Present: C. Bell, M. Lenahan, E. Lindemann, T. McAllister, L Moog, E. Moore (Recorder), B. Nebeker, M. O’Malley, C. Pipitone, B. Thornborough

The meeting was called to order at 3:35 pm.

Ellen distributed copies of the minutes from the last meeting, an assessment timeline, and handouts on developing an assessment plan, some practical advice to make assessment meaningful, seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education, and nine principles of good practice for assessing student learning, and the College’s Mission Statement. (See attached)

Ellen explained that a lot of the assessment we did previously was in reaction to outside pressures. Dr. Crabill and Dr. Stevens have asked us to step back and start the assessment discussion again.

A discussion was held on how we know we are meeting the mission of the college and of our departments. During this discussion it was pointed out that we do a lot of assessment already. Birte and Christine spoke about the importance of the information we use in annual reports as assessment tools. Christine also spoke of the use of program review as an assessment tool. Mary said that her department is looking at assessing procedures as well as student learning. Lori talked about the work that is done that is being done in her department as far as student programs are concerned.

Ellen distributed a draft of an assessment timeline. This timeline is up for revision. The group discussed the deadlines and found them acceptable. This semester the group will keep discussing what assessment means at RVCC. Next semester the group will look at assessment plans of other schools. We will also look at assessment handbooks of other schools and write one for RVCC. This work will all lead up to departments writing an assessment plan in the Fall 2008 for implementation in Spring 2009.

Ellen is looking at handbooks and assessment plans from other colleges. If you have access to any such plans or handbooks, please share them with the group.

Issues which were raised in the discussions included; how do we store information once we have data, and what are the differences between the NJ and RVCC General Education Goals? Ellen will talk to Carol Mauermeyer to see if she has any ideas. Ellen will also send out the NJ and RVCC Gen Ed goals to everyone.

For the next meeting, please bring a list of what your department currently does and what gaps you see in your current assessment.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm.