Dance Program
2003-2008 Cycle
College of Humanities and Arts
Program Planning Committee Report to the Provost
May 21, 2010
The Dance Program in the School of Music and Dance offers the following programs:
 Bachelor of Arts in Dance
 Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Program Planning Committee (PPC) agrees with College Committee and the external reviewers that
the self study was not detailed enough. Both accreditation reports cite a lack of planning in the self study.
In preparation for the next Program Plan, please consult with the PPC during the strategic planning
phase.
Viewing assessment reports from successive semesters suggests that assessment efforts are disjointed,
especially considering the University emphasis on closing the loop between fall 2008 and spring 21010. It
is important to remember that the goal of student learning assessment is to find ways to improve student
performance. The program would benefit from developing rubrics and assembling more detailed reports.
For example, the old SLO 2 refers to visual and aural perception. Here it is important to distinguish
student performance on visual perception and performance on aural perception. Only by distinguishing
these accomplishments can faculty attempt to improve the program. Course grades, or even overall
assignment grades, do not satisfy assessment requirements. WASC is explicit that budget cuts must
result in more carefully teaching to the learning objectives. Assessment of student learning is even more
important as we work with fewer resources.
As student learning objectives should have been the first step in developing the new BFA program,
please submit the full set of objectives to the assessment office as soon as possible. Please remember
that reports are for program assessment not for course assessment.
The final step in the program planning process is a meeting with Provost Selter (or his designee), AVP of
Undergraduate Studies Jaehne, AVP of Graduate Studies and Research Stacks, Dean Karl Toepfer,
Department Chair Edward C. Harris, and the Dance Coordinator, Fred Mathews. The Chair may invite
directors of programs within the department. The department should contact the Office of Undergraduate
Studies to schedule the final meeting. The following topics for discussion are summarized from the
reports:
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Disabled Access: requirements for ADA compliance.
A long-term fiscal plan in light of current budget realities: The external reviewers
recommended a five to ten year fiscal plan.
Fund Raising: Discuss strategies for developing a fund raising plan with Advancement that
targets specific needs of the unit.
Integrating Music and Dance Programs: Discuss strategies to integrate the music and dance
programs through performance or course offerings as suggested by the external reviewer.
Future of the existing BA program in light of the new BFA program: and possible course
changes as suggested by the external reviewer.
If the Department would like to propose other issues for the meeting, please discuss the appropriateness
of the topics with Dean Toepfer.
The Program Planning Committee recommends acceptance of the self-study. For future reviews, please
combine Music and Dance, and discuss priorities across both programs even though the two programs
have separate accreditation and external reviewer reports. As mentioned before, in preparation of the
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next Program Plan, please consult with the PPC during the strategic planning phase. The School of
Music and Dance is urged to put more effort into an earnest and deep self reflection in the next review
cycle.
The Program Plan for both Music and Dance will be due to your Dean in spring 2013 following the
completion of the accreditation review.
Spring 2010 Program Planning Committee Members:
Mary Calegari, Chair
Charles Whitcomb
Dennis Jaehne
Pam Stacks
Sutee Sujitparapitaya
Jackie Snell
Ashwini Wagle
Susan McNiesh
Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan
Chunlei Wang
Lisa Oliver
Xiaolu Hu
Gary Stebbins
M. E. Fayad
CC: Fred Mathews, Dance Coordinator
Dr. Edward C. Harris, Chair, School of Music and Dance
Dr. Karl Toepfer, Dean, College of Humanities and the Arts
Charles Whitcomb, Vice Provost for Academic Administration & Personnel
Malu Roldan, Chair, Curriculum and Research
Dennis Jaehne, AVP Undergraduate Studies
Pam Stacks, AVP Graduate Studies and Research
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Beverly Grindstaff
Debra Caires
Elaine Collins
Robert Cooper
Annabel Prins
Quynh Lu
Carolus Boekema
Appendix
Dance Program of the School of Music and Dance Self Study
Executive Summary
The stated mission of the Dance Program of the School of Music and Dance at SJSU is “to enhance the
artistic complexion and the quality of life in the Santa Clara Valley through an education in a broad
spectrum of dance forms”.
