School of Information Sciences (SIS)

- Assessment Plan -Ronald L. Larsen

Undergraduate Information Sciences Program (BSIS)

Prior to 2006 Re-organization

SIS

Dept Lib & Info Sci(DLIS)

Dept Info Sci & Tele(DIST)

MLIS Ph.D. MSIS Ph.D.MSTBSIS

• Departments accentuate disciplinary differences

• Employment market suggests increasing need for multidisciplinary skills

• Students losing interest in undergraduate program as offered

After 2006 Re-organization

SIS

Undergraduate Graduate Programs

BSIS IST LISTele

• Fosters collaboration among faculty across the disciplines

• Transforms BSIS from “stepchild” of MSIS to feeder for all graduate programs

• Broadens the appeal and relevance of the program to changing employer needs

The Undergraduate Curriculum

Core(18 credits)

InformationSystems

(9)

UserCenteredDesign

(9)

Networks &Security

(9)

Capstone,Internship, or

Ind. Study(3)

AssessmentStages

Principles& Uses

SpecializedKnowledge

Leadership& Mgmt

Placement

Principles & Uses

Learning Outcomes Understand the core principles of programming, databases, computer

operations, systems analysis, networking and human computer interaction.

Assessment Methods A committee of 3 faculty members will review a random sample of the

exams, projects, and papers of 12 students from across the core courses biannually.

Standards of Comparison At least 9 of those students will have demonstrated conceptual

understanding and/or practical proficiency in the use of the primary constructs taught in the core courses.

Conceptual understanding will be evaluated from exams and papers. Proficiency will be judged by assessing a working example of an

assignment. (e.g., Interface, code project)

AssessmentStages

Principles& Uses

SpecializedKnowledge

Leadership& Mgmt

Placement

Specialized Knowledge

Learning Outcomes Students will possess specialized knowledge in at least one

concentration, making them competitive in the marketplace. Assessment Methods

Ten recent graduates who have entered the workforce in positions aligning with their concentrations will be randomly selected. A questionnaire will be sent to each employer within one year of hiring, requesting their assessment of student preparation.

Standards of Comparison 80% of the employer assessments should rate student

preparation as “very good” or higher.

AssessmentStages

Principles& Uses

SpecializedKnowledge

Leadership& Mgmt

Placement

Leadership & Management (1)

Learning Outcomes Students will possess an understanding of how information

systems are used on a local, national and global basis and how they add value to an individual, organization or society.

Assessment Methods A committee of three faculty members appointed by the Dean

will annually interview a sample of five students who completed an internship experience, capstone course or independent study course.

Standards of Comparison At least four interviewed students should be able to present

their experience clearly and explain how their work affects individuals, groups or society.

AssessmentStages

Principles& Uses

SpecializedKnowledge

Leadership& Mgmt

Placement

Leadership & Management (2)

Learning Outcomes Students will demonstrate leadership and project management

capabilities with large and small groups. Assessment Methods

The percentage of students who complete a capstone course, hold a campus leadership position, manage a class-assigned project team or complete a project management course will be tabulated annually.

Four students meeting the requirement will be interviewed by a faculty committee appointed by the Dean annually.

Standards of Comparison At least 25% BSIS students should meet this requirement prior to

graduation. Students should be able to critique their leadership experience, giving

examples of tools and techniques used and results achieved.

AssessmentStages

Principles& Uses

SpecializedKnowledge

Leadership& Mgmt

Placement

Placement

Learning Outcomes Graduates will be successfully placed in appropriate

occupations or admitted to graduate schools. Assessment Methods

Annual surveys of job placement, titles, and salaries. Annual surveys of application and acceptance to graduate

study. Standards of Comparison

Placement rates should be over 90% within 6 months of graduation and over 30% of the placements should be with major, national corporations.

80% of those students seeking graduate education should be successful.

AssessmentStages

Principles& Uses

SpecializedKnowledge

Leadership& Mgmt

Placement

Summary

Assessment process particularly timely for the undergraduate program during its transformation

Experience needed to inform the development of tractable, efficient processes

Annual meta-assessment recommended in Council of Deans to share experiences and lessons learned