Assessment Programs (Community Colleges)
Athletics and Intramurals Program Review, Clinton Community College
Program Objectives
The New York State Education Department requires Community Colleges to report their efforts in assessing their effectiveness of programs, services, and student learning in achieving objectives related to learning and development. Every year, programs conduct student evaluations of teaching and course efficiency, faculty and student satisfaction surveys of academics and student services, course and curriculum updates, etc. At Clinton Community College, Academic Programs undergo a formal review process (Program Review) which includes:
- Written self-study report
- Visit by an External Review Team
- Evaluation by the External Review Team
- Implementation of evaluation results
This formal process occurs every five (5) years.
Within SUNY, Formal Assessment inside Student Services is not mandated every five years as is done with Academic Programs. Clinton Community College, in 2006-2007, began the systematic assessment of Student Services, with the Athletic and Intramural Program being the first program on campus chosen. This evaluation was difficult as the development was the first on campus within Student Services to do a Program Review and there was no trend analysis available to refer to or compare with. As well, there were no other community college models within the SUNY system to use as a guide.
The Program Review of the Athletic and Intramural Department was completed Spring 2007 with the receipt of the evaluation completed by the External Review Team.
The information collected and the process of evaluation provided several components of assessment:
- Tracked users of our facilities and services and community
- Assessed student, faculty, staff, needs regarding campus Athletics and Intramurals
- Assessed user satisfaction
- Assessed cost effectiveness
In addition program recommendations were received by members of the College Athletic and Intramural staff and an evaluation of the Program was delivered from an External Team. Since completion, several recommendations have been implemented by the Department and assessment has become a regular part of our evaluation process. This information will be valuable when the next Program Review is completed.
Program Design
Program Review is a four-part, formal process, completed every five years as stated earlier. It is designed to periodically and objectively review degree programs and departments in Student Services, and is designed to utilize individuals from inside the institution, as well as outside evaluators. Initially, a written self-study report is done. The report at Clinton CC was completed by the Director of Athletics with input by members of the Athletic and Intramural Staff. Each person involved is recognized within the document. After the document is completed, it is forwarded for an Internal Document Review. Members were chosen from the College's Assessment Committee. After the document is reviewed internally, and changes are made, it is sent to an external panel of consultants. The External Review Process consists of one professional in the field, one educator from a similar program (two year college), and one CCC faculty or staff member outside the program being assessed. The purpose of the External Team is to provide consultation, critique, and evaluation.
The results of the formal evaluation process become a tool for the Department to use for implementation of results: improving programs and services to students, faculty and staff, and the community, as well as directing resources to strengthen the program. It should be noted that all programs, academic and student service, are subject to continuous evaluation and development by staff.