Program Assessment Plan
American University
SOC: Public Communication - BA
SOC: Public Communication - BA
Contact Person for Pallavi Kumar
Assessment:
Primary Department: Public Communication
Learning Outcome: Research
Use qualitative and quantitative research in developing and evaluating communication plans.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Schedule/Cycle
Active
A "composite" portfolio to be reviewed by faculty, alumni and/ or other outside
Students must demonstrate the outcomes
reviewers. Instead of placing the burden on the students to prepare and submit portfolios, that are relevant to each particular
we would pull some of their work (assignments) from each class. The following
assignment.
assignments would be selected at random from 10 students in each course indicated.
(Direct)
Strategic Plan: COMM-437
Speech: COMM-437
News Release: COMM-437
Fact Sheet: COMM-437
Biographer: COMM-437
PSA Script: COMM-437
Research Project/ Report: COMM-380
The assignments to be selected at random from the courses directly reflect the outcomes.
For example, Outcome 1 (Campaign) would be addressed in the Strategic Plan
assignment, Outcome 2 (Research) is reflected in the Research Project, Outcome 4
(Writing) is in the News Release and PSA script, etc.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Annual or every two years -- This direct
measure has not as yet been implemented
due to resource issues (faculty time and
coordinating outside reviewers).
Yes
Only high-achieving students receive
Public Communication Division Awards.
This is a competition which is judged by outside reviewers who are professionals in their awards.
fields. (Direct)
Graduating students are nominated by faculty for their work in several categories at the
end of each academic year. The work is reviewed by a team that includes faculty and
outside reviewers. Awards are given to those students who demonstrate the outcomes in
an exemplary way.
Measure Type:
Other
Annual
Yes
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Target
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 1 of 15
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Graduating Student Survey--assessment of student perceptions in achieving outcomes. On average, students will rate their
(Indirect)
academic career at least "very good" or
The survey has been administered annually since 2005 to all graduating students and has "excellent."
achieved response rates close to 80%. The results are tabulated and reviewed by the
Associate Dean and Division Director.
Measure Type:
Survey
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Annual.
Yes
On average, internship supervisors will rate Each semester.
students' performance "very good" or
"excellent" in all categories. The categories
directly address the learning outcomes.
Internship supervisors (i.e. employers)
currently evaluate students. This evaluation
is reviewed by the faculty member
responsible for internships. A uniform
rating/ evaluation form will be developed in
2009-10. This form will ensure that the
ratings are directly related to the outcomes.
Yes
Yes
Measure Type:
Alumni Feedback
On average, alumni will rate their academic Every five years.
career "very good" or "excellent."
To assess their transition into and
preparedness for the profession. Alumni
who have been working for several years
should be better able to assess their
education.
Periodic Curriculum Reviews/ Faculty Retreats
To ensure that curriculum meets the needs
of the profession.
Yes
Survey among internship supervisors. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Field Work/ Internship
A survey of 3-5 year alumni. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Other
As needed--The Public Communication
Division monitors its curriculum and uses
input from its faculty (many of whom are
practicing professionals), adjunct faculty
(who are all professionals), and alumni
(including the Dean's Advisory Council--a
group of high level alumni who are
professionals in the field).
Ad Hoc Research Studies--SOC Image Study, Writing Programs Survey, Career Center Surveys conducted occasionally to address Occasional.
specific issues.
Survey, Alumni Focus Groups, Alumni Survey (Indirect).
Studies have been conducted through the Development Office and also in Research
Methods classes. Two studies in particular--the Writing Study and the Career Center
Survey--provided useful data to evaluate student perceptions toward our programs.
Measure Type:
Survey
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 2 of 15
Yes
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Institutional research--Student Evaluations of Teaching, Campus Climate Survey,
Graduation Census, National Survey of Student Engagement (Indirect).
The School of Communication and Public Communication Division routinely analyze
other data available in order to provide the background by which to understand more
specific data.
