Accreditation
Mayville State University is accredited by:
· The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA).
Higher Learning Commission
Telephone: 1-800-621-7440
Fax: 312-263-7462
E-mail: info@hlcommission.org
Web site: www.ncahlc.org
· The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Telephone: (202) 466-7496
Fax: (202) 296-6620
E-mail: ncate@ncate.org
Website: ncate.org
Accreditation Certificates
HLC Certificate
NCATE Certificate
Institutional Assessment
On-going assessment and improvement of student learning is the primary purpose of institutional assessment. The assessment process also ensures that campus objectives are consistent with the university’s mission and goals. The assessment process allows comparisons of desired learning outcomes to what was actually learned. This data will become the basis for programmatic changes and ultimately to improvements in teaching and learning. Reflection and consideration of student performance data leads to programmatic change by way of formal feedback loops, which are described below.
The assessment process at Mayville State University improves student learning by:
• Formulating institutional mission and goals
• Determining appropriate educational outcomes
• Determining means of program assessment
• Collecting and summarizing data
• Using results to improve student learning
The faculty has defined student learning outcomes for the general education program and the academic disciplines. The “long list” of student learning outcomes is a comprehensive list of what each student should think, know or do having completed a program of study. Over time, all of the “long list” outcomes are assessed. Student outcomes on the “short list” are those chosen to be assessed during a particular academic year.
Evaluation of the General Education and Institutional Requirements
Student Learning Outcomes have been developed to ensure that each of the goals listed for the general education and institutional requirements are properly assessed. Upon completion of the the general education and institutional requirement course sequence, students will have developed the following skills, knowledge and behaviors:
1. LITERACY
A. Reading Outcomes:
Understand standard American English;
Read texts carefully and critically, recognizing main and subordinate ideas, rhetorical purposes of authors and the meanings of words in context;
Adapt reading method to a variety of genres (e.g., verse, fiction, and nonfiction), disciplinary situations (e.g., math and social science) and media (e.g., print and electronic); and
Read and respond to texts in creative ways such as one's own text analysis, writing of verse, fictional or non-fictional genres.
B. Writing Outcomes:
Formulate and coherently support a thesis;
Effectively use conventions of writing: grammar, structure and documentation style; and
Demonstrate an understanding of logic, purpose, audience and form in a given discipline.
C. Speaking Outcomes:
Speak clearly and effectively in Standard English;
Choose and organize ideas, present them clearly and evaluate an oral presentation according to established criteria; and
Vary use of the spoken language to suit different interpersonal and multicultural situations.
D. Information Literacy Outcomes:
Identify appropriate materials to accomplish a specific purpose;
Access needed information effectively and efficiently;
Evaluate information and its sources critically using the following criteria: authority, appropriateness, timeliness and usefulness or relevance; and
Access and use information ethically and legally.
II. Higher Order Thinking
Critical Thinking Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate the ability to think critically
B. Scientific Reasoning Outcomes:
Demonstrate the ability to use observation and measurement to collect data, to develop hypotheses and to evaluate evidence related to the exploration of one of the science disciplines
Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems using scientific principles
III. NUMERACY
A. Numeracy Outcomes:
Demonstrate mastery of basic mathematical principles and scientific reasoning;
Apply basic computational skills and higher level concepts of mathematics, like those of probability and statistics, to real life problems;
Solve problems with a variety of mathematical tools and strategies including symbolic and graphical representation and evaluate the accuracy of solutions; and
To communicate ideas and solutions clearly with acceptable mathematical notation and expressions.
IV. Global/Political Perspectives
A. Global/Political Perspectives Outcomes:
Demonstrate an understanding of how events, individuals and ideas interact to create history;
Act as responsible citizens while demonstrating a sense of ethics and social responsibility; and
Compare societal patterns for preserving and transmitting culture while adapting to environmental and social change.
V. Aesthetic Sensitivities
A. Aesthetic Sensitivities Outcomes:
Students will be able to explain how literature, media and art can facilitate global understanding/appreciation.
VI. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A. Fitness and Wellness Outcomes:
1. Students will receive training in Standard American Red Cross and CPR which will enable them to recognize an emergency, assess the victim and provide care until advanced medical assistance is available.
2. Students will gain the knowledge and experience to help attain lifetime fitness.
VII. IT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
A. IT Certificate Outcomes:
1. All students will successfully complete the institutional IT Certificate Program by the time of their graduation.
Feedback Mechanisms for General Education Assessment
Faculty administering the means of assessment will report their findings to the appropriate academic division. Their discussions and recommendations will be the catalyst for change and improvement of student learning. A summary report will be made to the Sub Committee on General Education, who in turn, will report significant findings to the IIAC. The IIAC will deal with issues that require additional resources or support and prepare an annual Assessment Report. The annual Assessment Report will be shared with the faculty as part of pre-service activities held at the beginning of each academic year.
VIII. Non Classroom Assessment
Mayville State University includes the measurement of several non-academic outcomes and criteria in its institutional assessment plan. Many of these measures are a direct result of the North Dakota University System (NDUS) Accountability Measures Project.
Features of this accountability assessment include:
• It includes macro assessment at the institutional and state level.
• It meets mandates of the state legislature.
• Includes comparable measures at all NDUS institutions.
• Forms the basis for strategic planning at the institutional and state level.
Specific non-financial measures related to these accountability goals and objectives include:
• Student performance on national exams.
• Alumni-reported and student-reported satisfaction with preparation in selected major, acquisition of specific skills and technology knowledge and abilities.
• Employee satisfaction relating to the university system and local institutions.
• Student graduation and retention rates.
• Enrollment in entrepreneurship courses and the number of graduates of entrepreneurship programs.
• Number and trends of enrollments in courses offered by non-traditional means.
• Partnerships and joint ventures between NDUS institutions.
• Levels and trends in the number of students achieving goals as defined by the needs/goals expressed by the student.
• The number of full time and part time enrollments, trends in enrollment, degree seeking and non-degree seeking students being served, the number and trends of individuals, organizations and agencies being served through non-credit activities.
• Levels of satisfaction with responsiveness as reflected through responses to evaluations and surveys of graduates, other individuals completing programs; employers; and companies and employees receiving training.
• Levels of satisfaction and reasons for non-completion as reflected in a survey of individuals who have not completed their programs/degrees.
• Levels and trends in rates of participation of recent high school graduates, nontraditional students and in individuals pursuing graduate degrees.
• Students enrolled in internships.
• Students enrolled in remedial courses.