Assessment Report Standard Format July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010 PROGRAM(S) ASSESSED __Department of Communication________ ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR Elliot Gaines YEAR _one of a _five_YEAR CYCLE 1. ASSESSMENT MEASURES EMPLOYED Briefly describe the assessment measures employed during the year. What was done? In COM 101: a variety of Speech competencies were measured. COM 200: a range of standard writing competencies were measured. In COM 400: Career reports, oral presentations, and senior portfolios. Who participated? COM 101 data provided by Dr. Mary Rucker COM 200 data provided by Adam Gutschmidt COM 400 data provided by Carol Morgan What challenges (if any) were encountered? Since the department assessment plan was originally implemented, changes in faculty and curriculum have resulted in inconsistent data preparation. 2. ASSESSMENT FINDINGS List the objectives and outcomes assessed during the year, and briefly describe the findings for each. COM 101 Speech: 75.46 was the average score assessed for speech organization, execution, research and citing techniques, extemporaneous speaking behaviors, effective multi-media use, and knowledge of basic communication concepts and theories. COM 200 Writing: Assessment considered writing, organization, depth of subject, application of research and evidence, completeness and accuracy, clarity of expression, and consistent citation style. 68% percent of students performed above average. COM 400: Senior seminar and portfolio assessment included speeches, career presentation, and a portfolio. Speaking abilities of the students were about average. Students were not very dynamic or engaging. Portfolios varied in quality. About 10% were top-notch and very impressive. Another 1020% were very poor in quality. The rest of them were pretty average. The main problem with the portfolios is that it is much easier for mass communication majors to find interesting and worthy material to put in their portfolio. Most had demos of their radio shows, newspaper articles, press releases, or television clips. The Communication Studies and Organizational Communication majors really struggled with the portfolio content. 3. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS List planned or actual changes (if any) to curriculum, teaching methods, facilities, or services that are in response to the assessment findings. The assessment committee coordinator recommended that the department address the necessary changes and updates to the departments assessment plan. 4. ASSESSMENT PLAN COMPLIANCE Explain deviations from the plan (if any). Some data required by the old assessment plan were not available. As stated earlier, these data were to be generated by pre and post testing, and surveys that were not conducted because of changes in the faculty and curriculum. 5. NEW ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENTS Describe developments (if any) regarding assessment measures, communication, faculty or staff involvement, benchmarking, or other assessment variables. During our transition to semesters, new assessment methods and criteria will be discussed in the department.