Assessment Plan 2007-2008

Mission Statement:

The Department of Student Judicial Affairs (DSJA) works with the University community to educate students about their rights and responsibilities as stated in the Western Carolina University Community Creed, the Student Handbook and the Code of Student Conduct. SJA works to help students and organizations that violate University living and learning expectations become more responsible members of the WCU community. Through outreach and education to the University community, SJA strives to make Western Carolina University a positive living and learning environment.

Program Outcomes

The Department of Student Judicial Affairs promotes student learning and development by encouraging:

Realistic self-appraisal
Development and clarification of values and ethical standards
Positive interpersonal relations
Social and personal responsibility
Active learning
Supportive and inclusive communities

In addition, the Department of Student Judicial Affairs will:

Develop, disseminate, interpret and enforce campus regulations.
Protect the rights of students (as stated in the Student Bill of Rights and the Code of Student Conduct).
Work with students in a fair and reasonable manner.
Facilitate and encourage respect for the University community.
Provide learning experiences for students found responsible for violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
Develop, implement and encourage educational programs and activities that serve to prevent violations through active learning.
Maintain student records in DSJA as required by FERPA.
Respond to all matters and issues in a manner that upholds the ethical standards of the profession and all appropriate Federal and State laws.

Assessment

Evaluate presentation effectiveness – Fall 2007.
Academic Integrity Day – Fall 2007.
Review and revise the DSJA mission statement as necessary – Spring 2008.
Academic Honesty Policy – Spring 2008.

Assessment Methods

Presentation Effectiveness:

Create and employ a Post Presentation Evaluation form (group leader).
Create and employ a Presentation Feedback Form (audience).

Academic Integrity Day:

Measure attendance and participation from WCU community.
Use evaluation forms to measure effectiveness of the day. Forms will ask specific questions about learning outcomes.

Mission Statement:

Review by DSJA staff and compare with other UNC System Judicial Affairs mission statements.
Focus group discussions to include faculty, the Student Hearing Board, Residential Living staff, and DSJA.

Academic Honesty Policy:

Complete comparison of WCU Academic Honesty policy with UNC system schools and other peer institutions.
Work collaboratively with Academic Policy Review Committee (APRC) of the Faculty Senate to address revisions as needed, based on this comparison.
Seek Faculty Senate approval for implementation in the fall of 2008.

Assessments Tools

Presentation Effectiveness: Surveys
Academic Integrity Day: Surveys
Mission Statement: Focus group discussions and research
Academic Honesty Policy: Discussion with APRC, research, focus group discussion

Chronological Representation of Assessment Activities

July 2007:

* Create assessment tools (i.e. evaluation forms) for presentations and Academic Integrity Day (first 3 wks.).

* Submit evaluation forms to Dr. Bryant for review, feedback, and revision (last week).

August 2007:

* Pilot presentation evaluation forms with RA/RD trainings and improve as necessary; hold focus group discussion about the DSJA mission statement.

September 2007:

* Use presentation forms with selected presentations such as USI, student athletes, and new faculty orientation.

* Mission statement focus group discussion with Student Hearing Board

October 2007:

* Hold focus group with faculty to discuss Academic Honesty policy and DSJA mission statement (coordinated by DSJA Faculty Fellow or AD DSJA).

November 2007:

* Hold and assess Academic Integrity Day.

December 2007:

* Complete Fall 2007 Assessment Summary for presentation effectiveness and Academic Integrity Day.

* Compile and analyze data received from presentation evaluation forms.

January 2008:

* Begin mission statement review.

* Compare WCU Academic Honesty policy with other UNC system schools and peer institutions.

February 2008:

* Hold focus group discussion about DSJA mission statement.

* Complete, review, make changes as necessary to the mission statement and communicate changes to WCU community for implementation August 1, 2008

March 2008:

* Follow up discussion with APRC and present to Faculty Senate based on their recommendation.

April 2008:

* Complete Spring 2008 Assessment Summary for mission statement and the Academic Honesty policy.

May 2008:

* Begin assessment process for 2008-2009.

Use of Assessment Data:

In areas where DSJA fails to achieve a positive response, modifications of program administration and services will be explored and developed. Focus groups, surveys and other tools will be utilized to gain feedback and suggestions for modification. DSJA will work to implement modifications in order to better serve students and thus achieve a higher positive response rate. In areas that show a high rate of satisfaction, learning improvements and modifications will also be considered based on focus groups and meetings with campus constituencies (and other tools) in an effort to continually improve the services offered to the University community.

Assessment Summary | Assessment Survey