Senior Experience Task Force

In addition to an update on the committee's work, Associate Dean Nancy Wall speaks on the subject of assessment as it pertains to our curriculum and upcoming NCA Reaccreditation Review, and how the framing and defining of our Senior Experience Program will tie into this crucial process. A more general discussion follows based on (but not limited to) the following questions, which have emerged from our initial sessions and conversations with faculty and alumni:

1. There is concern that overly demanding senior experience requirements might interfere with students' ability to complete a double major or education certification. How can we make sure that the senior experience expectations are not too demanding for students? That is, what kind of enhancements are optimal and what is simply too much?
2. Several faculty provided examples of projects that integrated two majors or allowed students to do a capstone for both majors with a single project. How should we accommodate students pursuing a double major or education certification in addition to their major? Should departments include some specific guidelines for students completing two majors or education certification?
3. The Committee on the Curriculum recommended in its original senior experience proposal, "That faculty in each academic department shall decide how to best design the senior experience program within the major or majors offered by that department." What types of support and resources are necessary to further support and enhance senior experience programs? What resources are needed for departments and students to be able to best take advantage of the opportunities inherent in senior experience programs?
4. What are the best ways to celebrate student accomplishments in the Senior Experience program and integrate the program with other aspects of our campus environment?
5. As departments continue to work on developing their senior experience descriptions, how can we be more intentional about identifying learning outcomes in these senior experiences as a first step in assessment?

The session was recorded and is available for listening on campus only.