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ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology (BA)
Instructional Degree Program

Spring 2003
Assessment Period Covered

July 1, 2003
Date Submitted

Expanded Statement of Institutional Purpose Linkage:
Institutional Mission Reference:
Texas A&M International University, a Member of The Texas A&M University System, is committed to the preparation of students for leadership roles in their chosen profession and in increasingly complex, culturally diverse state, national, and global society …  Through instruction, faculty and student research, and public service, Texas A&M International University is a strategic point of delivery for well-defined programs and services that improve the quality of life for citizens of the border region, the State of Texas, and national and international communities.

College/University Goal(s) Supported:
To increase “(1) students’ ability to communicate through the use of the written and spoken word; (2) their knowledge and appreciation of culture, fine arts, social integration; and (3) self realization. The College [COAH] also prepares students for a variety of professions and roles by providing a broad-based liberal arts education.”

Intended Educational (Student) Outcomes:
1.  Students completing the program will demonstrate their knowledge of the core ideas of the field sociology.

2.  Students completing the program will be able to secure employment.

3.  Students will be satisfied with the curriculum and instruction of the sociology program.

ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology (BA)
Instructional Degree Program

Spring 2003
Assessment Period Covered

July 1, 2003
Date Submitted

Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
NOTE: There should be one form for each intended outcome listed.  The intended outcome should be restated in the box immediately below and the intended outcome number entered in the blank spaces.

1.  Students completing the program will demonstrate their knowledge of the core ideas of the field sociology.

First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
1a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Students will take an exit objective and essay exam to document knowledge of key concepts of the core of ideas in the field of sociology.  We expect an average passing rate of 75% and no less than a 70% passing for any subpart of the exam in the areas of theory, research methods and social problems.  The essay portion of the exam, to measure critical thinking and application, will be graded by all faculty using a rubric of competency. 

1a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
Data collected was for Spring & Summer 2003 graduates (N=8/11). Area: Theory—Passing is 47% (expected is 70%). The overall Passing rate was 68.7% (expected is 75%). Area: Methods—The overall passing rate was 72.2% (expected is 70%). Essay:  The overall passing rate average =2.03/5 (weak). Area: Soc. Probs.—Passing is 86.9% (expected is 70%). Range=.5 –3.55    S.D=.93

1a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:

ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology (BA)
Instructional Degree Program

Spring 2003
Assessment Period Covered

July 1, 2003
Date Submitted

Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
NOTE: There should be one form for each intended outcome listed.  Intended outcome should be restated in the box immediately below and the intended outcome number entered in the blank spaces.

2.  Students completing the program will be able to secure employment.

First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
2a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Every Fall and Spring Semester, graduated students (both BA & MA) will be contacted (for three years after graduation) by mail to determine if they have secured employment.  A survey will be used to document employment.

2a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
Spring Semester 2003 was our first survey.  BA (6/11 grads)-all are employed, but had jobs before graduation. All are in fields that can use sociology major: 4 plan to stay with employment and 2 plan to find other jobs.  All are considering a Masters degree.

2a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
We found that telephone surveys are better than mail surveys.  A contact information database needs to be built for better follow-up.  The survey (last Q) needs to be improved.  Taking of information needs to be improved—too much missing information. We can use these to improve our Masters degree to meet the needs of the students.

ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology (BA)
Instructional Degree Program

Spring 2003
Assessment Period Covered

July 1, 2003
Date Submitted

Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
NOTE: There should be one form for each intended outcome listed.  Intended outcome should be restated in the box immediately below and the intended outcome number entered in the blank spaces.

3.  Students will be satisfied with the curriculum and instruction of the sociology program.

First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
3a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Students will complete a satisfaction of program survey.  We expect students to express an overall satisfaction level of 80%.

3a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
8/11 students took the survey to assess the program.  Area: Skills> 85% satisfaction* (Advanced Skills--75% satisfaction/Use of Tables & Graphs — 50% satisfaction) (Understand Ethics—75% satisfaction)
Area: Critical Thinking/Analytical> 85% satisfaction.
Area: Knowledge & Understanding of Society >85% satisfaction.
Area: Global on Major—100% satisfaction. (*”Very Satisfied” averaged 52% over all).

3a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
We measured “Satisfaction” and “Very Satisfied.”  Students are “Satisfied” with the program (.85%).  Our goal should be “Very Satisfied.”  Other measures need to be developed.  Perhaps the perceptual and test of skills exams need to complement each other to see if students’ perception of self corresponds to ability to demonstrate those skills.

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