Program: Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)
Date: Wed Oct 10, 2012 - 11:01:48 am
1) Below are your program's student outcomes (SOs). Please add or update as needed.
Department’s learning outcomes consist of two major components, academics and leadership training, with fitness training and conditioning as adjunct areas.
The learning outcomes and their assessment are externally controlled. Air Force Holm Center Accessions and Citizen Development dictates specific learning outcomes to ensure that 144 Aerospace Studies Departments at different universities across the country have a common academic and leadership approach.
2) Your program's SOs are published as follows. Please update as needed.
Program's Website. URL: http://www.hawaii.edu/aerospace/curriculum.html 
Student Handbook. URL, if available online: Information Sheet, Flyer, or Brochure. URL, if available online: NA UHM Catalog. Page Number: Other: Other: 3) Provide the program's activity map or other graphic that illustrates how program activities/services align with program student outcomes. Please upload it as a PDF.
- File (10/10/2012)
4) Did your program engage in any program assessment activities between June 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012? (e.g., establishing/revising outcomes, aligning activities to outcomes, collecting evidence, interpreting evidence, using results, revising the assessment plan, creating surveys, etc.)
Yes
No (skip to question 14)5) For the period June 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012: State the assessment question(s) and/or assessment goals. Include the student outcomes that were targeted, if applicable.
Ultimate assessment of success/goal in meeting learning outcomes is the qualification of students to become commissioned Air Force officers.
6) State the type(s) of evidence gathered to answer the assessment question and/or meet the assessment goals that were given in Question #5.
Quantitative: There are multiple leadership positions, practical exercises, field training, academics and fitness requirements a student must complete throughout the program to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved (i.e what we expect of a Lieutenant in the US Air Force). If they do not meet these requirements/desired outcomes they will not become commissioned officers.
Qualitative: The department also uses end-of-term surveys and the UHM CAFÉ surveys to assess student perspectives and Holm Center instructor surveys to determine the effectives of curriculum on meeting learning outcomes.
7) State how many persons submitted evidence that was evaluated. If applicable, please include the sampling technique used.
The average size of the Cadet Wing during the given period was approximately 100 cadets. Quantitative and Qualitative data was collected through feedback and student performance; in the form of academic grades, physical fitness scores, Aerospace Studies class performance and Commander’s ranking.
Department Chair along with three Aerospace Studies Assistant Professors, analyze the data and methodically evaluate each student based on factors/outcomes addressed but not totally encompassed in question 6.
Ultimately, as these Lieutenants begin their Air Force careers we will receive feedback on the ability of these new leaders and the effectiveness of their preparation here at the Detachment.
8) Who interpreted or analyzed the evidence that was collected? Check all that apply.
Program faculty/staff member(s) Faculty/staff committee Ad hoc faculty/staff group Director or department chairperson Persons or organization outside the university Students (graduate or undergraduate) Dean or Associate Dean Advisory Board Other: There is a chain of command from our Detachment up to the Holm center. Some issues require higher headquarter assistance or approval.9) How did he/she/they evaluate, analyze, or interpret the evidence? Check all that apply.
Compiled survey results Used quantitative methods on student data (e.g., grades, participation rates) or other numeric data Used qualitative methods on interview, focus group, or other open-ended response data Scored exams/tests/quizzes Used a rubric or scoring guide Used professional judgment (no rubric or scoring guide used) External organization/person analyzed data (e.g., Social Science Research Institute) Other: Higher headquarters reviews various cadet achievements in evaluating cadets for commissioning, career field placement and other key decisions.10) For the assessment questions/goals stated in Question #5, summarize the actual results.
Results of the learning outcomes, during the specified time period, produced six Air Force Second Lieutenants.
11) What was learned from the results?
That the commission rate (goal) can be increased with focusing more attention on attracting highly qualified candidates (high SAT/ACT scores, physical training scores, and motivation to serve the country).
12) State how the program used the results or plans to use the results. Please be specific.
Assessment data is used in a continuous improvement process. Data is fed back to the Holm Center to improve curriculum, evaluation techniques and data. The review board at the Holm Center convenes annually for adjustments to the nation-wide AFROTC program. These adjustments are based off of a bottom up approach along with feedback from first line supervisors in the Air Force on what we are expecting from Lieutenants as young leaders. The feedback loop is essential in improving both the program at the University of Hawaii and other programs around the nation.
13) Reflect on the assessment process. Is there anything related to assessment procedures your program would do differently next time? What went well?
All facets of the assessment went well and the department will conduct the assessment in the same matter next year unless a new processes or initiatives are downward directed from higher headquarters.