SACS Reaffirmation
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Assessment : 2007 - 2008 : Educational Programs :
Biology BA
1 Goals 4 Objectives 4 Indicators 4 Criteria 4 Findings 4 Actions
GOAL: Goal 1
| Objective | Academic Performance | |
| Compare and contrast academic performance of BA compared to BS students. Associated Goals: Goal 1 |
| Indicator | Exit Exam All graduating seniors pursuing a BA in Biology will take the ETS MFAT Biology exit exam. Compare and contrast scores from exit exam of BA vs BS students. |
| Criteria | Exam Analysis Two years of MFAT results will be collect and analyzed. |
| Finding | Exam Analysis Findings Only one year of data available. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Academic Performance Actions In progress |
GOAL: Goal 1
| Objective | Alumni Feedback | |
| Qualitative assessments of how well our undergraduate BA program has prepared our graduates for their professions will be solicited through questionnaires distributed in our annual departmental newsletter. Associated Goals: Goal 1 |
| Indicator | Questionnaire  This questionnaire will be included, for the first time, in the fall 2007 Department of Biological Sciences newsletter. |
| Criteria | Response Criterion Any deficiencies in our undergraduate BA curriculum noted by at least three or more respondents in a given year will be evaluated by the Department’s Curriculum Committee. |
| Finding | Questionnaire Findings Data not collected yet. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Action on feedback Collect and analyze data. |
GOAL: Goal 1
| Objective | BA Purpose | |
| Given that this University does not have criteria for what constitutes a BA vs a BS degree, nor is there a clear national concensus; reassess the utility and purpose of a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Biological Sciences. Associated Goals: Goal 1 |
| Indicator | Faculty Input After obtaining information from Institutional Research and others concerning the BA, have Biology faculty determine purpose of degree. |
| Criteria | BA Criterion Achieve concensus among current faculty, and input from Dean and Provost on that concensus. |
| Finding | Faculty Concensus Discussions pending. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Faculty Discussions Pending. |
GOAL: Goal 1
| Objective | Student Selection | |
| Determine why students select the BA option in Biology, and their related post-graduation plans. Associated Goals: Goal 1 |
| Indicator | Student Survey Develop survey instrument and obtain input from BA students. |
| Criteria | BA Survey Obtain results from at least 20% of current BA students. |
| Finding | Student Survey Pending. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Obtaining Student Input In progress. |