Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Plan
Advising Center
Assessment Plan for 2007-08
Primary Contact:
Steve Baxley, Associate Director, Advising Center, 107 Killian Annex, 227-3885
Program Mission:
The mission of the Advising Center is to promote the growth and development of our
students as they develop educational plans and choose career and life goals. Our holistic
approach to advising students involves developing one-on-one relationships with students
to support and encourage them in their decision making processes; teaching to assist with
academic persistence and success; and serving as a professional resource to the total
university community in support of individual and institutional goals.
Alignment with University Mission:
Western Carolina University's mission statement commits the institution to a focus on
discovering, creating, transmitting and applying knowledge that benefits its students. The
Advising Center mission grows directly from the University mission. It supports an
environment where students assume responsibility for their learning and supports
standards of good scholarship.
Program Goals:
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Support the University student body in their efforts to become well rounded
individuals and responsible learners.
Conduct intervention programs and processes designed to support identified "at
risk" students in their efforts to achieve academic success.
Serve the University community by being an active and professional resource on
topics of academic advising.
Outcomes:
Intended Outcome 1
New students completing CatWalk will be able to identify and communicate to advisors
their preferences for first semester courses.
Experience - Access to CatWalk is given to newly admitted students. CatWalk provides
information on the Liberal Studies program including course descriptions. Incoming
students must indicate preferences for courses in order to complete CatWalk.
Assessment - At the beginning of fall and spring semesters, completion rates for
CatWalk will be computed for new admits by the Associate Director of the Advising
Center.
Intended Outcome 2
New students attending advising sessions during orientation will be able to develop a
plan for completing the Liberal Studies program.
Experience - Information on the Liberal Studies program will be presented and Liberal
Studies planning worksheets will be distributed during the orientation advising sessions
to all incoming students.
Assessment - Completed worksheets will be collected at the end of the advising sessions
and reviewed by the academic advisors.
Intended Outcome 3
New students attending advising sessions during orientation will understand how to
register for classes.
Experience - Information on the registration process will be distributed, reviewed and
demonstrated during the advising sessions and students will have the opportunity to
practice completing the steps.
Assessment - Class schedules will be reviewed with students at the end of the session by
the academic advisors.
Intended Outcome 4
Students who participate in LC 101 will analyze roadblocks to academic success and
discuss factors that can improve the likelihood of success.
Experience - Assignments on obstacles to academic success and ways students can
improve performance will include in class discussions and presentations and assigned
readings.
Assessment - Student presentations, classroom participation and written work will be
reviewed by instructors during the semester and at the end of the class.
Intended Outcome 5
Students who participate in the Academic Success Program will be able identify
resources that support the successful transition to the University.
Experience - ASP students will receive information on resources as part of USI 130,
structured out of class programs and activities and individual meetings with program
instructors and staff.
Assessment - Pre- and post-tests will be given to all participants in the ASP program and
data analyzed by the Academic Success Program Coordinator.
Intended Outcome 6
Faculty who participate in Advising Center workshops will understand the basic Liberal
Studies program and discuss ways to utilize this information in advising sessions with
declared students.
Experience - During workshops, written material will be distributed and discussed on the
Liberal Studies program requirements, how to track progress and advising tips.
Assessment - Surveys will be distributed to workshop participants after the student
advising period is complete and results analyzed by the Associate Director.
Outcomes to Assess this Cycle:
Intended Outcome 4
Students who participate in LC 101 will analyze roadblocks to academic success and
discuss factors that can improve the likelihood of success.
Intended Outcome 5
Students who participate in the Academic Success Program will be able identify
resources that support the successful transition to the University.