STATE MURRAY UNIVERSITY
Assessment Brief #2
April 1, 2007
Fall 2007 Assessment Days Assessment Days are set aside each fall to provide time for departments to review their assessment plans, evaluate assessment data, and discuss ways to strengthen teaching and learning. Additionally, assessment workshops are held to enhance faculty knowledge of best practices in assessment. Fall 2007 Assessment Days are scheduled for August 17 and August 20th. Assessment Days Workshop Dr. Terri L. Flateby, author of Assessment to Foster Effective Writing and Develop Thinking, will conduct a workshop on assessing critical thinking and written communication on August 20th, during our Fall 2007 Assessment Days. QEP Update During 2007-08 MSU will focus on Characteristic of the Murray State Graduate #1 MSU baccalaureate graduates are able to Engage in mature, independent, and creative thought and express that thought effectively in oral and written communication. Mapping the Curriculum- Next Phase of the QEP Very soon academic departments and Student Affairs units will begin work with an online mapping tool that will provide information about where the Characteristics of the MSU Graduate are taught, reinforced, and practiced across the university. The completed map of the Characteristics will become an important tool university used to keep track of where the Characteristic outcomes are taught and assessed in each degree program. Assumptions Guiding Assessment Assessment at MSU is based upon the following assumptions: Assessment is on-going and conducted on a regular basis; Assessment is most effective when it is conducted on the program level; Assessment is the responsibility of the faculty and staff, and is most effective when faculty and staff are involved throughout the process; Assessment is not associated with faculty or staff performance evaluation. For additional assessment assumptions, visit the MSU Assessment Website Interesting Facts About SMART Assessment (2006 Results) 64% of Academic Programs at MSU indicated that they made changes to their programs bas...