Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Plan
BSBA—Finance, Financial Planning
College of Business
Assessment Plan for 2006-7
Primary Contact Name/Info:
Roger Lirely, Department Head
215A Forsyth
227-3491
lirely@wcu.edu
Department Mission Statement:
The goal of the faculty in financial planning is to prepare students for careers in the private and/or public sector. Through
teaching, our primary responsibility, we strive to create a learning environment of excellence with a personal touch. We
encourage the development of critical thinking and decision-making abilities and provide our students with the skills
associated with a professional career in financial planning. We maintain a qualified and motivated faculty by engaging
primarily in applied and instructional development research and through service to our campus, professional, and regional
constituencies.
Statement on Alignment of Program Mission w/ University and College Mission
Consistent with the university and college missions, the financial planning mission emphasizes quality teaching, and the
dissemination of applied and pedagogical research. Through service and teaching, embers of the faculty are encouraged
to develop relationships with regional employers and businesses. Students have an opportunity to meet and work with
these regional constituents and graduate with the requisite skills to pursue professional financial planning careers in
western North Carolina and beyond.
Mission
Goals
Our graduates will
be:
The goal of the faculty
in financial planning is
to prepare students for
careers in the private
and/or public sector.
Through
teaching, our primary
responsibility, we strive
to create a learning
environment of
excellence with a
personal touch. We
encourage the
development of critical
thinking and decisionmaking abilities and
provide our students
with the skills
associated with a
professional career in
financial planning.
We maintain a
qualified and motivated
faculty by engaging
primarily in applied and
instructional
development research
and through service to
our campus,
professional, and
regional constituencies.
1.0 Capable of
preparing a financial
plan that incorporates
economic, financial,
tax and ethical
considerations in
helping clients reach
life goals
2.0 Effective
communicators.
3.0 Knowledgeable
Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Plan
BSBA—Finance, Financial Planning
College of Business
Assessment Plan for 2006-7
Objectives
Outcome Assessment Assessment
Our graduates will be able to:
Delivery
Location
Methodology
Location
1.1 Demonstrate an ability to
identify a client's needs in risk
management, investments, college
planning, retirement planning, tax
planning and estate planning.
FIN 310, 335,
406, 410, 496
ACCT 355,
BSBA
Foundation of
Knowledge
FIN 496
Primary trait
analysis
embedded in case
studies
1.2 Demonstrate an ability to
analyze a client's needs in order to
provide a plan that will enable the
client to reach life goals.
1.3 Demonstrate an
understanding of the qualities
necessary to build strong
relationships between the planner
and client.
1.4 Demonstrate an appreciation
for the importance of ethical
behavior in the financial planning
profession.
2.1 Exhibit effective written
communication skills.
FIN 310, 410,
496
FIN 496
ACCT 310,
410, 496,
FIN 496
Primary trait
analysis
embedded in case
studies
Primary trait
analysis
embedded in case
studies
ACCT 310,
410, 496,
LAW 230
FIN 496
ENG 101,
102, FIN 310,
410, 496
FIN 496
2.2 Exhibit effective oral
communication skills
Liberal
studies
FIN 496
2.3 Employ electronic
communication technology
CIS 251,
ACCT 355
ACCT 355
3.1 Demonstrate an ability to
ACCT 275,
FIN 496
Primary trait
analysis
embedded in case
studies
Primary trait
analysis
embedded in case
studies
Primary trait
analysis
embedded in case
studies
Primary trait
analysis
embedded in
MSSP and online
communications
ETS Major Field
Mission
Goals
Our graduates will
be:
in the use of specific
financial planning
content areas
4.0 Aware of the
cultural competencies
expected of financial
planning
professionals in
business
environments
2.1
2.2
2.3
Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Plan
BSBA—Finance, Financial Planning
College of Business
Assessment Plan for 2006-7
Objectives
Outcome Assessment Assessment
Our graduates will be able to:
Delivery
Location
Methodology
Location
interpret financial statements and
analyze the information therein.
FIN 310, 406,
410, 496
Test or Paraplanner exam
3.2 Demonstrate an ability to
solve major types of time value of
money problems.
3.3 Demonstrate an ability to
manage an equity portfolio.
FIN 305, 310,
410, 496
FIN 496
FIN 406
FIN 406
4.1 Show that they have been
successfully involved in
professional organizations through
employment, internships,
mentoring, student organization
activities or other approved
professional involvements.
Internships,
concurrent
employment,
student
organizations,
New York
trip, case
competition,
service
learning
Exit interview
ETS Major Field
Test or Paraplanner exam
ETS Major Field
Test or Paraplanner exam
Survey
Direct measurement data collected during fall 2006 and spring 2007 but inaccessible at time of report due to COB move.
See 2.1
See 2.2
Indirect: Only 1/3 of the graduating seniors in spring 2007 had secured employment—each in banking. None had professional
certifications. Students found the faculty to be helpful but aging and the curriculum interesting but fast-paced. All felt they were
well-prepared but were neutral as to their ability to solve structured and unstructured finance problems.