Weber State University   

Honors Program

Assessment Plan

(submitted 01/27/03)

1. Course Assessment. The form filled out by instructors proposing new Honors courses requests that they specify at the outset which outcomes their course will address. At the end of the semester, the students in the course are asked to evaluate not only the effectiveness of the instructor, but also the degree to which they have personally made progress toward achieving the various Honors outcomes as a result of the course. A comparison between what the instructor believes is being taught and what the students feel they have learned will suggest possible changes that will bring the course, should it be offered again, more closely in line with the goals of the program.

2. Student Portfolios. Beginning with students entering the program in fall 2002, all candidates for University Honors are required to maintain a portfolio of their Honors work and extra-curricular activities. For purposes of assessing the student’s progress toward attainment of the various program goals, each portfolio will contain at least one piece of written work from each Honors course taken, as well as the student’s personal assessment essay for each course. In addition, the portfolio should contain documentation of service and cultural activities. At an exit interview just prior to graduation, each student will present and discuss the contents of this portfolio with the director and staff.

3. Senior project. The senior project, together with the oral presentation, entails virtually all outcomes that the program is trying to achieve. The faculty committee that evaluates a student’s senior project and presentation for a grade will also be asked to assess the degree to which the project and its presentation represent the attainment of these outcomes.

4. Post-graduate data. To the extent that it is possible, information is gathered on the success of Honors graduates in securing employment or gaining admission to graduate or professional schools.

Mission Statement / Student Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid / Results of Assessment /Contact Person