Department of Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Academic Review Process
CEPS Dean’s Review
July 1, 2009
The Academic Program Review Process.
The Academic Program Review is one of the most viable and cogent activities, in which the
faculty of a department engages to assess its programs. The assessment includes curricula,
instruction, advising, scholarship, and service. As stated in the preamble to the APR guidelines
document, the program review process “… provides basic information on the nature of the
department’s programs and gives the faculty’s assessment of the program’s strengths and
weaknesses. A program of self-study is the faculty’s opportunity to scrutinize itself, to publicize
its accomplishments and examine its shortcomings.” Within the context of the Central
Washington University Plan, the Academic Program Review process is an opportunity for the
faculty and staff in the department, as well as the college dean and the Associate Vice president
for Undergraduate Studies, to determine the degree to which a department meets the mission,
vision, core values, and strategic goals of the university. Moreover, the Academic Program
Review provides a formal process by which the department’s faculty and staff can examine their
academic activities in the contest of their own mission and strategic goals.
External Visit
The on-campus external review occurred on May18-19, 2009. Dr. Dan McCann, chair of the
Department of Human Physiology at Gonzaga University, reviewed programs in the Department
of Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences.
Strengths of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences (NEHS).
The mission of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences is to prepare lifelong
learners, critical thinkers, and skilled practitioners who promote and support the physical and
functional abilities of individuals to the benefit of themselves, their immediate, and their
extended communities through leadership and the application of established principles. The
Food Science and Nutrition, Exercise Science, and EMS-Paramedic programs – component
programs within the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Sciences (NEHS) – were
reviewed. Dr. McCann identified the following strengths:
Faculty. Each tenured/tenure track faculty member has a high level of expertise, credentials
and experience in his/her fields. Dr. McCann notes that the formation of NEHS has had a
unifying effect on the faculty as they work collaboratively on curricular development and
program delivery. Senior faculty are also actively mentoring junior faculty in the
department.
Students. According to the external reviewer, the professional and education needs of
students are being met. Several undergraduate and graduate students participate in
collaborative research activities and present at state, regional, and national conferences.
Additionally, student perceptions of the department, programs, and faculty are very positive.
Students report receiving adequate advising and enjoy attending classes that are of a
moderate sized.
Department of, Dean’s Response, 7/24/16, p. 1
Program Quality. Dr. McCann identified the integrated nature of the degree programs and
the collaborative vision of the faculty as primary strengths. Two of the programs are
nationally accredited (Food Science and Nutrition and EMS Para-Medicine) and Exercise
Science curricula are guided by appropriate professional organizations. Additionally, all
programs have a system in place to assess student learning and faculty submit annual
assessment plans that include goals, objectives, and data on student outcomes.
Facilities. The strength Dr. McCann identified in this area is the department’s commitment
to make the most of the facilities available. For example, faculty consolidated their offices
into a common space to provide a unified location for faculty and students, EMS-Paramedic
program received new equipment, a new metabolic cart was purchased, and the cadaver lab is
well maintained.
Service and Professional Activities. In addition to scholarly activities, faculty serve in a
variety of leadership roles on campus, in the community and state, and in professional
organizations.
Reported Challenges and Recommendations for the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and
Health Sciences.
Programs and Curricula.
1. Develop a systematic process that enables NEHS to quantitatively and qualitatively
determine the effectiveness programs and courses. Compile and analyze data in a way
that lends itself to drawing meaningful conclusions and making informed decisions.
2. Due to small numbers and student comments on the use of a hybrid of classroom-video
delivery, consider ways in which to strengthen, or eliminate, the BAS in Food Service
Management in Lynnwood.
3. Consider adding a course in biomechanics to the Exercise Science programs.
4. Continue to pursue expansion of the EMS-Paramedic program from one year to two years
and developing the on-line program.
Faculty.
1. Develop non-state funding sources (e.g., summer workshops, in-service programs,
consulting, sports camps???? - not sure how this relates to NEHS????, grant funding).
2. Identify methods to assess student learning outcomes and incorporate data from
assessments of the outcomes into the department assessment system. Annual review of
assessment will inform the programs.
3. Work to ensure a balanced workload by faculty. Collect data to support additional
faculty positions, if needed.
Students. Interviews with students were positive.
1. Graduate students in the Nutrition and Exercise Science programs voiced disappointment
in the academic depth of the curricula at the graduate level. Review the graduate
programs to ensure there are breadth, depth, and rigor in both programs and that the rigor
differentiates graduate student learning outcomes and assessments from those identified
for undergraduate programs. Adjust curriculum as needed.
Department of, Dean’s Response, 7/24/16, p. 2
Facilities. The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences is located in the
Physical Education Building, which includes classrooms and faculty office space. With two
departments in the same building, there continues to be a need for additional space for new
faculty, classrooms, student space, and laboratories. Ideally, the PE building will belong to
one of the two departments currently occupying it.
For NEHS, the experiential/laboratory learning is not adequate for current instructional levels
with multiple groups utilizing the same space simultaneously in the instructional setting,
There is also a void of dedicated laboratory space for faculty, graduate students, and
undergraduate students to conduct research. The type of research being conducted by faculty
(ie laboratory based research) requires space where a line of research can be established,
equipment can be set-up for the duration of the project, and the data collection can be
conducted during the week and not restricted to weekends and nights when the facility is not
engaged in instructional activities. Further, there is a real need for additional classroom
instructional space and a desire to house all instructional components of NEHS programs
within a single building. For the current building to be suitable for NEHS as its sole
occupant, an extensive increase in size (two to three times larger) coupled with significant
internal restructuring is needed.
1. The university needs to consider locating one of the two departments currently occupying
the PE building in a different space that meets their programmatic needs.
2. The university needs to establish a means of providing support for general maintenance,
upgrades, or repairs of equipment and to assist programs with continually updating
technology in classrooms and laboratories
3. Develop and submit a needs assessment for faculty, facilities, equipment and staff
support and provide supporting documentation.
Moving Forward.
Dr. McCann supports the formation of a new college as a way to provide faculty a greater voice
and opportunity to focus on additional space, equipment, and support. The Department of
Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences is one of exemplary quality, strengths, and promise.
Faculty are committed to the students, their fields of expertise, and to the university. The
department has an excellent reputation both on campus and externally. The challenges and
recommendations are, therefore, to be used to enhance the department and guide faculty in
developing higher quality programs, scholarship, work-place environment, and support.
I look forward to working and collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and department chair to
meet the challenges and to enhance an excellent department.
Department of, Dean’s Response, 7/24/16, p. 3