To add context for evaluation of other data. Annual.
Active
Yes
Measure Type:
Survey
Related Courses
- COMM-380 - Public Communication Research
- COMM-437 - Public Relations Portfolio
Learning Outcome: Communication Campaign
Develop a communication campaign or plan.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
A "composite" portfolio to be reviewed by faculty, alumni and/ or other outside
Students must demonstrate the outcomes
reviewers. Instead of placing the burden on the students to prepare and submit portfolios, that are relevant to each particular
we would pull some of their work (assignments) from each class. The following
assignment.
assignments would be selected at random from 10 students in each course indicated.
(Direct)
Strategic Plan: COMM-437
Speech: COMM-437
News Release: COMM-437
Fact Sheet: COMM-437
Biographer: COMM-437
PSA Script: COMM-437
Research Project/ Report: COMM-380
The assignments to be selected at random from the courses directly reflect the outcomes.
For example, Outcome 1 (Campaign) would be addressed in the Strategic Plan
assignment, Outcome 2 (Research) is reflected in the Research Project, Outcome 4
(Writing) is in the News Release and PSA script, etc.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Annual or every two years -- This direct
measure has not as yet been implemented
due to resource issues (faculty time and
coordinating outside reviewers).
Yes
Page 3 of 15
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Only high-achieving students receive
Public Communication Division Awards.
This is a competition which is judged by outside reviewers who are professionals in their awards.
fields. (Direct)
Graduating students are nominated by faculty for their work in several categories at the
end of each academic year. The work is reviewed by a team that includes faculty and
outside reviewers. Awards are given to those students who demonstrate the outcomes in
an exemplary way.
Measure Type:
Other
Annual
Yes
Graduating Student Survey--assessment of student perceptions in achieving outcomes. On average, students will rate their
(Indirect)
academic career at least "very good" or
The survey has been administered annually since 2005 to all graduating students and has "excellent."
achieved response rates close to 80%. The results are tabulated and reviewed by the
Associate Dean and Division Director.
Measure Type:
Survey
Annual.
Yes
On average, internship supervisors will rate Each semester.
students' performance "very good" or
"excellent" in all categories. The categories
directly address the learning outcomes.
Internship supervisors (i.e. employers)
currently evaluate students. This evaluation
is reviewed by the faculty member
responsible for internships. A uniform
rating/ evaluation form will be developed in
2009-10. This form will ensure that the
ratings are directly related to the outcomes.
Yes
Yes
Measure Type:
Alumni Feedback
On average, alumni will rate their academic Every five years.
career "very good" or "excellent."
To assess their transition into and
preparedness for the profession. Alumni
who have been working for several years
should be better able to assess their
education.
Periodic Curriculum Reviews/ Faculty Retreats
To ensure that curriculum meets the needs
of the profession.
Yes
Survey among internship supervisors. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Field Work/ Internship
A survey of 3-5 year alumni. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Other
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
As needed--The Public Communication
Division monitors its curriculum and uses
input from its faculty (many of whom are
practicing professionals), adjunct faculty
(who are all professionals), and alumni
(including the Dean's Advisory Council--a
group of high level alumni who are
professionals in the field).
Page 4 of 15
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Ad Hoc Research Studies--SOC Image Study, Writing Programs Survey, Career Center Surveys conducted occasionally to address Occasional.
specific issues.
Survey, Alumni Focus Groups, Alumni Survey (Indirect).
Studies have been conducted through the Development Office and also in Research
Methods classes. Two studies in particular--the Writing Study and the Career Center
Survey--provided useful data to evaluate student perceptions toward our programs.
Measure Type:
Survey
Yes
Institutional research--Student Evaluations of Teaching, Campus Climate Survey,
Graduation Census, National Survey of Student Engagement (Indirect).
The School of Communication and Public Communication Division routinely analyze
other data available in order to provide the background by which to understand more
specific data.