The Dance Program has managed to recruit more students into their program (the student population
increased from 72 in Fall 2003 to 108.3 in Spring 2008) as well as offered a new Bachelors of Fine Arts
degree starting Fall 2009. This is expected to make the program more competitive with other institutions
of higher education who offer the BFA.
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Proposal of a new degree, the Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance:
o This degree program has been established as of the date of this PPC report.
 Institution of a recommendation system:
o Students receive written recommendations in order to advance to the next levels in
technique classes.
 Recruitment:
o The student population increased from 72 in Fall 2003 to 108.3 in Spring 2008.
o An increased male population in a primarily female student body has been
observed.
 The proportion of students who are male is as follows: 2003 – 4.5%,
2004 – 4%, 2005 – 7%, 2006 – 7%, 2007 – 3.7%.
o There is more focus on recruiting students with a higher talent level.
o The department sponsors recruitment activities to diversify the ethnicity of the
student population
o An on-campus recruitment event was sponsored for over 100 high school and
community college students.
 Faculty
o The faculty is demonstrated to be very collegial and effective.
o More money is needed for one full time faculty and additional part time faculty
positions.
 Degrees offered
o The number of degrees awarded increased from 7 in 2003 to 14 in 2008
 Community Collaboration
o Since the last review, the School of Music and Dance became a Resident Site of
sjDANCEco, a professional performing collaboration of dance artists
Context and Scope
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Mission: The mission of the dance program is “to enhance the artistic complexion and quality of
life in Santa Clara Valley through an education in a broad spectrum of dance forms”.
 Degrees offered: The degrees offered include a modified Bachelors of Arts degree with fewer
required units, and a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, a professional degree in dance.
 Students: The program has 60 dance majors and around 400 non majors
 Faculty: The program has 3 full time faculty members and 7 adjuncts.
Curriculum
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The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.
The Bachelors of Arts degree has the following characteristics:
o Emphasis on performance through theory and technique courses
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Specializations offered ion Modern, Ballet or Jazz along with a secondary area, and a
minimal third area requirement.
o Career options for graduates: performance, choreography, private teaching, graduate
work and related areas
 The following changes were made since the last review:
o DANC 153 was restructured into an activity course. The credit units were changed from
two to one.
o In the DANC 149 course, an additional level of tap was introduced in fall 2008. [This is
listed on http://www.music.sjsu.edu/dance/academic-programs/degrees-offered/bachelorof-fine-arts/listing-of-courses-required]
 The increased enrolment will lead to a requirement for more theory courses and thus more
faculty.
 One GE course is taught in the Dance area – DANC 102 (Dance in World Cultures). GE courses
do not face any resource challenges. More faculty will help offering more sections of beginning
level technique classes that are in high demand as service courses for the PE requirement of the
university.
 A regular and thorough assessment of student learning objectives is conducted. Results of these
reviews were submitted to the College and to Undergraduate Studies. The School of Music and
Dance’s College Curriculum Committee thoroughly reviews the courses offered.
 The program is in compliance with the university guidelines as well as the NASD program
assessment
Students
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Gender breakdown
o The proportion of students who are male is as follows: 2003 – 4.5%, 2004 – 4%, 2005 –
7%, 2006 – 7%, 2007 – 3.7%.
Student careers
o The majority of students go into dance education, further studies or a career in
performance or choreography.
Effective advising
o Major Advisor Janie Scott advises students every semester.
o Handbook of policies, procedures and program requirements is being compiled.
No formal tutoring services
o Faculty is available to students for individual assistance.
o Some technique courses have student assistants.
Student feedback
o Vast majority of graduating seniors are positive in their evaluations of the specific areas
of study as well as their overall experience as a dance student.
o Based on student feedback, the Dance Appreciation course was dropped and replaced
with the Music Appreciation course.
Student recruitment
o According to the report, the literature used by the School of Music and Dance Model for
recruitment has become a “model” for the university.
o The first campus recruitment day was initiated in the spring of 2008.
Student retention
o Faculty are in direct contact with students every semester in technique classes, and are
thus able to monitor them to ensure student retention.
o By the second year, most students have performed in student choreographed works.
o All students are advised every semester.
