Program Assessment
Assessment for all graduate programs happens at two levels: for individual courses, and for the curriculum as a whole. Assessment is a continuous process of information gathering, analysis, and implementation of improvements.
The core of the program assessment process is seeking the answer to the question, "Is the current structure of the curriculum a good way to meet the program outcomes?" Any deficiencies in the curriculum prompt us to change the learning outcomes of individual courses. In some cases, required courses may be redesigned or even eliminated in favor of other courses.
The evolution of the curriculum is gradual. New technologies encourage us to re-evaluate our teaching strategies or learning outcomes, but the laws of physics do not change. Assessment provides a self-correction mechanism that enables us to change the curriculum based on evidence of learning outcomes.
Program assessments occur with the help of our Advisory Board, our alumni, our current students, and representatives from companies in and near Portland that hire students who graduate from our graduate programs. We use a formal assessment process that includes surveys and an annual program review meeting.
The annual program review meeting occurs every spring. At that meeting, the MME Faculty, along with representatives from current students, alumni, and local industry participate in an open discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the graduate programs. We review progress in achieving the immediate goals set in the previous year's annual review meeting, we examine feedback from several sources, evaluate suggestions for curriculum improvement, and set goals for achieving improvements during the upcoming year.
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