Yes
To add context for evaluation of other data. Annual.
Measure Type:
Survey
Related Courses
- COMM-380 - Public Communication Research
- COMM-437 - Public Relations Portfolio
Learning Outcome: Analytical Thinking
Think analytically and creatively.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Target
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Schedule/Cycle
Page 5 of 15
Active
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Schedule/Cycle
Active
A "composite" portfolio to be reviewed by faculty, alumni and/ or other outside
Students must demonstrate the outcomes
reviewers. Instead of placing the burden on the students to prepare and submit portfolios, that are relevant to each particular
we would pull some of their work (assignments) from each class. The following
assignment.
assignments would be selected at random from 10 students in each course indicated.
(Direct)
Strategic Plan: COMM-437
Speech: COMM-437
News Release: COMM-437
Fact Sheet: COMM-437
Biographer: COMM-437
PSA Script: COMM-437
Research Project/ Report: COMM-380
The assignments to be selected at random from the courses directly reflect the outcomes.
For example, Outcome 1 (Campaign) would be addressed in the Strategic Plan
assignment, Outcome 2 (Research) is reflected in the Research Project, Outcome 4
(Writing) is in the News Release and PSA script, etc.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Annual or every two years -- This direct
measure has not as yet been implemented
due to resource issues (faculty time and
coordinating outside reviewers).
Yes
Only high-achieving students receive
Public Communication Division Awards.
This is a competition which is judged by outside reviewers who are professionals in their awards.
fields. (Direct)
Graduating students are nominated by faculty for their work in several categories at the
end of each academic year. The work is reviewed by a team that includes faculty and
outside reviewers. Awards are given to those students who demonstrate the outcomes in
an exemplary way.
Measure Type:
Other
Annual
Yes
Graduating Student Survey--assessment of student perceptions in achieving outcomes. On average, students will rate their
(Indirect)
academic career at least "very good" or
The survey has been administered annually since 2005 to all graduating students and has "excellent."
achieved response rates close to 80%. The results are tabulated and reviewed by the
Associate Dean and Division Director.
Measure Type:
Survey
Annual.
Yes
Survey among internship supervisors. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Field Work/ Internship
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Target
On average, internship supervisors will rate Each semester.
students' performance "very good" or
"excellent" in all categories. The categories
directly address the learning outcomes.
Internship supervisors (i.e. employers)
currently evaluate students. This evaluation
is reviewed by the faculty member
responsible for internships. A uniform
rating/ evaluation form will be developed in
2009-10. This form will ensure that the
ratings are directly related to the outcomes.
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 6 of 15
Yes
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
A survey of 3-5 year alumni. (Indirect)
Yes
Measure Type:
Alumni Feedback
On average, alumni will rate their academic Every five years.
career "very good" or "excellent."
To assess their transition into and
preparedness for the profession. Alumni
who have been working for several years
should be better able to assess their
education.
Periodic Curriculum Reviews/ Faculty Retreats
To ensure that curriculum meets the needs
of the profession.
Yes
Measure Type:
Other
Schedule/Cycle
As needed--The Public Communication
Division monitors its curriculum and uses
input from its faculty (many of whom are
practicing professionals), adjunct faculty
(who are all professionals), and alumni
(including the Dean's Advisory Council--a
group of high level alumni who are
professionals in the field).
Active
Ad Hoc Research Studies--SOC Image Study, Writing Programs Survey, Career Center Surveys conducted occasionally to address Occasional.
specific issues.
Survey, Alumni Focus Groups, Alumni Survey (Indirect).
Studies have been conducted through the Development Office and also in Research
Methods classes. Two studies in particular--the Writing Study and the Career Center
Survey--provided useful data to evaluate student perceptions toward our programs.
Measure Type:
Survey
Yes
Institutional research--Student Evaluations of Teaching, Campus Climate Survey,
Graduation Census, National Survey of Student Engagement (Indirect).
