Dakota State University
Assessment Plan with Annual Data
for the Bachelor of General Studies
Goal
The Bachelor of General Studies degree prepares students for professional positions requiring a college-level ability in writing, critical thinking,
technology use and information processing, as well as preparation in three of the following emphasis areas: allied health, business, education, fine
arts, humanities, social sciences, wellness, technology, or science, engineering and mathematics.
Student Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of General Studies
students will be knowledgeable in
the basic areas of reading, writing,
mathematics and science
reasoning.
Assessment Tools (Evaluation Measures)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Bachelor of General Studies
students will be knowledgeable and
competent in computer literacy.
Bachelor of General Studies
students will demonstrate
proficiency in evaluating and
synthesizing information from their
three areas of emphasis, and
professional and personal
experiences.
a.
a.
b.
Assessment Plan for General Studies
CAAP Assessment: Graduates will score at or above
the passing level set by the SD Board of Regents in
reading.
CAAP Assessment: Graduates will score at or above
the passing level set by the SD Board of Regents in
writing.
CAAP Assessment: Graduates will score at or above
the passing level set by the SD Board of Regents in
mathematics.
CAAP Assessment: Graduates will score at or above
the passing level set by the SD Board of Regents in
science reasoning.
Technology exam: Graduates will satisfactorily
complete the exam for computer competency.
GS 491 Capstone Course: Graduates will successfully
complete a General Statement and Discussion Essay
outlining what academic, professional, and personal
interests led them to pursue their three areas of
emphasis in the BGS degree.
Alumni Survey: Graduates will indicate that they are
satisfied with their overall professional capabilities.
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
2010-2011
Graduates
80%
92%
N=12
100%
N=9
50%
N=4
80%
75%
N=12
89%
N=9
75%
N=4
80%
100%
N=12
100%
N=9
100%
N=4
80%
100%
N=12
100%
N=9
75%
N=4
75%
60%
N=6
80%
N=5
100%
N=4
80%
N=6
100%
N/A
N=2
100%
70%
N/A
N=2
100%
N=0
Bachelor of General Studies
students will demonstrate their
proficiency in locating information
and ideas in scholarly sources.
a.
Bachelor of General Studies
students will demonstrate their
proficiency in scholarly writing and
applying writing conventions of
appropriate style manuals (MLA,
APA, ASA).
a.
Bachelor of General Studies
students will demonstrate
proficiency in marketing
themselves for employment which
fits their professional and personal
career goals.
a.
GS 491 Capstone Course: Graduates will successfully
complete a 15-page research paper on a topic which
encompasses and synthesize their three areas of
emphasis.
GS 491 Capstone Course: Graduates will successfully
complete a 15-page research paper on a topic which
includes scholarly sources from their three areas of
emphasis, appropriately cited in the paper and the
“works cited” page.
GS 491 Capstone Course: Graduates will create a
competitive resume/ vita which highlights the
strengths and skills needed for their desired
occupational field
80%
75%
75%
N=6
100%
N=6
83%
N=6
83%
N=1
100%
N=2
100%
N=1
100%
N=2
100%
N/A
N=2
100%
Note 01: The DSU Alumni Survey is administered to graduates at 1 year and 3 years post-graduation. For example: The 2008 Alumni Survey was
completed by 2006-07 graduates (1 year) and 2004-05 graduates (3 years post-graduation). “Satisfied” is represented by a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-4.
“Not-Applicable” responses on surveys are withheld from the sample results.
Note 02: On outcomes utilizing capstone course information, “proficiency” is represented by a 3, 4, or 5 on a scale of 1-5.
Note 03: “N/A” = No Data Available
Note 04: Prior to 2010, students completed the Tek.Xam to demonstrate technology proficiency. It was discontinued in 2010 and replaced with the
locally-developed Tech Exam.
Assessment Plan for General Studies