Assessment Highlights

The following examples demonstrate some of the ways the School of Undergraduate Studies translates assessment results into program improvement actions.

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)

Findings: In December 2009, OUR held a focus group of faculty and staff who work with undergraduate research across campus. Participants discussed the need to use inclusive language so that students do not believe “research” only takes place in science laboratories.

Actions: OUR has revised the majority of its online and printed materials to ensure use of inclusive language to broaden understanding of research as including creative activity, performance or visual art, case studies, primary source research in the humanities, qualitative study, etc. In spring 2011, OUR also launched a series of undergraduate researcher profiles on its Web site, featuring students from a variety of programs including Rhetoric and Writing, Government, French, Arabic, and the Business Honors Program. In the 2011-12 school year, OUR will conduct a partnership survey to identify further areas for programming to address campus needs.

Center for Strategic Advising (CSA)

Findings: A spring 2010 CSA survey found that students want to interact with professionals working in careers of interest to learn more about the realities of careers and the connections between majors and career fields.

Actions: In response to student interest, CSA offered three Magellan’s Circles events in spring 2011, which gave students the opportunity to interact with a professional in a small group setting. CSA has also published profiles of professionals in a variety of career fields on Wayfinder, where students can learn more about careers and the connections between majors and career fields. Upcoming assessments will collect data from students to determine the career fields in which they are most interested.

Bridging Disciplines Program (BDP)

Findings: A spring 2011 focus group found that scholarship and internship opportunities can improve students’ BDP connecting experiences, which allow students to integrate BDP experiences in their academic work.

Actions: BDP has been collaborating with career advising offices across campus to find best practices and ways to use existing resources to better serve students as they find and complete their connecting experiences. BDP also has designated one of the advisors as the liaison with internship sites; this advisor is working to develop additional resources for students to help them find internships. Additionally, BDP will continue advertising scholarship opportunities for students to request funding to help with their connecting experience research or internship, including opportunities abroad.