Graduation on time
o Students are required to attend advising sessions every semester to help them stay on
track and graduate in a timely fashion.
Involvement of students in research and creative works
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Faculty
Surveys reveal that many (89%) students participate in public performances outside the
university
o Students are also involved in choreographing works
o Students receive scholarships from the Dance Program as well as from outside the
university.
The Dance Program needs more money from the university for recruitment and materials
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The faculty is very collegial and dedicated.
Over the past five year of the review period, the total number of three tenure and tenure-track
faculty has not changed.
 The male to female ratio amongst tenured and tenure-track faculty is 2 to 1 at the time of the filing
of the program plan.
 The ethnicity of faculty is 100% white.
 An average of 10-11 lecturers teach courses each semester.
 The male to female ratio amongst lecturers is approximately 1 to 6.
 The ethnicity of lecturers is greater than 70% white. There has been a downward trend of white
lecturers over time.
 The Dance Program hopes to hire one full time faculty position in 2009 and one more in 2012
when a faculty member retires.
 Faculty is very active in education, choreography and performance of dance.
 The Dance Program faculty has received three Lottery Grants, a nomination for the Isadora
Duncan Award for Dance reconstruction and an Artist Fellowship from the arts Council of Silicon
Valley.
 Dance faculty is actively involved in leadership and service roles as committee members, chairs
and mentors.
Resources
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Staff requirements
o A permanent half time staff position is needed to operate at optimum.
o A clerical position that has the authority to tentatively admit students, and act as a direct
conduit to admissions and records.
o Replacement for the technical support staff member who is retiring at the end of Summer
2008.
o An additional part time staff person is needed to cover website management and other
duties.
Equipment
o Due to heavy usage, dance studios need to be swept on a daily basis.
o A budget from the university required for new equipment purchases.
o There is no external funding for equipment.
Faculty
o Permanent faculty workloads are heavy. For example, a small number of permanent
faculty calls for full time faculty to serve on many committees.
o The School of Music and Dance needs 150,000 $ in faculty salaries. A portion of this will
be allocated to the Dance Program.
o There is a need for a full time faculty position in Modern and Ballet along with some other
expertise areas.
Summary of External Reviewer’s Report
The external reviewers, Daniel Lewis and Stacy Reischman, paid a visit from October 5 to 8, 2008. Their
report focused on the BA in Dance program. However, they commented on the impact of the future of
this program due to the introduction of the BFA program.
Following are the salient points in their report:
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General Points
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Effective Governance: The external reviewers commended the effective governance structure
and the collegiality in the faculty and student interactions.
 Quality faculty: The visiting team was impressed with the professional qualifications of faculty
(both full time and adjunct) as well as their commitment to teaching and teaching effectiveness.
 Good opportunities for students: Students have a chance to experience performance in
professional venues.
 Quality Students: Students in the BA program are well trained and very professional.
 Community involvement: sjDANCEco is a professional dance collaborative in residence at
SJSU. It has a mentoring program at Independence High School that works as a recruitment
effort for the program.
 GE and Service Courses: The dance appreciation course showed a very high level of student
engagement and good instruction. This was true at the time of the review, but the course has
been dropped since then.
 Advisement: This is done by one fulltime faculty member who is an expert advisor.
Concerns and Recommendations:
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Broad recommendations:
o Five to ten year plan: The dance department needs a plan on meeting its fiscal
requirements.
Future of the existing BA program: The existing BA program may fail unless it is given a new
focus. On speaking with students, the reviewers perceived that most of the students would
transfer into the new BFA program.
Student scheduling concerns: Based on concerns expressed by students about schedule
conflicts, inadequate section offerings for courses and mix of technical levels in classes, it
appears that the order and number of courses being offered need attention.
Separation of Music and Dance: Based on a question from the Assistant Dean regarding
separation of Dance from Music, the external reviewers raised concerns regarding the ability of
the new dance department to be self administrative. Another concern expressed is the source for
the equipment and support budget.
Written evaluations: Written evaluations of student progress in technique courses in missing.
Augmenting the BFA program: Adding somatic studies including Pilates and other body
therapy offering, and the use of technology in the creative process.
