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 weakness in scientific knowledge and writing skills was identified.
Finding
Knowledge Of Horticulture
Students were more prepared during their oral presentations of scientific informaiton. Presentations were very professional and students were professionally dressed. A weakness noticed by evaluators was oral communication. The students lacked confidence and were very nervous. Score was 3.8 on the project assessments.
Action
Student Assessments
Students have improved thier accuracy in scientific knowledge, professionalism has remained strong; however, students lacked confidence in their oral presentation. Faculty will incorporate more group presentations across the 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
AGRI 4120 Assignment Rubric
All students seeking a degree in Horticulture and Crop Science 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 students enrolled in AGRI 4120 will perform at an acceptable level and score a 3.5 (meets expectations) or higher on a scale of 1-5, especially in clarity and organization which were areas assessed as weakness the previous year.
Finding
Scientific Knowledge
Expectations were increased from a 3.0 to 3.5. The students professionalism was commended and the students demonstrated excellence. Job placement and interview skills have improved with this group of students. However, emphasis will continue to be placed on oral communication with emphasis on writing skills and grammar.
Action
Horticulture Knowledge And Presentation Skills
Faculty will continue to emphasis previous objectives and maintain a focus on scientific knowledge, professionalism, oral and written communication. These objectives will be across the Horticullture curriculum.