Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Strategies

To address the implementation of student learning outcomes assessment strategies outlined in the University’s Report to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (2007/2008), a Provost’s Learning Outcomes Assessment Advisory Committee (PLOAAC) was formed by Joseph Kiernan, University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs (Metro/Flor), last year. This was based on the recommendations of the Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee chaired by Jason Scorza, philosophy/political science (Metro) and associate provost for global learning (Metro/Flor), and John Hughes, hotel/restaurant/tourism management (Flor).

The PLOAAC consists of a small number of faculty members, who represent each of the colleges; University administrators directly involved in assessment; two faculty members representing University Core; and the chairs of the Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee. The group meets once a month and is action oriented. The faculty on the committee work with their peers and deans on the implementation of these strategies. Workshops, small group meetings with faculty, professional development, creation of a Web site, the organization of webinars, purchase of library resources on assessment and information literacy and revisions to the original plan have been accomplished. The committee’s Web site, to be launched in April, will be found at http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=7590 .

Last semester, Marlene Rosenbaum, education and associate dean, general education, University College (Metro), was selected to fill the new position of associate University provost for learning outcomes assessment to provide the leadership needed to coordinate, facilitate and oversee the implementation of student learning outcomes assessment goals across the University.

Committee members are Daniel Cassino, political science (Flor); Karen Denning, finance (Metro); Andrew Eisen, psychology and associate director, undergraduate studies (Metro); Deborah Fredericks, director of operations, continuing education (Metro); Indira Govindan, associate vice president for institutional research/assessment (Metro); Martin Green, English (Flor); John Hughes; Catherine Kelley, assistant provost for educational technology, Center for Teaching and Learning with Technology (Metro); Joseph Kiernan; James Kuehl, philosophy and director, University Core (Flor); Braimoh Oseghale, economics/finance and director, University Core (Metro); Marlene Rosenbaum; and Jason Scorza.