The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of the results in each of the following areas: educational programs, to include student learning outcomes.
The committee found that as part of the core mission, the University needs to show evidence of a commitment to continuous improvement of educational programs based on evidence from a systematic assessment of student learning. The University must show that it has a history of academic assessment processes and how they continue to evolve and are strengthened as the central practice for informing change in all campus academic programs.
Additionally, the University must show how each educational program identifies expected student learning outcomes, assesses whether the students achieve those outcomes, and use the results of these assessments to improve the program.
This process is on-going. In preparation for the recent SACSCOC visit, an audit was completed of all faculty records. It was concluded that while many of the files consisted of the appropriate documents, there are several files that are incomplete. Most contained Curriculum Vitaes (CV); however, several of the CVs had not been updated. Several faculty files contained unofficial copies of transcripts rather than official transcripts. Official transcripts have been requested for those faculty members, and requests will continue as needed as files are being updated. Moving forward, the process that requires an official transcript and current CVs for all faculty hires will be enforced. As of October 1, 2015, Kentucky State University is not accepting any candidate for hire without the appropriate documentation.
The following initiatives have been organized and introduced to support retention and graduation efforts.
Freshman seminar is a high-impact retention practice that addresses social and psychological barriers that impede first year success (Bean and Eaton, 2002; Moon et al, 2013). Effective freshman seminar courses focus on learning strategies, individual growth and development, university engagement, and social awareness. Students who
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