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TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
2001-2002 Strengthening HBCU Proposal
Institutional Research
I. PERFORMANCE REPORT
March 1, 2000 - February 28, 2001
II. PROJECT SUMMARY
The Office of Institutional Research has expanded its role and scope to more effectively address the critical need of outcome assessment. This involves continuous assessment of academic, administrative, and support service units of the University. This Office has a three-fold purpose. Specifically, its focus is to develop and maintain a continuous process of planning, assessment, and institutional research functions that lead to improvements in the quality of the University's educational programs. Over the next three years, attention will be directed toward the development of strategies and practices that will enable the University to strengthen its position both in the academic arena and in the fiscal arena.
III. PROJECT STATUS
Objective 1 (Goal 4)
To conduct a comprehensive retention study annually, including follow-up of students leaving the University.
Accomplishment
A comprehensive study of retention patterns at Texas Southern University is in its third year of implementation. The first segment of this assessment compared non-returning student's satisfaction rates with those still enrolled. The instruments used were developed by ACT, which measures opinions related to service and the general university environment.
The second phase involved the collection and analysis of information from graduating students. The instrument used for this effort was developed in-house. Preliminary results indicated that graduating students were quite satisfied with their academic experiences but were less satisfied with administrative services.
The next phase of this assessment will involve the development of a predictive model. Not only will this model allow for the identification of students who are possibly at risk, it should also identify factors that lead to successful matriculation. Based on this model, attempts will be made to develop intervention strategies to address the attrition rate and to develop successful student profiles that students can use to guide their behavior. The three assessments (the student opinion survey, the non-returning student survey, and the graduating student survey) that will be used in the development of the predictive model and ultimately the intervention strategies are conducted during the spring semester of each academic year.
Objective 2 (Goal 8)
To develop a plan for continuous monitoring and review of academic and non-academic programs.
Accomplishments A format for a uniform review of program measures of effectiveness has been completed. The format provides data on (1) program accreditation issues and (2) enrollment data by academic programs, which includes mechanisms to track retention, credit hours produced, course completion rates, graduates, faculty productivity, and an inventory and calendar of outcome assessment activities. Additionally, on-going surveys of the faculty are being conducted to better understand issues and concerns associated with the academic component of the University. The first survey was conducted during the fall of 1999. Preliminary results indicated that faculty were quite concerned with the availability of technology resources. During this period, four (4) surveys have been conducted: 1. non returning student - fall semester 2. faculty 3. non returning student - spring semester 4. student opinion A survey of staff is planned for the fall semester of 2001. It will contain issues raised by students and faculty. The assessment of staff will provide a more comprehensive picture of the dynamics of the University in non-academic areas. To further facilitate monitoring and program assessment the Office of Institutional Research will begin a program to develop a "web-based data information system". This system should provide on-going access to information pertaining to all aspects of the academic process at the University. This system will be developed and maintained by Institutional Research . Currently, the institutional fact book and the strategic plan are available on our web-site. Objective 3 To publish a calendar of annual dates and activities for planning and assessment. Accomplishments A calendar of assessment activities continues to be developed. Presently a complete inventory of all departmental assessment activities has been completed. The next phase of this process will be to develop a mechanism for providing on-line access for the University to facilitate timely completion of the necessary planning and assessment activities.
IV. BUDGET INFORMATION
Seventy percent (70%) of the budget has been encumbered to date, and all funds will be exhausted at the end of the budget period.
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