University of Nebraska Kearney

University of Nebraska at Kearney
Assessment Committee
Minutes of the September 14, 2006 Meeting
Founders Hall, Room 2147

Present: Jeanne Butler, Paul Bishop, Karin Covalt, Ron Crocker, Kay Hodge, Bethany Albrecht Hyatt, Mary Kommers, Tami Moore, Glen Powell, Brian Samuel, Scott Unruh, and Gloria Vavricka

Absent: Greg Anderson, Joan Blauwkamp, Janice Fronczak, Patricia Hoehner,

Director of Assessment, Jeanne Butler, called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. in Founders Hall Room 2147.

1. NEW BUSINESS.
   
   
   1. Since there are several new members on the Assessment Committee, Dr. Butler asked the members to introduce themselves and state who they were representing on the committee.
      
      
   2. A list of Assessment Committee members showing terms was distributed to all members. Patricia Hoehner and Janice Fronczak will need to be replaced Dr. Butler is hoping that all members currently on the Assessment Committee will be able to continue through the North Central site visit in April 2008.
      
      
   3. The Coordinator of Assessment position was discussed. Of the four applications received by the search committee, two were not qualified and therefore not interviewed. The other two applicants were scheduled; however, one of the applicants withdrew because of time constraints. The final applicant, Sarah von Schrader, is well-qualified and is able to begin October 1, 2006.
      
      
   4. Sarah von Schrader joined the meeting. Committee members asked questions and visited with Ms. Von Schrader for several minutes.
      
      
   5. Assessment goals for 2006-07 were discussed. Last year we had over a 90% submittal rate of assessment reports and the goal is to reach 100% by the end of the Fall semester.
      
      
   6. Dr. Butler provided members with a list of assessment conferences in 2006-07, advising that she is encouraging Assessment Committee members to attend and/or present. Two Psychology faculty will present at the IUPUI Assessment Institute in Indianapolis October 29-31.
      
      
   7. The Office of Assessment will sponsor the Platte Valley Assessment Conference again in Spring 2007. The call for papers will be going out and deadline will be Nov. 15th.
      
      
2. OLD BUSINESS:
   
   
   1. A copy of the Assessment Strategic Plan was distributed to Committee members in the meeting packet. The Plan has been approved by both Faculty Senate and by the Senior Vice Chancellor. The committee discussed the plan.
      
      
   2. Last year, Dr. Butler visited all academic departments to ensure that assessment plans contained all required components of the new guidelines. The new guidelines are much simplified from the old assessment plan guidelines. The first year of the Office of Assessment old guidelines were used and accepted. Last year departments received guidance to comply with the new guidelines and it was suggested that these guidelines be applied to all reports. This year, everyone will receive formal written feedback and will have a feedback meeting with the Coordinator of Assessment. The reports for next year will all need to comply with the guidelines, since the 2007 assessment reports are the ones that North Central will see.
      
      After their last visit, North Central indicated they wanted to see data showing how General Studies makes a difference. To date, General Studies has collected departmental data and some overall data, but nothing that addresses NCA’s concerns to show how General Studies makes a difference. GS will pilot test a program level assessment process focusing on the 4 overall goals for GS—gathering information, communication skills, critical thinking, and diversity. A pilot covering these 4 areas will provide evidence to NCA that the General Studies Program assessment process is being done.
      
      
3. OTHER:
   
   
   1. Dr. Butler and Kim Elliott, have cleaned up the Assessment website The Academic Program Review data is gone, and information is more easily accessed for those interested. A new password has been established for accessing assessment reports for academic departments and programs.

NEXT MEETING:

The next Assessment Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2006, in Founders Hall, Room 2147, at 3:30 p.m.