ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

Minutes of September 12, 2003

Board Room - 1:00 p.m.

Ursula Gaertner called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. Janet Red Feather gave the opening prayer.

In attendance were Janet Red Feather, Georgia Rooks, Joan Nelson, Ann Rutherford, Jim Dudek, Ursula Gaertner, Susie White Thunder, Sheris Red Feather, and Shawna Pourier. Not present were Verine White, Trudy Ecoffey (excuse tendered), Stephanie Charging Eagle, and Denise Brown Eyes.

Dr. Gaertner advised of her concern for continuity in OLC’s focus on assessment and emphasized her availability as a resource/advisor. She noted that NCA was bothered by the lack of pervasiveness of assessment. Dr. Gaertner feels we have the personnel and resources to focus upon assessment, but that having a data person available would facilitate access to the growing body of statistics we are gathering.

Ursula recommended a number of resources for the group to consult, including a website for the Higher Learning Commission and a handbook containing assessment criteria. She distributed a scholarly treatise by Cecilia L. Lopez, former Associate Director of NCA and OLC’s liaison to the Higher Learning Commission through March, 2003. The article outlines assessment measures and offers additional reference sources.

The committee’s next meeting is on October 17, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room. Ursula has reserved the room for three hours.

New committee officers were elected by unanimous vote:

Chair - Jim Dudek

Vice Chair - Joan Nelson

Recorder - Janet Red Feather.

Chairperson Jim asked that the committee examine the charge of September 12, 2003 from the VP for Instruction, the Assessment Director, and the Coordinator for Support Services. Each item shall be steered by committee members as follows:

1. Develop a Plan for the Assessment of Institutional Effectiveness including all departments/units/programs of the College - Sheris & Susie.

2. Work with departments/units/programs by providing resources and assistance as needed in the development of their respective assessment plans and reports - Ursula.

3. Develop flow charts to show feedback loops from Assessment to Planning, and Budgeting - Jim.

4. Review semester and annual assessment reports - Committee.

5. Make recommendations - Committee, as appropriate.

6. Process data for Progress Report due May, 2005 - Joan.

Ursula stressed the need for immediate focus upon student learning assessment in three major areas: developmental courses, general education courses, and courses in the major fields of study. Graduate Studies needs to develop rubrics for the CAPP program and implement them.

Dr. Gaertner added that as a Lakota institution, we fulfill these charges while maintaining the Lakota emphasis, both in instruction and in determining student learning outcomes. Individual departments will determine the standards and outcomes while incorporating Lakota values and educational direction in structuring assessments.

Per Ursula, assessments need to be objective and impartial. Embedded assessments have validity but need to be supplemented by uniform, departmentally-determined assessments. Measurements like surveys must be conducted impartially and anonymously. Departments need to develop rubrics and emphasize critical analysis/critical thinking skills.

Jim Dudek will liaison with Tony Brave in the development of a web page that provides philosophies, scholarship and information pertaining to assessment goals.

Ann Rutherford will liaison with Ursula Gaertner to examine issues affecting the library’s assessment tools. Ann wants valid surveys of incoming Freshman regarding their expectations. Ursula has materials to share with Ann.

Discussion ensued, clarifying that assessment would be college-wide and would necessarily involve both academic and non-academic reviews.

Ursula wishes the committee to keep firmly in mind that our progress report is due by May of 2005.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Red Feather, Recorder