Assessment Methods

Design Projects

Design projects from the sophomore year through the senior year are evaluated using established rubrics. These show the development of student skills as they proceed through the program.

Majors

The faculty teaching design provide a summary report after each major summarizing specific student strengths and weaknesses. If weaknesses are found, a recommendation regarding remedial action will be included.

Interviews with students by

• Academy Members
• Visiting Committee
• Department Chair yearly and exit interviews

These interviews are conducted with groups of students annually or as often as the committees convene. Additionally, the Department Chair conducts more in-depth, individual interviews with 5-10 of the graduating seniors. The Academy reports to the Department Chair who provides a written summary of their comments. The Visiting Committee provides a written summary of their meeting with students. The Department Chair prepares a written document summarizing his interviews with students. All groups conducting interviews are provided with the assessment plan and sample questionnaires so that they are informed regarding the goals of the program.

Surveys

• end of sophomore year
• end of junior year
• end of senior year
• 2-3 years after graduation
• of employers (2-3 years after beginning work)

All students are required to complete surveys (for self-evaluation), graduates are requested to complete surveys regarding achievement of program objectives, and employers are requested to complete surveys regarding WVU alumni in their employ.

Visits to classroom by Department Chair

This is an option which may be used to provide the Department Chair with follow-up information to his interviews. No formal, public reports will be prepared, but the Department Chair will use the information gathered in his annual evaluation of individual faculty.

Records of job placement

This provides information regarding the attractiveness of our graduates to companies hiring chemical engineers.

Feedback from Department newsletter

This is an additional method for obtaining anecdotal information.