Graduate Program Data Informed Decisions
The Graduate Program Committee meets annually (at the beginning of each Spring semester) to evaluate the Outcomes Data with regard to established benchmarks and prepare a report to be shared with the department and published on the Department website. This evaluation is performed independently for each program (Biology PhD/MS, Ecology PhD/MS). Where possible, we use historic and current data to determine if missed benchmarks are an anomaly or a sign of systemic deficiencies. Additionally, the APDP provides a more detailed picture of factors contributing to the ratings for each learning outcome. For example, several metrics are assessed to determine is a student is effective in science communication, including the number of publications, presentations, grants awarded, etc. The committee will examine the relationship between each metric and the overall score for each Learning Outcome and makes recommendations for revisions as deemed necessary. It is also an opportunity to decide if different assessment methods are needed to obtain more targeted information. This final report identifies programmatic strengths and areas for improvement. It also makes recommendations to the Department Head for potential actions in the case where systemic deficiencies are identified. The timing of this evaluation allows time for development of an action plan during the course of the Spring semester, with targeted implementation the following Fall semester.
The tables below identify benchmarks we have established, with potential actions we could take if they are not met.
| Metric | Benchmark | Potential Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Proportion of students passing comprehensive exams | >80% and not declining |
|
| Proportion of students performing At or Above expectations, as decided by the supervisory committee on the APDP | > 80% and not declining |
|
| Proportion of students performing At or Above expectations, as determined by self-assessment on the APDP | > 80% and not declining |
|
| Proportion of graduating students that answer satisfied or very satisfied to questions in an exit interview | >80% and not declining |
|