ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

Minutes of November 14, 2003

Board Room - 1:00 p.m.

Ursula Gaertner called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. Stephanie Charging Eagle gave the opening prayer.

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

AGENDA:

1. Establish quorum

2. Function of committee

3. Review benchmarks

4. Portfolio assessment rubric

1. Establish quorum: discussion was held concerning the need to establish in what a quorum would consist, so that decisions could be made and votes taken. Absenteeism by committee members was a concern. Georgia noted that she may need to miss every 3^rd meeting in order to meet the President’s staffing requirements for the centers.

MOTION made and seconded that if a substantial presence of “warm bodies” were in attendance, business should go forward; except that 50% attendance is required for enactment of crucial decisions and may be deferred by the group’s discretion. Passed, 10 for, 0 opposed, and 1 abstaining.

Ann urged notification of absentee members to the President once they’ve missed three in a row -- or else some procedure for their removal from committee. The Secretary will report the attendance to Ursula who will notify members by Email and attempt to learn of their intentions.

2. Function of committee: document “Assessment of Student Academic Achievement (Policy)” proffered by Ursula is incorporated into and made a part of these minutes. Ursula will further distribute materials on the overall assessment plan/program reviews for academic and non-academic areas.

Trudy and Ann expressed concern regarding the measurement of outreach programs. Ann noted that the committee is fortunate to have in attendance members from various college departments. Ursula agreed to furnish “skeleton” guidelines for assessment that can be fleshed out. Concern was expressed that non-academic areas involve data collection; so how do we measure these?

At each meeting, we’ll explore the four purposes, there’s an annual calendar with which to comply and the skeleton for overall assessment for the entire college: each unit, academic and non-academic, is to be assessed. We want to be sure to be visible and on-track, so that NCA will see institution-wide progress.

3. Benchmarks: per Ursula, the benchmarks have been distributed. Ursula will report to Tom - “progress,” or “no progress.” Ursula will place copies in mailboxes. Art Fisher has helpful information on portfolios, per Ann. Ann has teacher resources and rubrics on the library’s website.

4. Portfolio assessment rubric: Humanities wanted guidance on acceptable use of the portfolio as an assessment tool. Ursula stressed that the committee does not give “rulings” as requested by meeting minutes from Humanities. Rather, the Assessment Committee’s role is advisory. The committee’s function is to guide, support, advise and offer materials to accomplish assessment goals. Stephanie emphasized that the measures could vary across the disciplines, as long as standards were consistently applied within each department, while following suggested guidelines. Per Trudy, there’s a need to document external (e.g. school) visits. Each department has different activities to measure.

Ursula sent portfolio references in an Email. The committee “does not prescribe, does not give rulings” but is happy to offer guidance and resources.

Ann added that the library has purchased a $125 assessment book recognized by ALA that it will place in the reference room.

The committee sets general outcome criteria, and the relevant people met to figure out the goals and objectives of its program and how it’s going about it and whom it’s reaching, per Ursula.

Next meeting, Agenda for December 5, 2003:

1. Four functions

2. Skeleton from Ursula to Ann and the committee by Email

3. Benchmarks

4. Need to make recommendations - meeting will be substantive (2 hours).

MOTION made and seconded to approve the 9/12/03 meeting minutes. Unanimous approval.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Red Feather, Recorder