Assessment Plan

Assessment Plan

Assessment of undergraduate programs in Watershed Sciences consists of four measures of student success. Students are surveyed at the end of their senior year to determine how well they felt the degree programs met their needs. Results of these extensive exit questionnaires given in June are reported to the faculty and discussed during the fall retreat. The department head also conducts individual interviews with graduating seniors to assess the quality and value of the degree programs. Nine months after graduation, a placement survey is delivered to graduates to assess the employment results of the most recent class. In addition to student responses, a system of peer teaching evaluation provides the faculty with insights into the strengths and weaknesses of specific courses and the integration of the courses into degree programs. Results of each of these evaluations are used to modify the curriculum, make teaching assignments, and proportion resources to the various courses taught by faculty in the department.

Expected Standards of Performance

Specific learning objectives are associated with our degree programs. These programs highlight quantitative analysis of environmental data. Students become facile in computer applications, learn the basics of inferential statistics, gain exposure to remote sensing and geographic information system technology, and gain the writing skills necessary to convey their analytical abilities. Field methodology and data collection is emphasized. Graduates of these programs are able to use these tools to analyze and solve environmental problems. Our undergraduate degree programs ensure that students learn and understand the relevant issues in environmental science as applied to the conservation of aquatic resources and the management of aquatic biota.

Student Assessment

Both degree programs have required capstone experiences that force students to become involved in the analysis of an environmental problem. Students collect, analyze and synthesize data and propose solutions to a given set of problems. Writing skills are emphasized. How the students fare in this capstone experience depends on the degree to which previous courses prepared them for these types of real life issues.