BA – COMMUNICATION – COMMUNICATION CORE CONCENTRATION
PROGRAM ASSESSMENT REPORT: AY 2012-2013
Program Rationale/Purpose Statement:
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication offers students a thorough grounding in
communication theory, practice and ethics along with practical knowledge and skills for majors
interested in journalism. Three complimentary interests drive the degree program:
1. To offer communication curricula that is aligned with Tiffin University’s mission of offering
professional education.
2. To offer major and minor concentrations that give students the professional and technical skills they
need for employment opportunities across different communication fields.
3. To develop solid oral, written and electronic communication skills for its majors and students taking
communications courses to fulfill university requirements.
Marketing / Recruitment Target Statement:
The communications program seeks to recruit students who want to major in one of the three areas of
communication offered at Tiffin while receiving a comprehensive general education in a small
university environment. As a professionally focused major, the faculty strives to link communication
theory with practice so students will be prepared to enter the field with the knowledge and skills to be
successful. The strength of the program is in its ability to offer students individual attention in an
atmosphere where they can interact, grow and develop as communicators in a close-knit and dynamic
educational community.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Goals of the Program/Corresponding Classes:
Students will understand and recognize theories of mass communication. COM300/438/450
Program Executive Summary:
Section One: Describe all department activities with respect to improving student learning in the
major. This may include new faculty hires, course revisions, assignment creation, rubric revisions,
goal evaluations, etc.
Section Two: Describe which program goal(s) in the Major Program Plan was assessed during the
academic year.
Section Three: Describe analysis of assessment data and action plans for upcoming academic year.
Intended Outcome 1: (D-Quantitative Reasoning/D-Critical Thinking) Students will understand and
recognize theories of mass communication.
Assessment Criteria: Students will compare and contrast mass communication theories in
COM300/438/450. At least 80% of students will receive a “B” or higher on the final project in
COM300/438/450.
Section One - Activity Statement:
The final project for Communication 450 was assessed for the Communication Core for the 2012-13
academic year. This activity satisfied Intended Outcome 2 assessing critical thinking skills in their
understanding and recognition of theories of mass communication.
Section Two - Results of Outcomes Activity:
2012-2013
Met/Not Met Data Details
Met
Eighty percent of the students received a grade of 80 percent or
higher on their final project for Communication 450, Critical
Analysis of the Media, where they compiled a reflection paper,
journal and collection of news articles that they analyzed throughout
the semester.
Section Three - Analysis and Action Plans:
Eighty percent of the students received a grade of 80 percent or higher on their final project for
Communication 450, Critical Analysis of the Media, where they compiled a reflection paper, journal
and collection of news articles that they analyzed throughout the semester.
The Communication Department hired a new full-time faculty member, beginning fall 2013, who will
be responsible for teaching sections of Communication 130, Speech Communication, courses in
interpersonal communication and public relations. In addition, the curriculum for Communication 130
was revised, resulting in the selection of a new textbook as well as assignments and focus for the
course. In 2013-14, the Department plans to review its concentrations with the intention to revise them
as needed. Also, the student newspaper plans to unveil an online platform, enabling students across the
communication major to gain valuable professional experience in online media.
Updated: November 2011