University of Nebraska Kearney

First Year Program Assessment Plan

Direct Measures

GPA Comparison

Comparison of the GPAs of students completing the First Year Program and non-participants with similar characteristics (e.g. ACT score, HS GPA/Class rank). This information can be obtained through the Office of the Registrar and displayed in table format.

Comparison of Retention Rates

Comparing retention rates of students completing First Year Program and non-participants with similar characteristics. This information can be obtained through the Office of the Registrar and displayed in table format.

Writing Communication Assessment

Analysis of student development in writing communication using the FY Writing Assessment. Student essays will be gathered at the beginning and end of the semester and a random sample will be scored using the attached rubric. The overall change in score will be used to measure student growth in writing competency. 

Critical Thinking Assessment

Critical thinking will be assessed directly using the Critical Thinking section of the Writing Assessment. Scores in this area will demonstrate student development in critical thinking. 

Academic Etiquette Assessment

Knowledge of academic etiquette, civil discourse, debate, and argumentation along with knowledge of library resources will be assessed using a quiz given on Blackboard at the beginning and the end of the semester. 

Indirect Measures

Student Survey

FY students will complete a survey at the end of the semester. The survey will be conducted through Opinio, and FY student responses will be compared to UNK freshmen responses on NSSE. (submit a copy of the survey)

Faculty Survey

FY faculty will evaluate both their experience in the program and their student peer leader’s performance.

Student Peer Survey

Student peer leaders will complete a separate survey discussing their experience with the program.