PRACnotes04.0413

Present: Nina LeNoir, Mahbubur Syed, Avra Johnson, Michael Miller, Tracy Pellett, Judith Luebke, Steve Gilbert, Warren Sandmann

1) Notes approved

2) The draft of the position description for the proposed full time position of Executive Director of University Assessment was discussed. Questions were raised as to why this was a three-year position and why a nationwide search was not going to be conducted. Sandmann explained that the need for this position became clear only recently, and that the HLC accreditation process will require someone to oversee assessment issues university wide during the time period of the accreditation process. Since this is happening now, a person familiar with our institution would be more quickly effective in working on the HLC accreditation process. A motion was made to support this position. It was approved.

3) Sandmann further discussed the HLC accreditation process and the involvement of this Sub Meet. Accreditation is woven throughout the five criteria HLC uses for evaluation. It is expected that this Sub Meet will be very involved in the process.

4) Pellett discussed early results of the Faculty Assessment Survey. The first results yielded 40 responses back from a pool of 50% of the faculty. Another request will be sent. Results seem positive in terms of faculty understanding and engaging in assessment of learning outcomes. More variable results were seen in terms of whether faculty perceive assessment activities as valued in the promotion and tenure process

5) Sandmann reported on the progress of the Assessment Coordinating Council. Information on the progress of their work can be found at http://www.mnsu.edu/acadaf/html/PRA_AAC.htm.

6) A discussion of the Sub Meet’s response to the proposed Academic Master Plan was discussed. LeNoir volunteered to write a response to Olsen to thank him for his visit to the Sub Meet and encourage the uses of assessment of learning outcomes as criteria in academic planning.

Action by Faculty Committee Only

Judith Luebke was nominated and elected as Faculty Committee Chair and Sub Meet Co-Chair for 2004-2005 (subject to approval by Faculty Executive Committee at 4/29/04 meeting).