OATdb Archive

2012 - 2013

Agriculture BS (Agricultural Business)

Goal
Knowledge Of Key Concepts And Skills
Students will develop knowledge and skills relevant to agriculture business.


Objective
Development Of Students' Knowledge And Skills
Students will be able to demonstrate competency in key areas of agricultural business including economics, management, marketing, and finance.


Indicator
AGRI 4386 Assignment Rubric
All students enrolled in the program must complete AGRI 4386 in their senior year. AGRI 4386 addresses key concepts and skills relevant to the field of Agri-Business. Each semester seven randomly selected student assignments from AGRI 4386 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
It will be a general agreement from AgriBusiness Evaluators that at least 70% of the students enrolled AGRI 4386 will perform at a level of 3 (meets expectations" or higher on the assessed assignments, especially in the area of grammar, a specific weakness that was identified in 2011/2012.


Finding
Ag Business Skill
Faculty randomly reviewed selected student assignments in AGRI 4386 with an average total score of 4.  Over 70% of the students met the expectations of the assessed activity.  Yet, students under achieved in areas of grammar and writing skill, while, oral communication and professional dress of the evaluated students exceeded expectations.


Action
Review
Students have no problems with oral presentations. Grammatical errors and writing skills continue to be low achieving areas on the rubric and a concern for faculty.  Writing skills and the use of the writing center will continue to be resource utilized in class.  Student will be provided sample portfolios to demonstrate expectatons from faculty.

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 Agricultural Business will demonstrate skills necessary to compete in the professional marketplace.

Indicator
AGRI 4120 Assignment Rubric
All students seeking a degree in AgriBusiness will be required to complete AGRI 4120 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 Agri-Business 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
Professonal Writing Skills
Students continue to make grammatical errors; however, the overall score for selected students exceeded minimal standards with an average score of 4.2.   Grammar, organization, word selection continues to be areas of concern and improvement.


Action
Professionalism
Though the overall score was slightly lower from the previous year, the students have met faculty expectations.  Faculty will continue to emphasize writing skills in professional context and continue assessing student progress.



Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement For Academic Year 2013-2014 AGRI 4386 will no longer be assessed and AGRI 4375. AGRI 4375 will assess skills and also serves as the capstone class for all Ag Business students.  Curriculum in AgBusiness is continually be reviewed; however, 2 faculty resigned this academic year and has challenged curriculum review.

Plan for continuous improvement Faculty will emphasize professional writing skills in lower level courses to enhance their writing skills.  Organization, grammar and wordiness will be emphasized across the discipline.  Curriculum in AgBusiness is continually be reviewed.