Department Mission Statement and

Program Learning Outcomes

Accreditation Visit &On-Site Evaluation, Spring 2013

• Preparation– Departmental Mission and Outcome review

Fall 2011– Departmental Assessment Plan review

Winter 2012– University Self-Study Report due:

Winter 2013

What is a Mission Statement?• A short, formal, written statement of the

purpose of an organization• It should – guide the actions of the organization– spell out the overall goal– provide a sense of direction– guide decision-making

• Reason for the organization’s existence

Department Mission Statement

• Consistency with the WWU mission statement

• Consistency with the college mission statement

In support of the mission of Western Washington University and the College of XXX, the YYY Department …

WWU Mission StatementWestern Washington University serves the people of the State of Washington, the nation and the world by bringing

together individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in an

inclusive, student-centered university that develops the potential of learners

and the well-being of communities.

Mission Statement Review• What are the general values and

broad principles that will guide the program?– Quality, rigor, effectiveness– Needs of constituency– Sustainability

Mission Statement Review• What are the general characteristics

and abilities of the ideal graduate?– Knowledgeable– Skilled– Articulate– Innovative– Principled

Mission Statement Review• Whom will the program serve?–Who is the constituency?• Local, state and national needs• Society• Support of other programs at WWU

Mission Statement Review• In what specific ways is the program

consistent with the University’s mission and strategic plan?– Builds on WWU strengths to address needs– Expand student access– Foster life-long learning– Apply expertise to communities beyond

campus– Serve as a model for effectiveness, innovation,

diversity, sustainability

Program Learning Outcomes• For each program• Student learning outcomes (SLO)• Expressions of the knowledge and skills that

students should attain by the time of graduation from the program

• Program assessment = evaluation of student achievement with respect to SLOs

• Each SLO must be measureable

Student Learning Outcomes• Generic outcomes that should apply to every

program• Consistent with GUR competencies 1, 9, 10

1. Students can work effectively in teams2. Students can effectively communicate their

ideas in both written and oral form3. Students understand the moral, social and

ethical issues of their work

Student Learning Outcomes• Generic outcomes that may apply to some,

but not all disciplines4. Students understand and follow safe working

practices• May be relevant to laboratory based programs

5. Students are able to design and implement experiments, analyze results and draw relevant conclusions

Student Learning Outcomes• Discipline-specific outcomes

6. Understanding of core concepts of the discipline• Identify a small number (2 or 3)

7. Ability to apply discipline-specific skills and practices• Identify a small number (1 or 2)

Outcome Measurement• Is each outcome measurable?• How do we measure student

achievement of outcomes?– Indirect measures: ask opinion of

someone else• Students, internship supervisors, peers• Typically done via surveys• Helpful, but not sufficient

Outcome Measurement• Direct measurement of student

achievement.– We already do this!– Lots of it!– Let’s use it for program assessment– Key performance indicators

• Specific questions on exams• Quizzes on specific topics• Homework and assignments• Oral and written presentation (using rubrics)