PROGRAM REVIEW SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATIONALES Current Employees as of November 1, 2017
After conducting the intensive review of programs identified as having low productivity, and after considering factors to inform decisions about program continuation, the following recommendations emerged from Commissions members:
AFRICANA STUDIES
► Offers an interdisciplinary and multicultural approach to understanding and analyzing the contributions, concerns and conditions of African and African-diasporic peoples
► Reinforces the liberal studies mission of the University while promoting the contributions of African and African-diasporic peoples and civilizations
Increases respect for humanities while accepting responsibility as stewards of their own legacy
Students learn to identify historic and contrary trends that characterize disadvantaged communities, create disparity and create policy
The program was to have been jumpstarted by cross listed ASP course with honors special topic courses; but three years ago, the associate provost determined that no ASP courses should be offered because of budgetary concerns. Thus, there are no majors, no graduates and no data.
RECOMMENDATION: CONSOLIDATE
Make the Africana Studies program a specialization within another program (Behavioral Sciences or the Honors Program)
RATIONALE:
The program is relatively new and has not produced a graduate
If 3-5-year enrollment and graduation data for the Africana Studies specialization do not meet the requirements for viability, then eliminate the program.
CHEMISTRY
▶ High graduation rate ▶ Low number of faculty
Students graduate in four years, do research, make presentations ▶ Same major requirements for many years
▶ Grants earned by the faculty ▶ Curriculum needs updating
Lab fees pay for lab costs Little change in number of majors (effective use of funds) or graduates over time
Experiential learning/hands-on labs
▶ Instructor support
Supports other majors at KSU
► Math and sciences should conduct a thorough evaluation of the chemistry program using ACS accreditation standards to identify strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation is critical to inform decisions and direct actions. RECOMMENDATION: CONTINUE WITH MODIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION: CONTINUE WITH MODIFICATION
RATIONALE:
▶ Conduct an objective evaluation of the chemistry program using ACS standards
► Provide ongoing semester reviews of established goals to discern what is working and what needs to be changed. The evaluation results can be effectively used to inform and support the construction of the partnership of the chemistry department with land grant.
***Chemistry faculty are beginning to develop a plan for new courses, and perhaps a B.A.A. new chemistry option and certificates will be considered.
The program was reviewed several years ago and implementation of recommendation from that review may not have had time to bear fruit.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND TEACHING
Students have the opportunity to earn observation hours Alternative ways for students to obtain observation hours
Up-to-date classrooms that resemble the public education classroom based on standards, student learning outcomes, evidence based research.
Problem/project based research and technology for instruction Alternative ways for students to obtain observation hours
Marketing plan to increase student enrollment and improve alumni relations
Pass rates on state-required tests & Praxis exams
Additional full-time faculty
► Underutilization of resources
RECOMMENDATION: CONTINUE WITH MODIFICATION
RATIONALE:
▶ The program demand for elementary teachers continues to be strong
Historically, recognized for the quality of teachers in elementary education
▶ Underutilization of resources is an “easy fix.”
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