Park University: University Assessment Committee

Park.edu Home > University Assessment > Assessment 2001

MPA Assessment Plan 2001 Master of Public Affaris Online Assessment Plan

Introduction

This assessment plan for the Master of Public Affairs on-line program is based on measurement of the student learning outcomes dictated by the program GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. It is designed to assess student competence in specific areas.

The plan is three tiered. First, each course is assessed using measures designed to determine the mastery of individual course material. Second, designated materials from each course are collected in a Portfolio, either electronic or paper, which will be reviewed by a panel prior to graduation to determine growth in the program and evidence of competence in program content. Finally, each graduate must successfully pass a comprehensive departmental exam.

The Park University Assessment Committee, the Director of Hauptmann School of Public Affairs, the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment approved the original template for this plan.

Description of the Plan

The overall intent of the program is to guide the student through a course of study, which is related to the program goals and objectives, while developing leadership skills based upon experience, knowledge and research. The focus of this program is always on the student and his/her individual growth as a professional.

The graduate is expected to follow a rigorous course of study, exemplify quality academic work and develop a Portfolio worthy of a professional. Park University is interested in the pragmatic business of running a school, business or agency but equally interested in producing students who have superior academic preparation and who will continue in graduate work as well as research.

Multiple measures are incorporated in each course to ensure that the assessment of program graduates correctly measures their competence in the various standards. These include case study analysis reports, research projects, reports, field experiences (where practical), and comprehensive examinations.

All students in the program will be required to produce a Portfolio from course materials that exhibits competence in the program goals and objectives. The Portfolio contents must exhibit not only specific knowledge, but must also reflect student growth in higher order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. A team of faculty will review each Portfolio, including the Program Director. A satisfactory rating by all team members is required for a student to be cleared for certification. If the Portfolio is incomplete or lacking in content mastery, a student will be required to present missing materials and/or modified original submissions for team review before a recommendation for graduation is granted by the Program Director.

In some instances, there will be outside evaluation for students in a practicum or internship experience under the supervision of a practicing administrator.

All graduate programs in the Hauptmann School of Public Affairs are evaluated qualitatively. Each student evaluates each course every term. The results are returned to the instructor and to the Director, to become part of the formative information for course revision. Teaching is a high priority in Park University’s programs. Instructors are expected to model best practices. In addition, each alumnus is surveyed the first two years after graduation to determine if the program met his/her expectations and employment needs.

All candidates must pass the departmental comprehensive exam. This is the ultimate assessment of the student’s mastery of the required material and concepts.

Characteristics of the Assessment Plan

The components of this Assessment Plan fit the “Characteristics of a Program to Assess Student Academic Achievement” set forth by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (1991).

Flows from the institution’s mission.
In particular, this program specifically relates to the commitment to serve the various Park University constituencies with an emphasis on professionalism in its degree programs.
Has a conceptual framework.
The framework of this Plan is focused on the standards and competencies specified by the program. The GOALS and OBJECTIVES are the implementation of the framework.
Has faculty ownership/responsibility.
This Assessment Plan has been developed through collaboration among the departmental faculty the Director of the Hauptmann School of Public Affairs, and the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment
Has institution-wide support.
This Assessment Plan is consistent with the NCA approved Institutional Assessment Plan andundergraduate and graduate assessment plans that have been reviewed by the Assessment Committee. Faculty and administration input will be an ongoing part of the assessment process.
Uses multiple measures.
Seven measures, both quantitative and qualitative, will be used to assess the overall program.
Provides feedback to students, faculty, and the larger institution.
Feedback is a natural part of each course’s content. Feedback for students is provided by grades, annotations and verbal comments. The faculty will be provided feedback through regular studentevaluations, the Portfolio evaluation, the Comprehensive Examination and graduate surveys. The institution will receive information from student evaluations and graduate surveys.
Is cost effective.
Course-embedded activities and instruments represent the heart of the plan. Minimal cost will be incurred to distribute student evaluations and graduate surveys.
Does not restrict or inhibit goals of access, equity, and diversity established by the institution.
The Mission Statement and the GOALS of the program clearly state the desire to be inclusive and available to working practitioners.
Leads to improvement.
The purpose of this Assessment Plan is to systematically identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement. The assessment tools will be evaluated at least annually and the formative evaluation will be used to improve the program.
Includes a process for evaluating the assessment program.
Assessment tools will be evaluated to determine if they are providing the information needed. Student and faculty feedback will help determine the effectiveness of the evaluation plan, as well as the effectiveness of the program. Changes will be made as evaluation indicates. The review of instruments will be occur at least annually to allow necessary refinement of the program.

Program Goals and Objectives

Graduates of the program will demonstrate competence in the knowledge and skills necessary for successful career development, personal growth, and service to society.
Graduates of the program will demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence of theory and practice by involving both academicians and practitioners in the program.
Graduates of the program will demonstrate an awareness of the complex nature and ambiguity of most contemporary public problems and the pluralism underlying their solution.
Graduates of the program will demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship of the social, political, and economic areas of public affairs to encourage the development of broader perspectives in defining and addressing managerial problems.
Graduates of the program will demonstrate an understanding that participation in public affairs is a citizen’s responsibility.
Graduates of the program will demonstrate an understanding of the ethical obligations of public servants in performing their duties.
Graduates of the program will demonstrate the qualifications needed to continue graduate education and integrate knowledge of their profession.

Assessment Instruments

Performance in Courses.
Students will be assessed on their achievement in case study analysis reports, research projects, oral reports, field experiences, and comprehensive examinations. The criteria for grading are based on the GOALS and OBJECTIVES of the program.
Portfolio.
All students in the programs will be required to produce a portfolio from course materials that exhibits competence in the program GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. The Portfolio contents must exhibit not only specific knowledge, but must also reflect student growth in higher order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Unanimous approval of a panel of three faculty members is required to satisfy this graduation requirement.
Outside Evaluators.
Some students in the MPA program are required to have a internship or practicum experience under the supervision of an administrator. The supervising administrator will complete an evaluation of student performance.
Applied Project.
Students who do not complete an internship or practicum will be required to complete an extensive research project focusing on application.
Comprehensive Examination.
During enrollment in PA 602, or as soon afterwards as possible, each student will have to pass a written and oral comprehensive examination. Each student must pass both examinations with at least a “B” grade.
Student Course Evaluations.
Each student evaluates each course every term. The anonymous results are returned to the instructor and to the Director, to become part of the formative information for course revision.
Alumni Survey.
In the first two years after graduation, each alumnus will be surveyed to determine if the program met his/her expectations and employment needs.

^ Back to the Top