Students will be able to demonstrate competency develop knowledge and skills relevant to Horticulture and Crop Science.
Objective
Development Of Students' Knowledge And Skills
Students will be able to demonstrate competency in key areas of Horticulture and Crop Science including plant science and properties of soil.
Indicator
Advanced Horticulture And Crop Science Assignment Rubric
All students enrolled in the program must complete the advanced horticultural course in their final year of enrollment. Advanced horticultural courses address key concepts and skills relevant to the field of agriculture. Each semester seven randomly selected student assignments from advanced horticultural courses will be reviewed by faculty members with expertise in the field of agriculture. Faculty members will score the assignments using a scale of 1 - 5 with 3 "meets expectations," 4 "exceeds expectations," and 5 "far exceeds expectations."
Criterion
At Least 70% Rated As Meeting Expectations
There will be a general consensus among Horticulture Faculty members that at least 70% of the students enrolled in the advanced horticulture/ crops science/agronomy course will perform at an acceptable level with a score of 3 (meets expectations) or higher.
Finding
Assessment Of Horticulture Concepts And Skills
Faculty evaluated a selected group of student enterprise projects emphasizing management and agronomic production- average score was 4.0. Student projects were very professional in appearance; however, scientific knowledge and support could be improved. Student writing skills were acceptable; however, several were below expectations.
Action
Horticulture Outcomes
Students exhibited scientific knowledge with the ability to apply the information to agronomic practice. Students will be expected to be more effective in scientific documentation. Writing skills need to be addressed for improvement, and faculty will emphasize writing and clarity as important aspects in their curriculum.
Goal
Develop Professional Skills
Students will learn the skills necessary to compete in the professional marketplace.
Objective
Development Of Marketplace Skills
Students completing the BS in Horticulture and Crop Science will demonstrate skills necessary to compete in the professional marketplace.
Indicator
AGR 412 Assignment Rubric
All students seeking a degree in Horticulture and Crop Science will be required to complete AGR 412 during their senior year. The course addresses essential skills necessary to compete in the market place for agriculture employment - resume preparation, interview skills, and employment opportunities. Faculty will review student assignments and access student performance on selected assignments using a faculty-developed rubric.
Criterion
70% Of Students Rated As Meeting Expectations
Faculty evaluations will indicate that at least 70% of the students enrolled in AGR 412 will perform at an acceptable level and score a 3 (meets expectations) or higher on a scale of 1-5.
Finding
Professional Skills
Horticulture students were evaluated on their resumes and cover letters. The students met all expectations with over 70% meeting or exceeding them; the average score from the rubric evaluation was 3.8. Student weaknesses included clarity and organization.
Action
Skill Assessment
Horticulture students will continue to be evaluated on their professional writing skills on cover letters and professional portfolios (resumes). We must emphasize the information and clarity in business letters and resumes to prevent redundancy and wordiness.