Departmental Assessment Update - Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Report

Department: Tropical Plant and Soil Science
Program: BS
Level: Undergraduate

1. Has your program developed learning outcomes? If yes, please list.

Objective: Communications A.1.b "Given the opportunity to produce written materials for professional and nontechnical audiences, the student will be able to write in a logical manner, use correct grammar, and utilize available information resources appropriate to those audiences." A.1.c "Given the opportunity to be interviewed, the student will be able to list to and respond to questions and situations posed in order to communicate effectively his/her knowledge and experience." Objective: Analysis A.2 "Apply analytical, problem-solving, business management, and technological skills to everyday and discipline-related challenges." Objective: Leadership A.3 "Develop positive and ethical personal characteristics (e.g., honesty, integrity, and a moral character) and appropriate interpersonal and leadership skills. Objective: Global A.4 "Gain a broad understanding of real world experiences and global issues through the exploration of and involvement in career-related opportunities." Objective: Theory - Production option B.1.a "Understand the basis for crop responses to environmental conditions and biological pressures." Objective: Theory (Soils option) B.1.b "Know the edaphic, chemical, and soil biology factors that influence plant growth and contribute to the health of the environment." Objective - Theory (Plant Science option) B.1.c - " Understand plant growth and developmental processes, genetics, and plant improvement systems." Objective: - Application B.2.a "Develop the capacity to analyze, evaluate, and apply the knowledge acquired to the service of society's needs with respect to plant production systems, food safety, and evironmental management." Objective: Knowledge (Production & Soil Science options) B.3.a "Be acquainted with the diverse career options and requirements for employment in the plant and soil sciences.' Objective: Knowledge (Soil Science option) B.3.b "Be able to analyze and apply knowledge of soil classification, chemistry, biology, and physical propoerties to appropriate soil management techniques that contribute to the health and well-being of crop plants and the environment." Objective: Knowledge (Soil Science option) B.3.b "Be able to analyze and apply knowledge of soil classification, chemistry, biology, and physical propoerties to appropriate soil management techniques that contribute to the health and well-being of crop plants and the environment."

2. If your program has learning outcomes, where are they published (e.g., department web page)?

Departmental Web-Page

3. Do your faculty list course learning outcomes on their syllabi?

All course descriptiopn on the departmental web pages give course goals.

4. Does your program have a curriculum map that links course outcomes to program outcomes? If so, please include.

No

5. Does your program benchmark or have goals for student performance? (e.g. 70% students will graduate within 5 years)

Yes, students are required to have competencies in the following areas: Communications, Analysis, Leadership, Global understanding, Theory and Application.

6. Other than GPA, what data/evidence is used to determine that graduates have achieved stated outcomes for the degree? (i.e. capstone project, class assignment)

The program requires all students to finish a capstone course that is tied to the required intership program.

7. Who interprets the evidence of student learning?

The individual faulty member, the Assessment Coordinator and the Undergraduate Advisor

8. How are the assessment data/results used to inform decisions concerning the curriculum and administration of the program?

The Assessment Results are part of the ongoing undergraduate program review. The undergraduate program review is the responsibility of the Departmental Undergraduate Committee who meet at least twice each semester.