Introduction
The University of Toledo College of Business (COBA) is committed to preparing a diverse body of students for life-long careers as business leaders and contributing professionals, and to enhancing the world of business practice. Supporting the university mission statement, the COBA continues to serve the local community by providing regional economic development. The College promotes and is dedicated to an environment conducive to innovation and continuous improvement through a shared set of core values and commitments that include mutual respect, professional development, ethical conduct, individual accountability, diversity, equal opportunity, and freedom of inquiry and expression.
Assessment
Infrastructure
The COBA has created a number of committees that focus on core curriculum assessment of student learning. The COBA’s Undergraduate Studies Committee, comprised of faculty members representing the various disciplines in the college, has developed nine learning goals for the undergraduate curriculum. These goals are assessed through both coursework and examinations. Additionally, The Graduate Studies Committee and the Executive MBA Committee are responsible for the development of graduate studies learning goals. Once these learning goals are approved by the faculty, the learning objectives will be developed and appropriate assessment procedures will be developed. Finally, an college Assessment Committee has also been established, comprised of faculty and administrators who are charged with oversight of assessment activities within the college.
Departments Involved
in Assessment
All departments within the COBA are involved in assessment of student learning. Representation from all departments comprises the various committees within the college. The individual departments are beginning to develop program goals for their various disciplines. Moreover, the individual departments are also responsible for reviewing the core curriculum courses which relate to their disciplines and translate these goals into objectives.
College-wide
Assessment Activities
The COBA utilizes a host of assessment instruments and analyses. These include surveys, standardized national certification and subject area tests, and performance assessment data.
Surveys. The COBA uses the EBI Benchmarking Survey (1997) that identifies student satisfaction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This assessment tool includes student’s attitudes towards available technology, classroom environment, teaching effectiveness, curriculum, and advising services.
Tests. The ETS Field Test is an undergraduate, senior-level capstone test which provides a direct measurement of the student’s understanding of Accounting, Economics, Management, Quantitative Business Analysis, Finance, Marketing, Legal and Social Environment, and International Issues. Additionally, nationally recognized tests are also used where appropriate, including the CPA, PHR, and APICS examinations.
Performance Assessment Data. Internship evaluations of student performance from both students and the companies for which they interned, are examined by faculty in each of the programs of study. Employers and student interns alike utilize evaluation forms, enabling the COB to assess the performance of the interns in the workplace. Job placement data are collected from graduates, including position relevance to major, salary information, and the duration of unemployment for recent graduates. These placement data are obtained from electronic surveys as well as from mailed surveys.
Departmental
Assessment Highlights
The Electronic Assessment System (EAS) will be used as one of the primary tools for examining direct indicators of student learning. Specific indicators to be examined through the EAS system include course-embedded assessments, capstone projects, and tests and examinations, including pre-tests/post-tests.
Changes to Curricula
and Services
There have been several ongoing changes within the college that have a positive effect on overall assessment:
1. The EAS system will be implemented and grading rubrics will be developed for analyzing student learning through projects.
2. Course objectives in many of the core courses have been identified and are now under review for their relationship to the learning goals.
3. Nine learning goals for the undergraduate core curriculum have been identified and are now being assessed through course assignments, projects, and examinations.
Summary
The COB will assess college-wide outcomes with the assessment instruments currently being utilized on a continuous basis. Additionally, the newly established Assessment Committee is working with individual departments to review procedures and processes in order to implement effective new assessment strategies as deemed necessary. Finally, these assessment initiatives allow the COB to document for all stakeholders evidence of college assessment and improvement initiatives.