2004-2005 Institutional Effectiveness Plan
Unit: Agribusiness/Agriscience
Unit head: Harley Foutch
Reports to: College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Mission statement: The School of Agribusiness and Agriscience is committed to the general university objectives of teaching, public service and research. The major objective is to maintain and improve the quality of instruction. Public service and research activities are encouraged to promote professional development, to enhance the instructional program, and to better serve the agricultural needs of the region.
Specific objectives are developed each year for each of the budget areas within the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience. The major objectives of the farm laboratories is to provide land, livestock and crops to supplement instruction, public service and research activities within the financial limitations imposed by the expectation to offset expenditure with income. The assessment and development of departmental objectives are continuous processes involving students, faculty and administrative personnel. Faculty members feel that the institutional purpose clearly defines the role of the university, reflects their views and adequately embraces the purpose of the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience.
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will develop the skills to become leaders in the Agribusiness/Agriscience industry. (BS Degree/M.V.T.E. Degree )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes:
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:
Measurable Objective(s):
- The position that students have after 5 years of placement will measure this. A random selection of students will be surveyed.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: A survey was sent to a random sample of graduates to measure effectiveness. Questions 1 and 2 ask the place of employment and position.
Employed Position
Accountant Manager, National Account Sales
Honest Abe Log Homes Dealer Manager
Midway Elementary School Special Education Teacher
Gardner’s Choice Concepts Landscaper
Sequoyah High School Assistant Principal
UT Extension-Warren County Extension Agent
Columbia Farm Supply Co-owner
Marshall County Environmental Coordinator
Trousdale County High School Agricultural Education Teacher
Sumner County School System Agricultural Education
Texas Trail Council CEO-out Executive
West Texas A & M University Equestrian Coach/PhD.Student
Wilson County School System Agricultural Education Teacher
First Citizens National Bank Vice President and Manager
DeKalb County High School Agricultural Educational Teacher
USDA Consumer Safety Inspector
Nashville Electric Service Senior Meter Inspector
Housewife Community leader
*With regard to the level of leadership the graduates have attained in their profession, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest, the average score was 4.16.
*In regard to the level of leadership the graduates have attained in their employment, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest, the average score was 3.84.
*In ranking the importance of leadership related to the graduate’s current position, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest, the average score was 4.40.
*In ranking the relevancy of the coursework at MTSU to their employment, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest, the average score was 4.11.
2. Students will learn to think critically. (BS Degree/M.V.T.E. Degree )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes:
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:
Measurable Objective(s):
- The University of Florida critical thinking questionnaire will be given to selected students of senior level classes.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: To get this response, the YOUTH LEADERSHIP DECISION-MAKING TEST, developed by Dr. John Ricketts, University of Florida was used. His survey challenged students to utilize analysis, inference, and evaluation as indications of their critical thinking skills level. The survey was comprised of twenty multiple choice questions each requiring the students to use analysis, inference, or evaluation to correctly answer the questions.
With the 136 responses of the MTSU students, the results were as follows:
*Critical Thinking (Analysis)-51% of students scored 100%
*Critical Thinking (inference)-52% of students scored 100%
*Critical Thinking (Evaluation)-52% of students scored 100%
3. Students will acquire a working knowledge of the discipline. (BS Degree/M.V.T.E. Degree )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes:
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:
Measurable Objective(s):
- Students will be required to take a core curriculum of 22 hours of agribusiness/agriscience courses. Fifteen additional hours will be required within a particular area of agriculture. A passing grade of those 37 hours of course will measure a working knowledge of the descriptive (agribusiness and agriscience).
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: Fifteen additional hours will be required within a particular area of ABAS. A passing grade of those 37 hours of credit courses will measure a working knowledge of the descriptive. This is available in the Records Office for all graduates. This measurable objective must be met for the students to graduate.
General Goals
1. ABAS faculty will provide meaningful instruction and be available and willing to assist students (Instruction )
Related MTSU General Goals: 7
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:
Measurable Objective(s):
- Scores will be in the top two categories of “almost always” and “usually” 80% of the time in:
o instructor appears well prepared for class,
o instructor is accessible to talk with students on course materials outside of class,
o class sessions are relevant to the course subject matter, and
o instructor treats students in a courteous and/or respectful manner,
as measured by “MTSU Student Evaluation of Faculty Performance” administered by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research’s assessment schedule.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: Criteria met.
Student Evaluation of Faculty
% in top two categories
a) Instructor appears well prepared for each class (Fall 04) 99.2% ,(Spring 05) 95.5%
b) Instructor is accessible to talk with students about course material outside of class (Fall 04 98.5%, (Spring 05) 97.7%.
c) Class sessions are relevant to course material (Fall 04) 98.3%, (Spring 05) 92.1%.
d) Instructor Treats students in a courteous and/or professional manner (Fall 04) 97.5%, (Spring 05) 93.2%.
2. ABAS will offer and maintain effective programs consistent with their missions and resources. (Instruction)
Related MTSU General Goals: 7
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:
Measurable Objective(s):
- ABAS will win Major Field Tests awards in at least two (2) of their three programs (Agribusiness, Animal Science and Plant and Soil Science) as determined by reports from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research Assessment Schedule and the department chairperson “End of Year” report.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: Criteria met.
- ABAS will place 80% of their graduates in the agriculture industry or related areas.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: Criteria met.
3. The educational environment for each program will include appropriate equipment and technology. (Instruction)
Related MTSU General Goals: 3 4 7
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:
Measurable Objective(s):
- ABAS will secure a minimum of $160,000 through internal and external funding sources.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: Criteria met.
4. ABAS faculty will regularly engage in scholarly activity consistent with department expectations and level of to the program in the following areas: grant activity (include specific role), publications, presentations and faculty/student collaborations. (Research/Creative Activity )
Related MTSU General Goals: 3 4
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:
Measurable Objective(s):
- There will be a 5% increase in all four of the aforementioned categories within the School of Agribusiness/Agriscience.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: Criteria met.
5. ABAS faculty will provide professional service to the university, their profession or other public/private communities. (Public/Professional/University Sevice)
Related MTSU General Goals: 4 6
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:
Measurable Objective(s):
- There will be a 5% increase in the categories of professional service to the university, professional organizations and public/private community service affiliations within the School of Agribusiness/Agriscience.
Responsible Person: Dean. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
Results: Criteria met.
Impacts
Learning:
As a result of the data on the measurable objectives above, instructors are continually encouraged to make sure that their courses are relevant to the career placement of students. Instructors also encourage students to engage in activities that stimulate critical thinking.
General:
Based upon the above data and exit interviews the following improvements have been made:
1. More hands-on activities
2. More field trips
3. More Laboratory work
4. Increased use of MTSU Farm Laboratories
5. Curriculum Revisions
More specifically, refer to the following:
Instructional:
Goal 1—Results of students surveys and the seriousness of them were discussed in faculty meetings and indivudally to faculty. Individual suggestions were made to increase performance.
Goal 2a—We are performing well in this area and continued quality performance is encouraged.
Goal 2b—We are performing well in this area and continued quality performance is encouraged.
Goal 3—The criteria was met in this area, but we continue to improve through continued grant writing and internal/external funding opportunities even though many opportunities were pursued but not funded.
Research:
Goal 1—The faculty is doing an outstanding job here and are encouraged to continue.
Public Service:
Goal 1—The faculty members are doing an outstanding job in this area and are encouraged to continue. Many activities are not being recorded and faculty are encouraged to keep better records of their public service activities.