Introduction:
The surveys used as indirect measures were developed using a web-based software program (Opinio) that is utilized at UNK. This program enables users to administer surveys using the on-line services available to both faculty and students at UNK. The surveys may be administered to specific populations or made available to all members of the faculty or the student body by using an invitation list for the respective group. The surveys used a Likert scale method of rating respondent impressions.
The surveys included in this plan are:
- Student Perceptions of the Current GS Program
- Faculty Questionnaire
- National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
- Graduating Student Survey
An alignment chart illustrating the linkage of individual survey items with GS Program objectives is in Appendix 7.
Student Perceptions of the Current GS Program: The Student Assessment Committee (SAC), formed during the spring semester of 2005, administered a survey to measure student perceptions of the GS Program as its initial project. The survey used modified items from the Faculty Questionnaire to measure student impressions regarding the structure and delivery of the GS Program. The survey was administered in April 2005 and will be administered in the future on an annual basis each spring semester by the SAC. The results from the survey will be shared by the SAC with the GS Council and other appropriate entities on campus. The two groups will collaborate to modify the survey to reflect changing informational needs. For example, the next survey could focus upon specific learning experiences within the GS Program. The survey is in Appendix 5.
Timeline:
April 2005
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Administer survey, disseminate results
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2005-06
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GS Council and SAC collaborate on revisions
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April 2006
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SAC administer survey, disseminate results
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Continue cycle each year
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Student Focus Groups: The GS Council will collaborate with the SAC for the purpose of conducting student focus groups. The focus groups will be conducted by the SAC. Discussion items will be developed in collaboration with the GS Council with the purpose of obtaining information from students regarding ways to enhance the GS Program.
Timeline:
Fall 2005
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Establish focus group discussion items, develop student focus group format, and initiate focus groups
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Spring 2006
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Interpret results, disseminate, review process and establish future schedule
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Faculty Questionnaire: The Faculty Questionnaire is based on the Assessing General Education Survey published by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The Assessing General Education Survey items address general education curriculum, structural and governance issues. It utilizes stem statements used for contrasting degrees of development. Content of future versions of the questionnaire will reflect issues of concern to the GS Council at the respective time. The Faculty Questionnaire is in Appendix 6.
Timeline:
February 2005
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Development of Faculty Questionnaire
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March 2005
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Administration
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May 2005
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Interpretation of results, ideas for revision, establish schedule
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March 2009
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Interpretation of results, ideas for revision
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March 2013
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Interpretation of results, ideas for revision
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March 2017
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Interpretation of results, ideas for revision
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National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE): The NSSE is administered periodically (see Administration Timeline) by the UNK Assessment Program. The survey measures student perceptions regarding the degree of engagement in a number of different academic and campus life activities. Although the survey is not a specific assessment of a general education program, many of the items link to the General Objectives of UNK’s GS Program. The survey results will be used as a formative assessment of student engagement comparing student development from the freshman year to the senior year. The results will also serve as a benchmark comparison against other institutions in order to further identify areas that may need to be specifically addressed. A list of the survey items linked to UNK’s GS Program General Objectives is in Appendix 7.
Administration Timeline: 2002; 2003; 2004; 2007; 2010; 2013; etc.-
Graduating Student Survey: The Registrar’s Office administers a survey to graduating seniors each semester in order to measure their satisfaction with various experiences while attending UNK. The GS Council developed survey items for inclusion in the survey to measure student satisfaction with meeting the GS Program General Objectives as a summative measure. The questions are answered using a 5-point Likert Scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. Additional questions will be considered for addition to the Graduating Student Survey on an annual basis.
Graduating Student Survey GS Program Questions
- I have been challenged academically in my UNK General Studies courses.
- I have been able to integrate material learned in UNK General Studies courses into other classes.
- I have improved my communication skills in reading, speaking, and writing as a result of my UNK General Studies courses. (GS Objective 3)
- I have improved my ability to locate and gather information as a result of my UNK General Studies courses. (GS Objective 1)
For number 5: Critical thinking has been defined as examining different sides of an issue, forming a logical argument, and using it to make an informed decision.
- I have improved my critical thinking and problem solving skills as a result of my UNK General Studies courses. (GS Objective 2)
- I have improved my understanding and appreciation of cultures other than my own as a result of my UNK General Studies courses. (GS Objective 4)
- UNK General Studies Program allowed me to select from a broad range of topics that supplemented the courses in my major.
The Registrar’s Office will annually provide summary data from the survey.
06/06/05