The School of Communication and Public Communication Division routinely analyze
other data available in order to provide the background by which to understand more
specific data.
Yes
To add context for evaluation of other data. Annual.
Measure Type:
Survey
The Public Communication division completed an assessment in the spring of 2014
focused on the writing component of the major and, more specifically, COMM 337:
Public Relations Writing. This class is required of undergraduate majors and is the
advanced writing class.
The evaluation consisted of (1) a review of syllabi, (2) a review of final projects, and (3)
an extensive discussion April 30 among faculty who regularly teach COMM 337. In
attendance were Gemma Puglisi, Adam Konowe (adjunct), Scott Talan, Corinne Hoare
and Wendy Melillo. Joseph Graf facilitated the discussion.
Although outcome #4 was the primary program goal related to this class, the committee
also considered the following outcomes as they analyzed the course:
#3. Think analytically about communication problems and identify creative solutions.
#5. Use digital strategy and technology tools adeptly in integrated communication
campaigns
#6. Present confidently and persuasively.
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Yes
Page 7 of 15
Related Courses
- COMM-380 - Public Communication Research
- COMM-437 - Public Relations Portfolio
Learning Outcome: Technology
Use technology in communication activities.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Schedule/Cycle
Active
A "composite" portfolio to be reviewed by faculty, alumni and/ or other outside
Students must demonstrate the outcomes
reviewers. Instead of placing the burden on the students to prepare and submit portfolios, that are relevant to each particular
we would pull some of their work (assignments) from each class. The following
assignment.
assignments would be selected at random from 10 students in each course indicated.
(Direct)
Strategic Plan: COMM-437
Speech: COMM-437
News Release: COMM-437
Fact Sheet: COMM-437
Biographer: COMM-437
PSA Script: COMM-437
Research Project/ Report: COMM-380
The assignments to be selected at random from the courses directly reflect the outcomes.
For example, Outcome 1 (Campaign) would be addressed in the Strategic Plan
assignment, Outcome 2 (Research) is reflected in the Research Project, Outcome 4
(Writing) is in the News Release and PSA script, etc.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Annual or every two years -- This direct
measure has not as yet been implemented
due to resource issues (faculty time and
coordinating outside reviewers).
Yes
Only high-achieving students receive
Public Communication Division Awards.
This is a competition which is judged by outside reviewers who are professionals in their awards.
fields. (Direct)
Graduating students are nominated by faculty for their work in several categories at the
end of each academic year. The work is reviewed by a team that includes faculty and
outside reviewers. Awards are given to those students who demonstrate the outcomes in
an exemplary way.
Measure Type:
Other
Annual
Yes
Graduating Student Survey--assessment of student perceptions in achieving outcomes. On average, students will rate their
(Indirect)
academic career at least "very good" or
The survey has been administered annually since 2005 to all graduating students and has "excellent."
achieved response rates close to 80%. The results are tabulated and reviewed by the
Associate Dean and Division Director.
Measure Type:
Survey
Annual.
Yes
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Target
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 8 of 15
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Survey among internship supervisors. (Indirect)
On average, internship supervisors will rate Each semester.
students' performance "very good" or
"excellent" in all categories. The categories
directly address the learning outcomes.
Internship supervisors (i.e. employers)
currently evaluate students. This evaluation
is reviewed by the faculty member
responsible for internships. A uniform
rating/ evaluation form will be developed in
2009-10. This form will ensure that the
ratings are directly related to the outcomes.
Yes
Yes
Measure Type:
Alumni Feedback
On average, alumni will rate their academic Every five years.
career "very good" or "excellent."
To assess their transition into and
preparedness for the profession. Alumni
who have been working for several years
should be better able to assess their
education.
Periodic Curriculum Reviews/ Faculty Retreats
To ensure that curriculum meets the needs
of the profession.
