Weber State University   

English

Results of Assessment

2000-2001 (submitted 9/06/01)

The Department of English focused its attention on two issues that emerged from the 1999-2000 Outcomes Assessment Project:

1.  Development of a new English Course Evaluation Form

It had become clear that the evaluation form which has been in use for a number of years was inappropriate for faculty, student and departmental needs. Not only had faculty complained about the form but students frequently asked clarifying questions about certain items on the form and indicated that they had no way to answer many of the items.

The Outcomes Assessment Committee developed a draft form after several weeks of discussion and research on forms in use across campus and across the state. The draft form was presented to the Department in Spring, 2001. Faculty volunteers piloted the form in their classes as the end of spring Semester, 2001. Students were asked about the clarity of the form and in most cases the form was seen to be much more effective than the previous one.

The Department will be asked to approve the form early in Fall, 2001 so that it may be implemented on a departmental basis for Fall, 2001 evaluations.

It is believed that the new evaluation form will provide clearer information about the planning, teaching and effects of English courses.

2.  Establishment of new Departmental Position:

It was clear from the 1999-2000 Outcomes Assessment Project that advisement of English Majors and Minors was uneven and inconsistent. As a result, a new position has been created, Assistant to the Chair for Advisement. Ron Deeter was appointed to this 1/4 time position. In this capacity Ron will consult regularly with the Chair and will keep regular office hours devoted to advisement issues. An appointment calendar will be kept in the English Department Office. In this way the Department can meet the needs of students with advisement questions and problems. Ron will also work to recruit English Majors and Minors.

It is believed that this new position will allow the Department to focus attention on Majors and Minors who may have felt ill advised or disconnected with the Department in the past.

English Teaching Majors and Minors will be advised by the English Education faculty. Technical Writing Minors will be advised by the Technical Writing faculty.

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