Graduates from Biology??????s undergraduate BA program should be scientifically literate, academically competent, and intellectually competitive. Determine need for BA degree as separate from BS option, and how BA program serves students and the Department, and fits within the University context.
Objective
Academic Performance
Compare and contrast academic performance of BA compared to BS students.
Indicator
Exit Exam
All graduating seniors pursuing a BA in Biology will take the ETS MFAT Biology exit exam. Compare and contrast scores from exit exam of BA vs BS students.
Criterion
Exam Analysis
Two years of MFAT results will be collect and analyzed.
Finding
Exam Analysis Findings
Only one year of data available.
Action
Academic Performance Actions
In progress
Objective
Alumni Feedback
Qualitative assessments of how well our undergraduate BA program has prepared our graduates for their professions will be solicited through questionnaires distributed in our annual departmental newsletter.
Indicator
Questionnaire
This questionnaire will be included, for the first time, in the fall 2007 Department of Biological Sciences newsletter.
Criterion
Response Criterion
Any deficiencies in our undergraduate BA curriculum noted by at least three or more respondents in a given year will be evaluated by the Department??????s Curriculum Committee.
Finding
Questionnaire Findings
Data not collected yet.
Action
Action on feedback
Collect and analyze data.
Objective
BA Purpose
Given that this University does not have criteria for what constitutes a BA vs a BS degree, nor is there a clear national concensus; reassess the utility and purpose of a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Biological Sciences.
Indicator
Faculty Input
After obtaining information from Institutional Research and others concerning the BA, have Biology faculty determine purpose of degree.
Criterion
BA Criterion
Achieve concensus among current faculty, and input from Dean and Provost on that concensus.
Finding
Faculty Concensus
Discussions pending.
Action
Faculty Discussions
Pending.
Objective
Student Selection
Determine why students select the BA option in Biology, and their related post-graduation plans.
Indicator
Student Survey
Develop survey instrument and obtain input from BA students.
Criterion
BA Survey
Obtain results from at least 20% of current BA students.