School of Information Sciences (SIS) - Assessment Plan - Ronald L. Larsen Undergraduate Information Sciences Program (BSIS)

Prior to 2006 Re-organization SIS Dept Lib & Info Sci (DLIS) Dept Info Sci & Tele (DIST) MLISPh.D.MSISPh.D.MSTBSIS Departments accentuate disciplinary differences Employment market suggests increasing need for multidisciplinary skills Students losing interest in undergraduate program as offered

After 2006 Re-organization SIS UndergraduateGraduate Programs BSIS ISTLIS Tele Fosters collaboration among faculty across the disciplines Transforms BSIS from “stepchild” of MSIS to feeder for all graduate programs Broadens the appeal and relevance of the program to changing employer needs

The Undergraduate Curriculum Core (18 credits) Information Systems (9) User Centered Design (9) Networks & Security (9) Capstone, Internship, or Ind. Study (3) Assessment Stages Principles & Uses Specialized Knowledge Leadership & Mgmt Placement

Principles & Uses Learning Outcomes Understand the core principles of programming, databases, computer operations, systems analysis, networking and human computer interaction. Assessment Methods A committee of 3 faculty members will review a random sample of the exams, projects, and papers of 12 students from across the core courses biannually. Standards of Comparison At least 9 of those students will have demonstrated conceptual understanding and/or practical proficiency in the use of the primary constructs taught in the core courses. Conceptual understanding will be evaluated from exams and papers. Proficiency will be judged by assessing a working example of an assignment. (e.g., Interface, code project) Assessment Stages Principles & Uses Specialized Knowledge Leadership & Mgmt Placement

Specialized Knowledge Learning Outcomes Students will possess specialized knowledge in at least one concentration, making them competitive in the marketplace. Assessment Methods Ten recent graduates who have entered the workforce in positions aligning with their concentrations will be randomly selected. A questionnaire will be sent to each employer within one year of hiring, requesting their assessment of student preparation. Standards of Comparison 80% of the employer assessments should rate student preparation as “very good” or higher. Assessment Stages Principles & Uses Specialized Knowledge Leadership & Mgmt Placement

Leadership & Management (1) Learning Outcomes Students will possess an understanding of how information systems are used on a local, national and global basis and how they add value to an individual, organization or society. Assessment Methods A committee of three faculty members appointed by the Dean will annually interview a sample of five students who completed an internship experience, capstone course or independent study course. Standards of Comparison At least four interviewed students should be able to present their experience clearly and explain how their work affects individuals, groups or society. Assessment Stages Principles & Uses Specialized Knowledge Leadership & Mgmt Placement

Leadership & Management (2) Learning Outcomes Students will demonstrate leadership and project management capabilities with large and small groups. Assessment Methods The percentage of students who complete a capstone course, hold a campus leadership position, manage a class-assigned project team or complete a project management course will be tabulated annually. Four students meeting the requirement will be interviewed by a faculty committee appointed by the Dean annually. Standards of Comparison At least 25% BSIS students should meet this requirement prior to graduation. Students should be able to critique their leadership experience, giving examples of tools and techniques used and results achieved. Assessment Stages Principles & Uses Specialized Knowledge Leadership & Mgmt Placement

Learning Outcomes Graduates will be successfully placed in appropriate occupations or admitted to graduate schools. Assessment Methods Annual surveys of job placement, titles, and salaries. Annual surveys of application and acceptance to graduate study. Standards of Comparison Placement rates should be over 90% within 6 months of graduation and over 30% of the placements should be with major, national corporations. 80% of those students seeking graduate education should be successful. Assessment Stages Principles & Uses Specialized Knowledge Leadership & Mgmt Placement

Summary Assessment process particularly timely for the undergraduate program during its transformation Experience needed to inform the development of tractable, efficient processes Annual meta-assessment recommended in Council of Deans to share experiences and lessons learned