Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences

Assessment Report, 2013-2014

COST, Marine Sciences

Assessment Identifiers

College / School
COST

Department
Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences

Program / Major / Certificate
BSMS

Assessment Coordinator(s)
Tara Cox

Has there been a change to the Assessment Coordinator(s) since the last assessment plan?
No

Person(s) responsible for writing and/or submitting this report:
Tara Cox

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Marine Sciences program at Savannah State University is to provide research, education, and outreach programs that contribute to a vital, technically qualified, intellectually thoughtful, and ethnically diverse community of individuals capable of solving problems and answering questions related to coastal and ocean ecosystem health, environmental quality, and fisheries sustainability.

Has this mission statement been revised since the last plan?
No

PSLOs

1. Ocean Literacy: Students will be able to understand the essential principles and fundamental concepts, communicate about the oceans in a meaningful way, and make informed and responsible decisions regarding the oceans and its resources.

2. Knowledge: Students will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge in the sciences, oceanography, and marine biology.

3. Analytical and Communication Skills: Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to identify marine science questions and problems; use critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to solve them; and effectively communicate the results using research report and oral presentation formats.

4. Quantitative and Analytical Tools: Students will be able to have marine sciences relevant and appropriate quantitative and analytical skills and tools.

LINK TO: Assessment Report, 2013-2014 – Supporting Documents

Assessment Results (PSLOs)

SSU Strategic Plan Goal	PSLO	Semester	Professor	Courses	Assessment Artifacts and Instruments	Target Levels	Results and Analysis of Results	Actions in Response to Results
Academic Engagement and Achievement	1. Ocean Literacy: Students will be able to understand the essential principles and fundamental concepts, communicate about the oceans in a meaningful way, and make informed and responsible decisions regarding the oceans and its resources.	Fall 2013	M.C. Curran	MSCI 3901 Technical Writing	Final Paper - MSCI Program Rubric	60% will score ≥ Level 3; 10% will score ≥ Level 4	TARGET 1 MET 69% scored ≥ Level 3, and 46% scored ≥ Level 4	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: The program will identify students who will need special assistance earlier in the class and contact their advisors if they are struggling. Sometimes students are placed in classes too early in their career and we have discussed this as a faculty.
Academic Engagement and Achievement		Spring 2014	A. Kaltenberg	MSCI 2010K Intro to Oceanography	Lab Report, Plastics assignment - MSCI Program Rubric	70% will score ≥ Level 2; 10% will score ≥ Level 3	TARGET 2 MET 75% scored > Level 2, and 50% scored > Level 3
Academic Engagement and Achievement	3. Analytical and Communication Skills: Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to identify marine science questions and problems; use critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to solve them; and effectively communicate the results using research report and oral presentation formats.	Fall 2013	M.C. Curran	MSCI 3901 Technical Writing	Final Paper - MSCI Program Rubric	60% will score ≥ Level 3; 10% will score ≥ Level 4	TARGET 1 MET 77% scored > Level 3, and 31% scored > Level 4	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Target met; no action taken. However, we will continue identify students who will need special assistance earlier in the class and contact their advisors if they are struggling. Sometimes students are placed in classes too early in their career and we have discussed this as a faculty.
Academic Engagement and Achievement		Fall 2013	M.C. Curran	MSCI 3901 Technical Writing	Final Exam - MSCI Program Rubric	60% will score ≥ Level 3; 10% will score ≥ Level 4	TARGET 2 MET 85% scored ≥ Level 3, and 23% scored ≥ Level 4
Academic Engagement and Achievement	4. Quantitative and Analytical Tools: Students will be able to have marine sciences relevant and appropriate quantitative and analytical skills and tools.	Spring 2014	A. Kaltenberg	MSCI 2010K Intro to Oceanography	Lab Report, Plastics assignment - MSCI Program Rubric	70% will score ≥ Level 2; 10% will score ≥ Level 3	TARGET 1 MET 87.5% scored ≥ Level 2, and 37.5% scored ≥ Level 3	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Target met; no action taken. However, we will continue identify students who will need special assistance earlier in the class and contact their advisors if they are struggling. Sometimes students are placed in classes too early in their career and we have discussed this as a faculty.

Assessment Results (POs)

SSU Strategic Plan Goal	PO Goal	Enabling Strategies	Measures	Targets	Results and Analysis of Results	Actions in Response to Results
Academic Engagement and Achievement	Increase number of graduates in the BSMS program	Utilize GradesFirst to identify at-risk students; identify hindrances to graduation	Total number of students graduating with a B.S. in Marine Science. (Blackboard Analytics)	10 graduates	TARGET NOT MET 9 graduated Target shortfall 1 graduate.	OVERALL: TARGET NOT MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: The program will evaluate our course scheduling to ensure students are able to get their required courses and electives in an adequate time frame. For example, MSCI 3301K Marine Environmental Chemistry will now be offered every 3^rd semester instead of every other year to balance student needs and enrollment realities.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	Facilitate BSMS students presenting at regional, national, or international scientific conferences	Provide internship information; pursue funding for student travel	Number of presentations by undergraduates (poster or oral) at regional, national, or international conferences	10 (different) students present at least one conference per year	TARGET NOT MET 9 presentations (see list in supporting documentation) Target shortfall 1 presentation	OVERALL: TARGET NOT MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Note that the strict criteria that had to be 1^st author presenter and only could count 1 per student limited the number. However, 15 students in total were involved in presentations. These students will likely be able to present next year as they have now gained experience in presenting.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	Facilitate BSMS students co-authoring scientific publications	Provide internship information; provide funds for publication costs	Number of undergraduates included as co-authors on publications	At least 1 undergraduate included as a co-author on a research publication	TARGET NOT MET 0 undergraduates included as co-author	OVERALL: TARGET NOT MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Some manuscripts are in preparation. We anticipate meeting this goal in 2014-2015.