1. Department Mission Statement and Program Learning Outcomes

2. Accreditation Visit &On-Site Evaluation, Spring 2013 Preparation –Departmental Mission and Outcome review Fall 2011 –Departmental Assessment Plan review Winter 2012 –University Self-Study Report due: Winter 2013

3. What is a Mission Statement? A short, formal, written statement of the purpose of an organization It should –guide the actions of the organization –spell out the overall goal –provide a sense of direction –guide decision-making Reason for the organization’s existence

4. Department Mission Statement Consistency with the WWU mission statement Consistency with the college mission statement In support of the mission of Western Washington University and the College of XXX, the YYY Department …

5. WWU Mission Statement Western Washington University serves the people of the State of Washington, the nation and the world by bringing together individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in an inclusive, student- centered university that develops the potential of learners and the well-being of communities.

6. Mission Statement Review What are the general values and broad principles that will guide the program? –Quality, rigor, effectiveness –Needs of constituency –Sustainability

7. Mission Statement Review What are the general characteristics and abilities of the ideal graduate? –Knowledgeable –Skilled –Articulate –Innovative –Principled

8. Mission Statement Review Whom will the program serve? –Who is the constituency? Local, state and national needs Society Support of other programs at WWU

9. Mission Statement Review In what specific ways is the program consistent with the University’s mission and strategic plan? –Builds on WWU strengths to address needs –Expand student access –Foster life-long learning –Apply expertise to communities beyond campus –Serve as a model for effectiveness, innovation, diversity, sustainability

10. Program Learning Outcomes For each program Student learning outcomes (SLO) Expressions of the knowledge and skills that students should attain by the time of graduation from the program Program assessment = evaluation of student achievement with respect to SLOs Each SLO must be measureable

11. Student Learning Outcomes Generic outcomes that should apply to every program Consistent with GUR competencies 1, 9, 10 1.Students can work effectively in teams 2.Students can effectively communicate their ideas in both written and oral form 3.Students understand the moral, social and ethical issues of their work

12. Student Learning Outcomes Generic outcomes that may apply to some, but not all disciplines 4.Students understand and follow safe working practices May be relevant to laboratory based programs 5.Students are able to design and implement experiments, analyze results and draw relevant conclusions

13. Student Learning Outcomes Discipline-specific outcomes 6.Understanding of core concepts of the discipline Identify a small number (2 or 3) 7.Ability to apply discipline-specific skills and practices Identify a small number (1 or 2)

14. Outcome Measurement Is each outcome measurable? How do we measure student achievement of outcomes? –Indirect measures: ask opinion of someone else Students, internship supervisors, peers Typically done via surveys Helpful, but not sufficient

15. Outcome Measurement Direct measurement of student achievement. –We already do this! –Lots of it! –Let’s use it for program assessment –Key performance indicators Specific questions on exams Quizzes on specific topics Homework and assignments Oral and written presentation (using rubrics)