in advising
sessions and expand the internship program
Strengths of the Department
a. The department offers a variety of courses that train students in various methods
of geographical analysis for studying local, regional and global geographic
phenomena. Survey data indicate that students are competitive in the market
place.
b. The faculty have diverse specialties, are committed to undergraduate teaching,
have a program of scholarly activities and have successfully sought external
funding.
c. State-of-the-art GIS computer facilities support departmental programs and
students are exposed to the latest technology for spatial analysis. The number of
GIS majors has significantly increased.
d. The Department has articulated clear future goals as evidenced by its five-year
Strategic Plan.
Areas of Improvement
a. Streamline the curriculum so students finish their programs more efficiently.
b. Revise general education courses to increase enrollment.
c. Improve student advising, increase internships opportunities and expand
undergraduate research.
d. Develop a systematic assessment of all courses.
External Review Summary
An external review of the department was prepared by M. Duane Nellis from
Kansas State University. Dr. Nellis described the Geography/Earth Science Department
as “one of quality with faculty committed to offering students a comprehensive
program.” Some areas of further development were suggested.
a. Restructure the overall geography curriculum so that students can take key
courses sequentially and complete their programs in a timely manner.
b. Emphasize career opportunities, design more structured internships and enhance
research activities by faculty to include undergraduate participation.
c. Create entrepreneurial efforts linked to the Center for GIS to attract more majors
and create more faculty synergies.
APR Committees Recommendations
a.
b.
e.
f.
Continue utilization and expansion of the GIS Center and related curriculum.
Streamline the curriculum for more efficient delivery.
Revise general education courses to increase enrollment.
Incorporate awareness of career opportunities in advising, seek internship
opportunities and undergraduate research.
g. Develop a standard assessment portfolio for all courses.
Academic Program Review SUMMARY*
Department under review____Geography/Earth Science______
Date self-study received in Dean’s office
2006
Date of external consultant’s review
November, 2005
Date APR received report
Fall, 2006
APR’S summary of self-study (first two boxes must be completed)
APR’s summary of how the academic program attempts to reach its goals and objectives
and the extent to which those goals and objectives have been achieved.
See attached
APR’s comments including:
Notable Strengths
Notable Weaknesses
See attached
APR comments on any/all of the six specific components of the self-study (if applicable)
See Attached
Self Study: Purposes
Self Study: Curriculum
Self Study: Assessment of Student Learning & Degree of Program Success
Self Study: Previous Academic Program Review and New Program Initiatives
Self Study: Personnel
Self Study: Support for Achieving Academic Program Goals (Resources)
External Reviewer Recommendations
APR’s Comments on External Reviewer (if applicable)
Department’s response to the Reviewer Recommendations
APR’s Comments on the Department’s Response (if applicable)
Dean’s Letter
APR’s Comments on Dean’s Letter (if applicable)
APR’s Recommendations (must be completed)
Recommendations: See attached.
X No serious areas to address – review in 7 years
□ Some areas to address – review in 7 years
□ Some areas to address – department should submit short report on progress to Fac
Senate/Provost’s Office in 3 years
* APR’s report to faculty senate will consist of this completed form in electronic form.