Master's Program Assessment Measures

During the year the various components that contribute to the assessment of the program quality are monitored and data is collected on each measure. At the end of the assessment year, actual performance relative to each measure is determined and compared to the planned target. A comprehensive analysis is conducted and a formal annual report is developed.

The university requires that the student course evaluations be conducted using a standard format at the end of every semester. The evaluations are completed by the students and results are made available to the respective faculty. In addition, the department Chair has access to them and is utilized in annual faculty evaluations.

During each semester before graduation, all master's degree students meet with the department Chair or graduate program coordinator to participate in an exit survey/interview utilizing a standard department survey format. The results of these surveys/interviews are summarized and used by the department Chair in the assessment of the faculty, staff, curriculum, facilities, and services utilized by the department.

Three years following graduation all master's degree students are sent a standard department survey format and asked to complete and return it. The results of these surveys are summarized and used by the department Chair in the assessment of the faculty, staff, curriculum, facilities, and services utilized by the department.

Three years following graduation all master’s degree students are also sent a standard department format and asked to give to their employer to complete and return to the department. The results of these surveys are summarized and used by the department Chair in the assessment of the curriculum utilized by the department.

Each year, using the faculty performance agreement (FPA), the faculty set goals relating to teaching, research, and service during an annual evaluation meeting with the department Chair. At the end of the academic year, the faculty summarizes the performance against the goals using an annual review document (ARD). In responding to the specific goals, if not met, the respective faculty must include a plan on how to make needed improvements. During the spring semester (in February), the department Chair meets with each faculty member to review their performance against the goals they set. The annual faculty evaluations include reviews and discussions of the results of student course evaluations, student exit interviews, and alumni survey results. Following the evaluation meetings, the department Chair is required to develop an evaluation report for each faculty and rate their overall performance on a university scale. This report must be provided to the respective faculty and they have 10 business days to make a formal response. The faculty members then must review his comments and if agreed to sign and if not in the agreement can submit a rebuttal which is placed in their college personnel file. The Chair's reports along with a formal response received are sent to the Dean of Architecture and Construction Management for review.