Western Carolina University QEP Impact Report Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Residential and Distance Programs) College of Health and Human Sciences October 15, 2012 The mission of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is to provide an engaged learning environment through collaborative teaching, research and service activity. Especially high priority under the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) of the university is accorded (1) fostering effective communication skills (2) solving complex problems through application of research and analytical skills and (3) clarification of values, appreciation of diversity and inculcation of global awareness. To achieve the expected learning goals, WCU has identified a set of core skills and behaviors (outcomes) that are central to a student’s development as an integrated, intentional learner. The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice shares those learning objectives . These core expectations include the ability to: 1. Integrate information from a variety of contexts, 2. Solve complex problems, 3. Communicate effectively and responsibility, and 4. Clarify and act on purpose and values. We attempted to measure items 2‐4 through participation in the undergraduate research expo, conference participation, and participation in our summer study abroad program. While we experienced participation at a very high level and had successful completion of all projects undertaken, we recognize that a more effective measurement tool will be the administration of a pre‐test in our CJ 185 course and an exit exam in our CJ 495 seminar course. Our assessment tools are currently under development. The table below summarizes our assessments. Intended Learning Outcome Curricular and Co‐Curricular Experiences
1. Apply criminology/criminal justice theories, principles and concepts to address critical problems and situations in the criminal justice field Most courses include case studies that encourage application of critical concepts and theoretical premises. Key components include Majoring in CJ (CJ 185) to facilitate student reflection on cj professions and Senior Seminar (CJ 495) as the culminating pathway experience to the field. A required two course sequence of Research Methods (CJ 280 and Statistics (380); widespread participation in the Undergraduate Expo and state, regional, and national conference paper/poster presentations. 2. Participation in and increased comprehension of criminological research; solving complex problems 3. Enhancing written communication skills CJ 185 intermediate and
CJ 495 advanced; seek increased writing requirements throughout curriculum; participation in the Undergraduate Expo and state and national conference paper/poster participation Assessment Outcomes All students will take a pre‐test in CJ 185 and an exit exam in CJ 495. *This assessment tool is currently being developed.* All students will take a pre‐test in CJ 185 and
an exit exam in CJ 495 (*See above). In the Spring 2012 42 residential and online students made public research presentations at the WCU Undergraduate Expo. Three students presented at the NC state conference. Six students made presentations at the Southern Criminal Justice Association in October, 2012 and four at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, November, 2011. All students will take a pre‐test in CJ 185 and an exit exam in CJ 495 (*See above). In the Spring 2012 42 residential and online students made public research presentations at the WCU Undergraduate Expo. Three students presented at the NC state conference. Six students made presentations at the Southern Criminal Justice Association in October, 2012 and four at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, November, 2011. 4. Reflection on values, appreciation of diversity, and inculcation of global awareness; integration of these perspectives into professional and personal decision‐
making. Concentration Area II Diversity and Ethics in Criminal Justice insures broad exposure of students to these issues through courses such as: Gender and Crime (CJ 347); Minorities, Crime & Social Policy (CJ 438); Comparative CJ Systems (CJ 354); Ethics in CJ (CJ370), All students will take a pre‐test in CJ 185 and an exit exam in CJ 495 (*See above) . The department also has students studying abroad through 475: International Studies in Law & Society and semester/academic year study abroad. CJ 475‐ 2012 was based in Hanam University (South Korea). 8 students participated in the summer 2012. Two classes will be taking spring break trips to South Africa in spring ’13.