2b. Data Collection, Analysis, and Evaluation.
2b1. What are the processes and timeline used by the unit to collect, summarize, and analyze data?
- How are data collected?
- How often are the data summarized and analyzed?
- Whose responsibility is it to summarize and analyze the data? (Dean, assistant dean, data coordinator, etc.)
- In what format are the data summarized and analyzed? (Reports, tables, charts, graphs, etc.)
- What information technologies are used to maintain the unit’s assessment system?
Key assessment data have been collected in the unit since 2004 with some programs having assessment systems in place before this time. Students are made aware at each decision point whether they will be allowed to continue in the program or whether they enroll in remedial courses. Because data were originally housed in multiple formats and in multiple places it was difficult to do whole-college assessment prior to Fall, 2007. At this time new procedures were introduced that allowed for more precise examination and cross-referencing of key assessments. Many of the earlier issues have been resolved with the integration of our portfolio data into our WINS university database structure. Data used for this 2009 NCATE report were housed in multiple Microsoft Excel and SPSS files after being “pulled” from various external sources. It is anticipated that by Fall, 2008 annual reports will be generated through online queries eliminating the need for external data combining.
Beginning in fall, 2007 portfolio data on each student is entered into the online WINS system by faculty in each program. Test scores and other milestones are also hand-entered when appropriate by program chairs or the Certifying Officer. Data remains on the system after students graduate and constitutes part of the student’s permanent record for the University. The administrative faculty; generally consisting of the dean, associate dean, data manager and certifying officer; are responsible for requesting reports and data analyses. These reports are shared with CoPRA, directly with departments, with groups of students (such as the Dean’s Advisory Council), constituency groups (such as advisory boards), and field supervisors. Reports take many forms and utilize charts, tables graphs depending upon the audience and information being. Data have been summarized and presented to CoPRA and other groups on an “as needed” basis in years past. However, with the advent of the new data collection system in WINS, it is anticipated that more standardized reporting procedures will be implemented due to ease of use. A variety of information technologies are used to maintain the unit assessment system. These include, but are not limited to: online data servers, Desire 2 Learn college website, electronic portfolio reporting (early childhood), WINS database (with enabled queries), college-wide listserv, and multiple backup servers.
2b2. How does the unit maintain records of formal candidate complaints and their resolutions?
Every program in the unit follows the procedures outlined in section 2.C.2 of the University Handbook. These procedures outline an informal and formal process for student grievances. Records of these complaints and their resolutions are included in the electronic documents room.