Yes
Measure Type:
Field Work/ Internship
A survey of 3-5 year alumni. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Other
Schedule/Cycle
As needed--The Public Communication
Division monitors its curriculum and uses
input from its faculty (many of whom are
practicing professionals), adjunct faculty
(who are all professionals), and alumni
(including the Dean's Advisory Council--a
group of high level alumni who are
professionals in the field).
Active
Ad Hoc Research Studies--SOC Image Study, Writing Programs Survey, Career Center Surveys conducted occasionally to address Occasional.
specific issues.
Survey, Alumni Focus Groups, Alumni Survey (Indirect).
Studies have been conducted through the Development Office and also in Research
Methods classes. Two studies in particular--the Writing Study and the Career Center
Survey--provided useful data to evaluate student perceptions toward our programs.
Measure Type:
Survey
Yes
Institutional research--Student Evaluations of Teaching, Campus Climate Survey,
Graduation Census, National Survey of Student Engagement (Indirect).
The School of Communication and Public Communication Division routinely analyze
other data available in order to provide the background by which to understand more
specific data.
Yes
To add context for evaluation of other data. Annual.
Measure Type:
Survey
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 9 of 15
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
The assessment measure undertaken was in accordance with our assessment plan. The
Public Communication division completed an assessment in the spring of 2014 focused
on the writing component of the major and, more specifically, COMM 337: Public
Relations Writing. This class is required of undergraduate majors and is the advanced
writing class.
The evaluation consisted of (1) a review of syllabi, (2) a review of final projects, and (3)
an extensive discussion April 30 among faculty who regularly teach COMM 337. In
attendance were Gemma Puglisi, Adam Konowe (adjunct), Scott Talan, Corinne Hoare
and Wendy Melillo. Joseph Graf facilitated the discussion.
Although outcome #4 was the primary program goal related to this class, the committee
also considered the following outcomes as they analyzed the course:
#3. Think analytically about communication problems and identify creative solutions.
#5. Use digital strategy and technology tools adeptly in integrated communication
campaigns
#6. Present confidently and persuasively.
Active
Yes
Measure Type:
Written Assignment
Related Courses
- COMM-380 - Public Communication Research
- COMM-437 - Public Relations Portfolio
Learning Outcome: Writing
Write clearly, concisely, and strategically in a range of formats and media.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2011
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Target
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Schedule/Cycle
Page 10 of 15
Active
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Schedule/Cycle
Active
A "composite" portfolio to be reviewed by faculty, alumni and/ or other outside
Students must demonstrate the outcomes
reviewers. Instead of placing the burden on the students to prepare and submit portfolios, that are relevant to each particular
we would pull some of their work (assignments) from each class. The following
assignment.
assignments would be selected at random from 10 students in each course indicated.
(Direct)
Strategic Plan: COMM-437
Speech: COMM-437
News Release: COMM-437
Fact Sheet: COMM-437
Biographer: COMM-437
PSA Script: COMM-437
Research Project/ Report: COMM-380
The assignments to be selected at random from the courses directly reflect the outcomes.
For example, Outcome 1 (Campaign) would be addressed in the Strategic Plan
assignment, Outcome 2 (Research) is reflected in the Research Project, Outcome 4
(Writing) is in the News Release and PSA script, etc.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Annual or every two years -- This direct
measure has not as yet been implemented
due to resource issues (faculty time and
coordinating outside reviewers).
Yes
Only high-achieving students receive
Public Communication Division Awards.
This is a competition which is judged by outside reviewers who are professionals in their awards.
fields. (Direct)
Graduating students are nominated by faculty for their work in several categories at the
end of each academic year. The work is reviewed by a team that includes faculty and
outside reviewers. Awards are given to those students who demonstrate the outcomes in
an exemplary way.
Measure Type:
Other
Annual
Yes
Graduating Student Survey--assessment of student perceptions in achieving outcomes. On average, students will rate their
(Indirect)
academic career at least "very good" or
The survey has been administered annually since 2005 to all graduating students and has "excellent."
achieved response rates close to 80%. The results are tabulated and reviewed by the
Associate Dean and Division Director.
