Dakota State University
Assessment Plan with Annual Data
For A.S. in Network and System Administration
Goal #1
Apply cognitive learning to networking technologies, system administration, and programming.
Assessment Tools
(Evaluation Measures)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will develop advanced knowledge
in networking concepts for a career in
networking and system administration.
Students will develop advanced knowledge
in programming for a career in networking
and system administration.
1. Assessment Exam: Graduates will successfully complete the portions of the exit
exam related to networking technologies with a 60% or higher.
2. Course Grades: Students will successfully complete CIS 383 and CIS 385 with a grade
of B or higher.
3. Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that DSU students need less than the
usual training in technology.
4. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate they are satisfied or very satisfied with their
ability to learn on the job.
1. Technology Exam: Graduates will successfully complete the portions of the general
education technology exam related to programming with a 60% or higher.
2. Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that DSU graduates exceed their
expectations in their ability to select and apply appropriate technology.
3. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate that they are satisfied or very satisfied with
their ability to select and apply appropriate technology.
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
N=6
0%
N=6
67%
N=2
50%
N=2
100%
85%
N/A
N=0
70%
N/A
N=0
75%
N=3
100%
N=2
100%
85%
N/A
N=0
N=1
100%
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
N=1
100%
N=0
75%
75%
2010-11
Graduates
2009-10
Graduates
N/A*
N/A*
N=3
67%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=2
50%
N=1
100%
N=0
N=0
N=1
100%
*The NSA program had its first graduate in Spring 2010. The exit exam was still in the pilot stage for the 2010 and 2011 graduates and results are not published.
The DSU Employer Survey is administered to the employers of DSU graduates 1 year after graduation. The results are on a 4-point likert scale 1=Does not meet expectations 2= Meets expectations
3= Exceeds expectations 4= Greatly exceeds expectations. “Non-Applicable” responses on surveys are not included.
The DSU Alumni Survey is administered to graduates at 1 year and 3 years post-graduation. For example: The 2010 Alumni Survey was completed by 2008-09 graduates (1 year) and 2006-07
graduates (3 years post-graduation). The results are on a 4-point likert scale 1=Very Dissatisfied 2=Dissatisfied 3=Satisfied 4= Very Satisfied. NSA program contribution based on ratings of 3 & 4 on a
1-4 Likert scale ranging from none to a great deal.
Assessment Plan for A.S. in Network and System Administration
Goal #2
Think logically, analytically, and objectively, while demonstrating the appropriate soft skills for a successful career in networking and system administration.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tools
(Evaluation Measures)
Students will develop the interpersonal
1. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ oral communication skills as
skills that foster professional responsibility,
exceeding expectations.
leadership, and team work.
2. Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that DSU graduates’ interpersonal skills
(e.g. working in a team setting) exceed their expectations.
3. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate they are satisfied or very satisfied with their
oral communication skills.
4. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate that DSU contributed to their verbal
communication skills.
Students will effectively communicate with 1. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ oral communication skills as
peers of other business units outside the
exceeding expectations.
realm of IT.
2. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate they are satisfied or very satisfied with their
oral communication skills.
3. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate that DSU contributed to their verbal
communication skills.
Assessment Plan for A.S. in Network and System Administration
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
85%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
70%
N/A
N=0
70%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
70%
N/A
N=0
70%
N/A
N=0
201011Graduates
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
2009-10
Graduates
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0
Goal #3
Well-prepared academically for an entry-level position in the career field.
Assessment Tools
(Evaluation Measures)
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates will find ready employment in
the field.
1. Placement Results: NSA graduates registered with the DSU Placement Office will
find employment in the field or continue their education within four months of
graduation.
2. Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that DSU students need less than the
usual additional job-related training.
3. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to learn on the job as
exceeding expectations.
4. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate they are satisfied or very satisfied with their
ability to learn on the job.
5. Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate DSU contributed to their ability to learn on
the job.
Assessment Plan for A.S. in Network and System Administration
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
2010-11
Graduates
2009-10
Graduates
85%
N/A
N=2
50%
N=3
100%
N=1
100%
85%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
70%
N/A
N=0
70%
N/A
N=0
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0
Goal #4
Adapt to the ever-changing field of information technology.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tools
(Evaluation Measures)
Students will have the ability to quickly and
effectively learn and demonstrate skill and
understanding with new or previously
unknown technologies.
Students will increase understanding of IT
systems already in place within an
organization in which the student has not
previously been exposed.
Students will show a desire to increase
understanding and grow professionally to
better serve the needs of the business
environment.
1. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to adapt to changes in
computing environment as exceeding expectations.
2. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to select and apply
appropriate technology as exceeding expectations.
1. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to learn on the job as
exceeding expectations.
2. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ need for additional training in
technology skills as less than usual.
1. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to seek out
opportunities for professional growth as exceeding expectations.
2. Employer Survey: Employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to learn on the job as
exceeding expectations.
Assessment Plan for A.S. in Network and System Administration
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
85%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
85%
N/A
N=0
2010-11
Graduates
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
N=1
100%
2009-10
Graduates
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0
N=0