Minutes
Meeting of the Assessment Committee
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Academic Affairs Conference Room (2147), Founder’s Hall 3:30 p.m.
Present: Blauwkamp, Butler, Crocker, Cutler, Fronczak, Hoehner, Jackowiak, Powell, Vavricka
Absent: Bishop, Elliott, Hodge, Moore, Skinner, Unruh, Wheeler, Wilke
Guests: Rick Miller and Daren Snider
The meeting was called to order by Glen Powell, committee chair.
- Jackowiak, Fronczak, Miller, Snider, Butler, and Powell shared information and insights they gained from the Higher Learning Commission Conference they attended in Chicago April 1-4. Fronczak shared that the issues and concerns UNK faces regarding assessment are the same issues that other institutions are also facing. Snider shared information about dashboard indicators. Jackowiak shared that our assessment program appears to be on track in comparison to others at the conference, and this is significant because we have moved from being behind a couple of years ago to currently being on par with other institutions. Miller shared the concept of targeted assessment, which is being promoted as a strategy that institutions may use. Miller also presented a session on faculty mentoring at the conference that was attended by 70-80. The six individuals who attended the conference also attended a session on Classroom Learning Assessment (CLA).
- Some members of the Board of Regents are proposing that CLA be given at each campus. Information was distributed about the CLA. The pros and cons of such an assessment were discussed by the group. Two potential uses of CLA is that it would provide data for comparing our institution with others and looking at potential growth over time. Some problems associated with such a test include: presupposing that a one-size-fits-all method of assessment is appropriate; attempting to measure critical thinking in a neutral manner whereas critical thinking is actually contextual or discipline-specific; requiring an additional cost for administration; recruiting students to take it, as well as encouraging them to take it seriously.
Powell mentioned that he would be presenting at the Board of Regents meeting on April 21 with fellow colleagues from other campuses about the respective campus programs and how they are distinctive. The intent of the presentation is to demonstrate for the Board of Regents that each campus is serious about assessment and that mandating the CLA would not be necessary.
- Powell updated the committee on the Strategic Planning Council’s proposed strategic plan and implementing assessment throughout the strategic plan. The emphasis on assessment will lead to an expanded role for the assessment committee and staff.
- Powell distributed the 2005 Annual Assessment Report. The purpose of the report is to provide a summary and analysis of what was accomplished during the previous year. Each annual report will be incorporated into the NCA focus visit report for 2008.
- Powell announced his resignation as the Director of Assessment effective at the end of the semester. The committee expressed their admiration for Powell and appreciation for his leadership.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Elliott, Scribe
Glen Powell, Chair