Assessment Report Standard Format
July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007
PROGRAM(S) ASSESSED
ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR
B.A. Political Science
Donna Schlagheck, Chair
YEAR 3 of a 5 YEAR CYCLE
1. ASSESSMENT MEASURES EMPLOYED
Briefly describe the assessment measures employed during the year.
 What was done?
All 48 graduating seniors surveyed anonymously;
All graduating seniors interviewed by Chair;
Selected employers of our graduates and those who offer internships were
interviewed by Chair and coordinator of internships (Paul Leonard)
30 Alumni were interviewed by Chair;
Student writing samples were reviewed by Drs. Kantha and Green to
examine whether students
(1) were able to make critical use of referenced sources,
(2) were able to frame a thesis argument,
(3) were able to make proper use of evidence.

No particular challenge or obstacle was encountered while conducting
this process.
2. ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
List the objectives and outcomes assessed during the year, and briefly
describe the findings for each.
Objective One: Students will secure employment in their chosen field. Findings:
Seniors and new alumni reported success in finding employment, especially when
they had internship experience in that office/location. Surveys noted the value of
job fairs on campus, too.
Objective Two: Students will gain admission to law or Graduate school.
Findings: 2 of 2 were admitted to graduate programs; 6 out of 7 were
admitted to law school.
Objective Three: Graduates will be prepared to assume their roles as
effective and informed citizens.
Findings: All exit interviewees reported that they have registered to vote.
One is now running for a local city legislature, and one now sits on the
WSU Board of Trustees.
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Learning Outcome #1: Students will be effective writers.
Findings: paper reviews demonstrated mastery of thesis statement, use of
evidence and proper citation reference method.
Learning Outcome #2: Students will be able to produce policy analyses.
Findings: junior and senior majors were capable of analytical writing and policy
research.
Learning Outcome #3: Students will have strong critical thinking skills.
Findings: Intern supervisors and employers of students report high levels of
satisfaction with the analytical writing and speaking skills of our students.
3. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
List planned or actual changes (if any) to curriculum, teaching methods,
facilities, or services that are in response to the assessment findings.
Very strong reports from graduates who participated in Moot Court and
Model UN indicate that the department should continue to offer both
active learning opportunities. When the public law position is filled,
faculty staffing levels will enable the department to offer the Moot Court
class regularly. Sean Wilson was hired in November, 2007.
Continued focus on strong advising has been greatly assisted by the new
CoLA offering of advising training to faculty.
4. ASSESSMENT PLAN COMPLIANCE
Explain deviations from the plan (if any).
No deviations from the plan.
5. NEW ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENTS
Describe developments (if any) regarding assessment measures,
communication, faculty or staff involvement, benchmarking, or other
assessment variables.
Continued expansion of papers reviewed for assessment.
Chair will continue outreach to alumni, both in Dayton
and Washington DC
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