Computer Science Department Program Improvement Plan

1
Computer Science Department Program Improvement
Plan

• December 3, 2004

2
ABET (CAC) Standards

• The program must have documented, measurable
  objectives.
• The programs objectives must include expected
  outcomes for graduating students.
• Data relative to the objectives must be routinely
  collected and documented, and used in program
  assessments.
• The extent to which each program objective is
  being met must be periodically assessed.

3
ABET (CAC) Standards (contd)

• The results of the programs periodic assessments
  must be used to help identify opportunities for
  program improvement.
• The results of the programs assessments and the
  actions taken based on the results must be
  documented.

4
CS Program Improvement Plan - Main Components

• Gathering input from constituents on a regular
  basis
• Establishing meaningful student learning outcomes
  for each course in the program
• Implementing an ongoing cyclical process for
  systematically directly assessing student
  learning with respect to our established Program
  Objectives and Expected Student Outcomes

5
Gathering Input from Constituents

• Mechanisms
• Senior Exit Surveys given each semester
• Meetings every semester with the Industrial
  Advisory Board
• Alumni Surveys conducted every three years
• Employer Surveys conducted every three years

6
Gathering Input from Constituents (contd)

• Input Solicited
• Opinions regarding the program objectives and
  expected outcomes
• Feedback regarding the quality of the program
• Subjective assessments of student learning

7
Establishing Learning Outcomes for each Course

• A plan is in place to review existing learning
  outcomes and/or create them for all courses in
  the computer science program.
• By the end of this semester this will be
  completed for all required computer science
  courses.
• The remaining courses will be addressed over the
  next two years.

8
Process for Direct Assessment of Program
Objectives and Outcomes

• At the beginning of the (calendar) year an
  assessment plan is put in place.
• The plan is carried out during the year.
• At the beginning of the next year the results are
  evaluated, program improvements are made if
  indicated, and a new plan is created.

9
Computer ScienceProgram Objectives

• Create an understanding of the principles of
  computer science and problem solving.
• Build an awareness of computing practices in
  industry and emerging technologies, emphasizing a
  working knowledge of current software design and
  development techniques.

10
Computer ScienceProgram Objectives (contd)

• Provide a broad education that enables graduates
  to understand the impact of computing
  technologies in a societal context.
• Provide a computer science education that enables
  our graduates to pursue rewarding professional
  careers, graduate studies, and lifelong learning.

11
Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for
Objective 1

• Students will
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of
  algorithms, data structures, software design,
  concepts of programming languages, and computer
  organization and architecture, and an awareness
  of the evolution and dynamic nature of the
  foundational core of computer science.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze and solve
  computing problems.

12
Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for
Objective 1 (contd)

1. Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of programming
   languages and a proficiency in at least one
   higher-level language.
2. Demonstrate understanding of discrete
   mathematics, differential and integral calculus,
   and probability and statistics.
3. Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and
   interpret data

13
Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for
Objective 2

• Students will
• Demonstrate an awareness of emerging technologies
  and the ability to evaluate and utilize currently
  available software development tools.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and
  practices for software design and development.

14
Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for
Objective 2 (contd)

1. Demonstrate the ability to successfully apply the
   principles and practices for software design and
   development to real problems.
2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate
   effectively, both orally and in written form, and
   work in a team environment.

15
Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for
Objective 3

• Students will
• Demonstrate familiarity with basic concepts,
  emerging technologies, and contemporary issues
  relating to the societal impacts of computing.
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional and
  ethical considerations related to computing.

16
Expected Outcomes for Graduating Students for
Objective 4

• Students will
• Be competitive in the computing job market or be
  admitted to a good graduate program in computing.
• Demonstrate an ability to acquire new knowledge
  in the computing discipline and to engage in
  life-long learning.

17
Process for Collecting Assessing Data Regarding
Program Objectives

• The following activities take place each calendar
  year
• At the first Department meeting of the spring
  semester, Course Group Coordinators are elected
  (selected) for each of our Course Groups. This
  set of Course Group Coordinators constitutes the
  Assessment Committee for the year.

18
Process for Collecting Assessing Data (contd)

1. Prior to the second Department meeting of the
   spring semester, the Assessment Committee selects
   one or more program objectives and a specific set
   of expected student outcomes to be assessed
   during the current year.
2. At the second Department meeting of the spring
   semester, the Assessment Committee presents its
   recommendations for assessment for to the
   department for approval.

19
Process for Collecting Assessing Data Regarding
(contd)

1. Prior to the third Department meeting of the
   spring semester each Course Group prepares an
   assessment plan for the (calendar) year based on
   the objectives and outcomes selected for
   assessment.
2. At the third Department meeting, each Course
   Group presents their assessment plan for
   Department approval.

20
Process for Collecting Assessing Data Regarding
(contd)

1. The Course Group ensures that the planned and
   approved assessment activities are accomplished
   and prepares a final report, prior to the last
   Department meeting of the year, summarizing and
   evaluating the results of these activities.
2. Prior to the first Department meeting of the
   spring semester the reports of all Course Groups
   are analyzed by the Assessment Committee and
   recommendations for program improvements are
   made.

21
Process for Collecting Assessing Data (contd)

1. During the first meeting of the spring semester,
   the program improvement recommendations from the
   Assessment Committee are discussed, and the
   Department decides what actions are appropriate
   based on the recommendations. The process then
   loops back to step 1.

22
Process for Collecting Assessing Data (contd)

• Additional activities conducted include
• Each semester an Exit Survey is given to students
  near graduation (Comp 450 students) asking their
  opinions about the program.
• Each semester one or more meetings of the
  Industrial Advisory Board are held.
• Every three years an Employer Survey is
  conducted.
• Every three years an Alumni Survey is conducted

23
Computer Science Department Assessment Plan
24
Computer Science Department Assessment Plan
(contd)
25
Computer Science Department Assessment Plan
(contd)
26
Computer Science Department Assessment Plan
(contd)