Recruitment of faculty and staff:
o Handling Projected Growth: The institution will need a fourth level of technique to
accommodate the BFA program. Additional faculty will be required to accommodate the
projective growth over the next few years.
o National and rigorous searches: New hires should be recruited after national and
rigorous searches. New faculty should have specialized areas of expertise.
o More accompanists: With the addition of the BFA program, more staff accompanists will
be needed
o Staff for day-to-day operations: The office is covered by work study students who
sometimes answer emails and return calls from home. This affects recruitment and has a
negative impact on the department.
o Artistic support: Staff to take care of production concerns is a requirement. This is
currently managed by a part-time faculty member. There is a need for a professional
lighting designer.
o Guest artist position: Offering more master programs and guest artist classes with the
establishment of a guest artist position that could rotate each semester.
o Retirement of the lab annotation teacher: Students are concerned that notation will be
eliminated from the program after the retirement of this teacher.
Recruitment of students:
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California high schools: The department should establish more connection with
California high schools.
o Scholarships for male students: More men need to be attracted to the program.
Without a sufficient number of male dances, the repertory is limited.
o Community colleges: These should be considered as a source for students.
Involvement of adjuncts in faculty meetings: Given the commitment of adjuncts, it is
important to involve them in faculty meetings.
Facilities, equipment and safety concerns:
o Quality and adequacy of technology: The sound system is of poor quality and not
reliable. Larger and more formal performance space is needed to teach students
projection to a balcony and for more than 30 feet. DVD abilities and MP3 connections
are missing. The dance studio needs video projectors and cameras.
o Safety and cleanliness: The standard of cleanliness does not meet the requirement for
dance which involves dancing in bare feet, rolling on the floor, etc. Students need to be
trained on handling safely and emergency procedures.
o Transferring videos to DVDs: Videos of national and international dance companies
should be transferred from videos to DVDs to increase their longevity.
o Proactive addition to library resources: Faculty should proactively request titles for the
library.
Web site: Web site needs stories about alumni, more information about the program,
requirements for dance majors and the fact that the program is accredited by the NASD.
Possibility for collaboration across disciplines: Student choreographers, playwrights, visual
artists and composers could be encouraged to collaborate.
Summary of College Curriculum Committee Report
Signed by Dean Hegstrom
The committee concurs with the external reviewer’s judgment that the self study is “a short report and
lacks substantive information on planning”. The committee strongly endorses the external reviewer’s
recommendation to replace full time faculty lost during the review. According to the College Committee,
the student faculty ratio of 17.23:1 in 2005 is far beyond the 10:1 ration suggested by the National
Association of Schools of Music. More faculty members are required to develop a long range strategic
plan as well as to improve the viability of offering online courses. The committee considers it to be
unwise to create new GE courses until ways can be found to pay for existing curriculum and facility
needs.
The Committee commends the Dance Program's faculty for a high quality curriculum that is attracting an
increasing number of students. The Committee also applauds the faculty and administrators involved for
the positive response of its accreditation visit team from NASD.
The Committee also endorses the Dance Self Study, including its point-by-point response to the outside
evaluator's report, and urges the SJSU administration to help the School to implement any of the review’s
recommendations that have not already been addressed. The issues to be addressed, according to this
report, include:
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Lack of planning in the self study report: According to the Curriculum Committee, “the
Program would be well-served by a re-framing of its various needs”, and clarifying the need for
money for "outreach" and "equipment" particularly to administrators assessing the Program's
current and future needs
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Need for more faculty and accompanists: The College Committee emphasizes that Dance
appears to suffer from the same problem afflicting many programs across the College, with a high
ratio of part-time to full-time faculty resulting in heavy committee loads for the latter group and
potential problems of cohesion and governance. The program faces difficulties in implementing
the BFA program due to need for additional faculty and accompanists.
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Need for more staff: Staff requirements to help with admissions and records, advising, and
technology
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Inadequate recruiting efforts: According to this report, recruitment efforts, although meeting the
NASD standards, were inadequate. There is a need for a five-year recruitment plan to attract
more students, especially men, ways to fund scholarships and establish more connections with
high schools.
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