Measure Type:
Survey
Annual.
Yes
Survey among internship supervisors. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Field Work/ Internship
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Target
On average, internship supervisors will rate Each semester.
students' performance "very good" or
"excellent" in all categories. The categories
directly address the learning outcomes.
Internship supervisors (i.e. employers)
currently evaluate students. This evaluation
is reviewed by the faculty member
responsible for internships. A uniform
rating/ evaluation form will be developed in
2009-10. This form will ensure that the
ratings are directly related to the outcomes.
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 11 of 15
Yes
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
A survey of 3-5 year alumni. (Indirect)
Yes
Measure Type:
Alumni Feedback
On average, alumni will rate their academic Every five years.
career "very good" or "excellent."
To assess their transition into and
preparedness for the profession. Alumni
who have been working for several years
should be better able to assess their
education.
Periodic Curriculum Reviews/ Faculty Retreats
To ensure that curriculum meets the needs
of the profession.
Yes
Measure Type:
Other
Schedule/Cycle
As needed--The Public Communication
Division monitors its curriculum and uses
input from its faculty (many of whom are
practicing professionals), adjunct faculty
(who are all professionals), and alumni
(including the Dean's Advisory Council--a
group of high level alumni who are
professionals in the field).
Active
Ad Hoc Research Studies--SOC Image Study, Writing Programs Survey, Career Center Surveys conducted occasionally to address Occasional.
specific issues.
Survey, Alumni Focus Groups, Alumni Survey (Indirect).
Studies have been conducted through the Development Office and also in Research
Methods classes. Two studies in particular--the Writing Study and the Career Center
Survey--provided useful data to evaluate student perceptions toward our programs.
Measure Type:
Survey
Yes
Institutional research--Student Evaluations of Teaching, Campus Climate Survey,
Graduation Census, National Survey of Student Engagement (Indirect).
The School of Communication and Public Communication Division routinely analyze
other data available in order to provide the background by which to understand more
specific data.
Yes
To add context for evaluation of other data. Annual.
Measure Type:
Survey
The Public Communication division completed an assessment in the spring of 2014
focused on the writing component of the major and, more specifically, COMM 337:
Public Relations Writing. This class is required of undergraduate majors and is the
advanced writing class.
The evaluation consisted of (1) a review of syllabi, (2) a review of final projects, and (3)
an extensive discussion April 30 among faculty who regularly teach COMM 337. In
attendance were Gemma Puglisi, Adam Konowe (adjunct), Scott Talan, Corinne Hoare
and Wendy Melillo. Joseph Graf facilitated the discussion.
Yes
Measure Type:
Written Assignment
Related Courses
- COMM-380 - Public Communication Research
- COMM-437 - Public Relations Portfolio
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 12 of 15
Learning Outcome: Presentation
Present confidently and persuasively.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Schedule/Cycle
Active
A "composite" portfolio to be reviewed by faculty, alumni and/ or other outside
Students must demonstrate the outcomes
reviewers. Instead of placing the burden on the students to prepare and submit portfolios, that are relevant to each particular
we would pull some of their work (assignments) from each class. The following
assignment.
assignments would be selected at random from 10 students in each course indicated.
(Direct)
Strategic Plan: COMM-437
Speech: COMM-437
News Release: COMM-437
Fact Sheet: COMM-437
Biographer: COMM-437
PSA Script: COMM-437
Research Project/ Report: COMM-380
The assignments to be selected at random from the courses directly reflect the outcomes.
For example, Outcome 1 (Campaign) would be addressed in the Strategic Plan
assignment, Outcome 2 (Research) is reflected in the Research Project, Outcome 4
(Writing) is in the News Release and PSA script, etc.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Annual or every two years -- This direct
measure has not as yet been implemented
due to resource issues (faculty time and
coordinating outside reviewers).
