Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Plan
Communication, Theatre, and Dance Department
Communication Program
College of Arts and Sciences
Assessment Plan for 2006-2007
Primary Contact Name/Info:
Dr. Kathleen S. Wright, Professor
CTD Department
Department Mission Statement:
See Attached Departmental Statement from 2000. This has not been updated as the
Department is subject to change with the re-organization of the University. When this
change is made, a new departmental mission statement will be developed.
Statement on Alignment of Program Mission with University
and College Mission:
Our current mission statement reads:
“The Department of Communication, Theatre and Dance (new name since Mission
Statement was adopted) operates under the auspices of the College of Arts and Sciences
at Western Carolina University. The department provides instruction in Electronic Media
(now Broadcasting), Human Communication, Print Media, Public Relations,
Communication Training and Development, and Theatre Arts (as well as Motion Picture
which was added Spring 2006).
The role of the Department of Communication, Theatre and Dance is to implement the
respective missions of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences through
curricular and discipline-related activities. . . .
The Department also serves the university community and the region using the resources
of the department to find integrated solutions in meeting its mission.”
Specifically, the goal of the Communication Program in the Department of
Communication, Theatre and Dance is to provide students with a broad, Liberal Arts
education who are pursuing a BS degree in Communication with a concentration in
Broadcasting (formally Electronic Media), Print Media, Public Relations or
Communication Training and Development. To further delineate, the faculty in this
program seek to assist their students in developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and
attitudes required to enter the communication work force.
Program Goals/Objectives:
Upon completion of the BS Degree in Communication, students should be able to
cognitively, behaviorally, and affectively demonstrate the following:
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A comprehensive knowledge in the field of communication and one
concentration: Broadcasting, Print Media, Public Relations, and
Communication Training and Development
The ability to communicate ideas orally, visually and in writing
Proficiency in the intellectual and technical skills of a concentration,
including the use of current technology
The ability to think critically
The ability to form and defend value judgements
The ability to identify and resolve problems creatively
The ability to integrate knowledge and demonstrate corresponding skills in
one of the following areas: Broadcasting, Print Media, Public Relations,
and Communication Training and Development
Demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity toward the concerns of
diverse people and cultures
The development of a personal code of professional ethics.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR ATTAINING EACH GOAL
1.
A comprehensive knowledge in the field of communication and one
concentration:
Electronic Media, Print Media, Public Relations, and
Communication Training and Development
Communication Core Courses, specifically CMCR 140, 150, 350, 365;
Concentration courses, specifically CMEM 356 for Electronic Media, CMCR
301 and CMPM 401 for Print Media, CMPR 360 for Public Relations, and
CMTD 315 and 416 for Communication Training and Development
2.
The ability to communicate ideas orally, visually and in writing
CMCR 150, 250, 301, CMPM 401, concentration courses, and required
Internship, CMCR 483
3.
Proficiency in the intellectual and technical skills of a concentration, including the
use of current technology
CMCR 301 and CMPM 401; CMCR 483 Internship and specific
concentration courses
4.
The ability to think critically
All courses, but specifically CMCR 350, 365; CMCR 483 Internship
5.
The ability to form and defend value judgements
CMCR 365; EM concentration-CMEM 356; PM concentration-CMPM 303,
304; Training and Development-CMTD 312, 313
6.
The ability to identify and resolve problems creatively
Electronic Media-production courses, and CMEM 458, and 457
Print Media-CMPM 303, 304, 402, 404, 493
Public Relations-PR 365, 460
Communication Training and Development-CMTD 416, 312, 313
7.
The ability to integrate knowledge and demonstrate corresponding skills in one of
the following areas: Electronic Media, Print Media, Public Relations, and
Communication Training and Development
Internship required of all Communication majors
Electronic Media
Producing Commercials (CMCR 494)
Sales & Promotion campaigns with outside agencies (CMEM
458)
Association with WWCU and CAT 62
Print Media
Association with the Western Carolinian
Projects in Desktop Publishing (CMPM 404)
Individual Projects (CMCR 494)
Public Relations
Catamount Communications (a student-run PR agency)
PRSSA (Public Relations Students Society of America)\
PR campaigns with outside agencies (CMPR 460)
Individual Projects (CMCR 494)
Communication Training and Development
Research Training and Development programs in outside
agencies (CMTD 315)
Provide communication training programs for outside agencies
(CMTD 416)
Individual Projects (CMCR 494)
8.
Demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity toward the concerns of diverse
people and cultures
CMCR 150, 250, 365; CMHC 414, 415
9.
The development of a personal code of professional ethics
CMCR 365, and specific concentration courses
CMCR 296 Introduction to Professional Development (new course)
CMCR 496 Professional Development
ASSESSMENT MEASURES AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
Departmental, self-assessment and external review must be conducted for the purpose of
tracking student learning, modifying specific class content, discerning multiple methods
of presentation of material, and discern, create, and implement curriculum and/or
program modifications.
Faculty teaching in the Communication major have been charged with developing the
summative assessment measure appropriate for their graduating seniors. The assessment
plan should include a listing for the program outcomes or educational goals, the proposed
means for determining whether the ends are being achieved, and the manner in which the
resulting information is to be used. The Communication faculty will be using multiple
assessment tools including portfolios, a senior seminar, research projects, audio and video
production materials and evaluations from a student’s internship.
These assessments will be guided by (but not limited to) the following questions:
-Have students attained the goals established by our program?
-What is the students’ overall satisfaction with the program?
-Is the course sequence appropriate?
-Are students prepared to demonstrate the learning outcome goals and objectives?
-Do employers assess our graduates as prepared?
1. Data Collection Procedures
a. Program Portfolio will consist of the following materials:
Each semester faculty will submit random student samples of the
following:
-Assignments and sample of completed student work (from courses
stated under Educational Experiences)
-Projects—videos, PowerPoint presentations, CD’s, etc.
b. Sample Senior Career Portfolios from CMCR 496
c. Internship evaluations from employers
d. Alumni surveys (when conducted)
d. Exit Interviews/Senior Response Forms (attachment)—conducted in
CMCR 496 and with Department Head
2. Procedures and Criteria for Evaluation
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Annually, the Communication Faculty Assessment Committee will review
materials from the Program Portfolio, Internship evaluations, alumni
survey (if available) and information gathered from exit interviews and
Senior Response Forms.
The Committee will complete the Communication Faculty Assessment
Committee Response Form (see Attachment #3)