UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
School of Management
Department of Economics
Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Economics Program
Academic Outcomes Assessment Plan
Academic Year 1999-2000

Expanded Statement of
Institutional Purpose
Intended Objectives/Outcomes
Assessment Criteria and Procedures
 Implementation

MISSION:
We shall provide quality undergraduate education responsive to the needs of individual students and the diverse population of Alaska.

 GOAL:
To assure that our graduates are adequately prepared to succeed in careers in economics or closely related fields.

 1. Students will display effective written communication skills for use in careers in economics or related fields.

 

ENTRY LEVEL ASSESSMENT:

(a) SAT/ACT verbal scores
(b) High school English grades
(c) Writing grade in ENG 314 (obtain from instructor)

ENTRY LEVEL:

Econ department secretary prepares synopsis of scores and grades upon student's declaration of major or upon student's filing for graduation.

EXIT LEVEL ASSESSMENT:

Portfolio of three term papers from 400 level writing intensive economics courses.

EXIT LEVEL:

Using the attached rubric sample of portfolios examined by SOM Instructional Resources, Advising, and Assessment Committee at student's graduation.
2. Students will display effective oral communication skills for use in careers in economics or related fields.

ENTRY LEVEL ASSESSMENT:

Oral presentation grade in ENG 314 (obtain from instructor)

ENTRY LEVEL:

Econ department secretary determines grade upon student's declaration of major or upon student's filing for graduation.

EXIT LEVEL ASSESSMENT:

Oral presentation in upper division course in Econ 463.

EXIT LEVEL:

Using the attached rubric sample of tapes examined by SOM Instructional Resources, Advising, and Assessment Committee at student's graduation.
3. Students will have the skills and ability to analyze economic problems and behavior.

ENTRY LEVEL ASSESSMENT:

None

ENTRY LEVEL:

None

EXIT LEVEL ASSESSMENT:

(a) Portfolio of three term papers from 400 level writing intensive economics courses.
(b) Student satisfaction with skills obtained.
(c) Satisfaction of employers who hire student interns.

EXIT LEVEL:

Sample of portfolios examined by SOM Instructional Resources, Advising, and Assessment Committee at student's graduation.
(b) Exit interviews by economics department head at end of spring semester using a standardized interview instrument.
(c) Annual survey of internship employers by internship director.

ASSESSMENT OF ALUMNI:

(a) Current position title, supervisory status, and salary of alumni.
(b) Employer satisfaction with BA alumni.

ALUMNI:

(a) Alumni survey overseen every five years by SOM Alumni Committee, results reported to SOM Executive Committee.
(b) Annual interview by Director with employer focus group to discuss what they are looking for in employees, how UAF BA students measure up against employees in comparable positions.
The SOM Instructional Resources, Advising, and Assessment Committee will review and summarize all assessment information each May. Based upon these reviews the need for curricular changes will be discussed and if needed implemented. A complete assessment report will be prepared.