Yes
Only high-achieving students receive
Public Communication Division Awards.
This is a competition which is judged by outside reviewers who are professionals in their awards.
fields. (Direct)
Graduating students are nominated by faculty for their work in several categories at the
end of each academic year. The work is reviewed by a team that includes faculty and
outside reviewers. Awards are given to those students who demonstrate the outcomes in
an exemplary way.
Measure Type:
Other
Annual
Yes
Graduating Student Survey--assessment of student perceptions in achieving outcomes. On average, students will rate their
(Indirect)
academic career at least "very good" or
The survey has been administered annually since 2005 to all graduating students and has "excellent."
achieved response rates close to 80%. The results are tabulated and reviewed by the
Associate Dean and Division Director.
Measure Type:
Survey
Annual.
Yes
12/15/2014 1:40 PM
Target
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Page 13 of 15
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Survey among internship supervisors. (Indirect)
On average, internship supervisors will rate Each semester.
students' performance "very good" or
"excellent" in all categories. The categories
directly address the learning outcomes.
Internship supervisors (i.e. employers)
currently evaluate students. This evaluation
is reviewed by the faculty member
responsible for internships. A uniform
rating/ evaluation form will be developed in
2009-10. This form will ensure that the
ratings are directly related to the outcomes.
Yes
Yes
Measure Type:
Alumni Feedback
On average, alumni will rate their academic Every five years.
career "very good" or "excellent."
To assess their transition into and
preparedness for the profession. Alumni
who have been working for several years
should be better able to assess their
education.
Periodic Curriculum Reviews/ Faculty Retreats
To ensure that curriculum meets the needs
of the profession.
Yes
Measure Type:
Field Work/ Internship
A survey of 3-5 year alumni. (Indirect)
Measure Type:
Other
Schedule/Cycle
As needed--The Public Communication
Division monitors its curriculum and uses
input from its faculty (many of whom are
practicing professionals), adjunct faculty
(who are all professionals), and alumni
(including the Dean's Advisory Council--a
group of high level alumni who are
professionals in the field).
Active
Ad Hoc Research Studies--SOC Image Study, Writing Programs Survey, Career Center Surveys conducted occasionally to address Occasional.
specific issues.
Survey, Alumni Focus Groups, Alumni Survey (Indirect).
Studies have been conducted through the Development Office and also in Research
Methods classes. Two studies in particular--the Writing Study and the Career Center
Survey--provided useful data to evaluate student perceptions toward our programs.
Measure Type:
Survey
Yes
Institutional research--Student Evaluations of Teaching, Campus Climate Survey,
Graduation Census, National Survey of Student Engagement (Indirect).
The School of Communication and Public Communication Division routinely analyze
other data available in order to provide the background by which to understand more
specific data.
Yes
To add context for evaluation of other data. Annual.
Measure Type:
Survey
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Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
The assessment measure undertaken was in accordance with our assessment plan. The
Public Communication division completed an assessment in the spring of 2014 focused
on the writing component of the major and, more specifically, COMM 337: Public
Relations Writing. This class is required of undergraduate majors and is the advanced
writing class.
The evaluation consisted of (1) a review of syllabi, (2) a review of final projects, and (3)
an extensive discussion April 30 among faculty who regularly teach COMM 337. In
attendance were Gemma Puglisi, Adam Konowe (adjunct), Scott Talan, Corinne Hoare
and Wendy Melillo. Joseph Graf facilitated the discussion.
Although outcome #4 was the primary program goal related to this class, the committee
also considered the following outcomes as they analyzed the course:
#3. Think analytically about communication problems and identify creative solutions.
#5. Use digital strategy and technology tools adeptly in integrated communication
campaigns
#6. Present confidently and persuasively.
Yes
Measure Type:
Written Assignment
Related Courses
- COMM-380 - Public Communication Research
- COMM-437 - Public Relations Portfolio
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Active
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