Academic Program Review 2009
Executive Summary
Latino and Latin American Studies
The Latino and Latin American Studies program was included in the seventh cycle of academic
program review for the 2008-2009 academic year. Included in the program review process was
the composition of a self-study document based on faculty analysis, a program retreat where the
data were reviewed and the final two sections discussed, and a visitation by an external reviewer.
Dr. John Rector, served as the external reviewer and read the self-study, interviewed faculty,
staff, administration, and students, and submitted a separate analysis.
The self-study completed by the faculty and staff is the major document for this program review.
This complex document reveals the strengths and challenges through a programmatic perspective
and reflects the commitment of the program for self-analysis, reflection, and evaluation. The
institutional expectation is that the program and college administration will use the self-study
document, the dean’s report, and the executive summary as guides to the faculty, staff, and
administration for the next several academic years as the program addresses the
recommendations. Since this process requires an enormous amount of time and effort from all of
the participants, it is necessary to ensure that the results are used to inform decisions and future
course of actions. Therefore, program faculty and college administration will be expected to
provide a summary of activities undertaken during the 2009-2010 academic year as a result of
the program review. This report will be due to the provost in October, 2010.
It should be noted that Rector’s analysis was detailed and, along with the dean’s report, provide
the depth and context for the faculty and administrators to celebrate commendations and also
move ahead in addressing noted challenges and recommendations.
Commendations
The self-study document as submitted by the Latino and Latin American Studies program was
informative and understandable. It can be determined from reading the self-study report, the
observations of the reviewer, and the summary comments of the college dean that the program
has several strengths and challenges. It should also be concluded that the program is integral to
the mission of the college and university and should be commended in the following areas:
University and Community Impact
The Latino and Latin American Studies program is clearly and positively impacting the campus
and broader community in Central Washington. The program directly assists the university in
creating a welcoming environment for Latino students and in creating an atmosphere that is
supportive for Latino and non-Latino student success. Casa Latina and MEChA are examples of
avenues that students use to learn and work together in a positive atmosphere. Through grant
writing, the program has had a profound effect in local schools through GEAR UP and the
Bridges programs. In addition, the program’s support and involvement in APOYO has
positively impacted support and service to the poor. It is clear that the program is impactful and
a positive force on campus and in the community.
Leadership and Faculty:
The current director provides important and positive leadership for the program. He is creative
and regularly seeks opportunities to build and enhance the program. His continued efforts as
director will help ensure program growth and prominence on the Ellensburg campus as well as
the surrounding community. Faculty affiliated with the program also show genuine interest in
its success and are actively involved in its activities. This is positive and a model for other
interdisciplinary programs.
Program/Curriculum:
The program (minor) is structured in such a way that students take an introductory course and 20
additional elective credits (as based on a list of approved selections). This is positive as it allows
students an opportunity to select from a wide variety of relevant courses. Of course the efficacy
of this strategy is based on the regular offering of those course selections. Although students
have an opportunity to complete a variety of coursework, the program may want to consider
developing a capstone course that might help students bring together knowledge and
understanding gained from potentially disparate course offerings. A capstone course could also
be beneficial for program evaluation as well as a vehicle for more applied activities (community
service activity, research, internship) that meet the goals of the Center and program.
Recommendations
Although the program should be commended in areas, there are also areas for improvement.
Following are areas that should be addressed to improve the functioning and quality of the
program:
Visibility:
The external reviewer and Dean make the point that the program needs to become more visible.
This sentiment is echoed here as well. This is clearly a program that should not be a “best kept
secret.” With focus on developing a relevant website, greater presence on Latino radio and
television stations, and through continued outreach to local schools and community
organizations, the program should gain more prominent recognition.
Assessment:
Although only a minor, the program needs to put some energy and focus in examining student
learning and program goal-related data. Currently, program evaluation is somewhat weak.
Effort should be made in the future to collect, analyze, and discuss assessment data for the
minor. Results should be explicitly linked to programmatic and student learning outcomes and
include interpretation. These processes should be in place and effectively utilized during the
time period before the next program review. Requests for resources (including equipment) can
be driven by the types of data that could be collected through a systematic and ongoing
assessment system. Assistance is available through the Office of Undergraduate Studies and it
should be sought.
External Advisory Committee Formation:
The program is encouraged to develop an external advisory committee made up of various
regional community constituencies and alumni to obtain greater guidance with regard to
curriculum and other programmatic matters. The benefits of utilizing such a committee is
manifold and worth the time and effort of establishing.
Facilities:
Both the external reviewer and Dean recommend that space be allotted to the program. It seems
clear that it is needed to give the program a “home” and a place for planning, meeting,
socializing, etc. The program should work with the Dean and with the Academic Facilities
Planning Office to secure space.
International Linkage:
Study abroad and opportunities to engage students and faculty in international experiences is
manifold through the program. The program should continue to work effective with the Study
Abroad Office to encourage more students and faculty to take advantage of these opportunities.
Summary
Overall, the Latino and Latin American Studies program is an important and critical part of
Central Washington University. It is program is clearly and positively impacting the campus and
broader community in Central Washington. The current director and faculty are dedicated to the
program and helping it succeed. By improving its visibility, assessment processes, facilities, and
linkages to external advisory and international exchanges and experiences, the program has great
potential in achieving its goals and those of the college and university.