Ferrum College has a commitment to student-oriented learning as well as responsibilities under our regional accrediting body, SACSCOC. When assessment is meaningful, rigorous, and frequent, it leads to better prepared students, more reflective teaching, and greater success for the institution. Therefore, the college undergoes regular assessment of academic majors on campus as well as the General Education curriculum.
Academic program review is a partnership among many different individuals on campus. First, faculty members teaching assessed courses are responsible for setting up assessments and collecting data before the end of every semester. Second, program coordinators manage their program’s assessment schedule and methods and write a yearly report on their program’s progress. Third, the Student Learning and Assessment Committee (SLAC), led by the Director of Assessment, reviews these yearly reports and offers recommendations for improvement to program coordinators, who share these results with the faculty members in their programs. Finally, these recommendations are shared with the Dean and School Chairs. Yearly general education results are shared with the faculty body at the beginning of the new assessment cycle. Faculty wishing to know more about how to set up or collect assessment data should consult the resources listed under the “assessment” page in the college’s learning management system or contact the Director of Assessment.
The Assessment Guidebook for Ferrum College details the procedures and timelines for both program and General Education assessment. A link to the guidebook will be provided here soon.
For questions about yearly program assessment or general assessment, contact the Director of Assessment, Dr. Edmond Hally, ehally@ferrum.edu.
