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PartsI-III.WesternWashingtonUniversity 1
WesternWashingtonUniversity
HuxleyCollegeoftheEnvironment
DepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies
PrograminUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment
Degree:B.A.UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment
Self-StudyReport
forthe
PlanningAccreditationBoard
October2019
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INTRODUCTIONTheSelf-StudyReport(SSR)istheresultofaplanningprogram'scarefulself-analysisinthecontextofthePlanningAccreditationBoard's(PAB)preconditionstoaccreditation,Standards,andCriteria.Aprogramapplyingforaccreditationorcandidacystatusmustdemonstratethatitmeetsthepreconditionstoaccreditation,thatitisinsubstantialcompliancewiththeaccreditationStandardsandCriteria,andthatitexpectstocontinuetobeinsubstantialcompliance.TheburdenofprooffordemonstratingcompliancerestswiththeProgram.Makingthecaseforcomplianceinvolvesbringingtogethereffectivenarrativewithsupportingevidence.WhileanSSRisacomprehensivereportthataddressesallaspectsofaProgram,itshouldnotallownarrativeanddatatobeobscuredbylargevolumesofmarginallyrelevantinformation1.Enterthedegreetitleandnameofplanningprogramorunit.
ProgramName: UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment
DegreeTitle: BachelorofArts,UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment
2.Providetheinstitution'sorganizationalchartinSSREvidence.Includethenamesandtitlesofadministratorsintheplanningprogram,inrelatedprograms,andinthelineofhierarchythroughtheinstitution'schiefexecutiveofficer.MultiplediagramsmayberequiredtoprovideavisualsummaryoftheProgram'splacewithinitsSchool/CollegeandUniversity.
(See Additional Information: Organizational Chart (5)
Western Washington University
Board of Trustees
7 Academic College
Huxley College of the Environment
College of Business and Economics
College of Fine and Performing Arts
College of Sciences and Technology
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
DeanSteve Hollenhorst
WWU PresidentSabah Randhawa
VP University RelationsVP Business and Financial Affairs
VP Student ServicesVP University Advancement
Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, Brent Carbajal
Woodring College of Education
Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Department of Environmental Studies,
Grace Wang, Chair
Department of Environmental Sciences,
Dave Wallin, Chair
BA Urban Planning and Sustainable Development
BA Geography
BA Environmental Education
BA Environmental Policy
BA Environmental StudiesMA Environmental Studies
MA Environmental Education
Urban Planning Program Administrator,
Nicholas Zaferatos
Urban Planning Program Committee
Organizational ChartBA Urban Planning and Sustainable
Development within WWU
PartsI-III.WesternWashingtonUniversity 3
3.OtherDegrees:Provideabriefdescriptionofanyotherdegrees(e.g.undergraduate,master's,PhD,jointdegreesetc.)offeredbytheunitinwhichtheProgramresidesandindicateiftheyareaccredited.
HuxleyCollegecomprisestwoDepartments:theDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesandtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalSciencesofferingbothundergraduate(BA,BS)andgraduatedegrees(MS,MA,M.Ed).TheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogramresidesintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies.
GraduateDegrees:HuxleyCollegeoffersgraduatedegreesinEnvironmentalScience(MS),EnvironmentalStudies(MA),andEnvironmentalEducation(M.Ed).Huxley'sM.S.programsrequireathesis;theM.A.andM.Ed.offerthesis,fieldproject,andnon-thesisoptions.HuxleyiscurrentlyapplyingtoparticipateinthePeaceCorps’InternationalMastersProgram.AgraduateUrbanPlanningdegreeisnotofferedatthistime.
BaccalaureateDegrees:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesapproachesenvironmentalunderstandingandproblemsolvingthroughdiverseprogramsthatexamineinteractingsocialandnaturalsystems.Byplacingurbanplanning,thesocialsciences,naturalsciences,humanities,andenvironmentalstudiesfieldsintodirectdialogue,theDepartment’scurriculumisdesignedtohelpstudentsmaketheintellectualconnectionsandgainthepracticalskillsnecessaryforbuildingsociallyjustandenvironmentallysustainablefutures.TheDepartmentoffersfivedistinctBAdegreeprogramsunderthefollowingacademicmajors:UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment,EnvironmentalStudies,EnvironmentalEducation,EnvironmentalPolicy,andGeography.TheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajoristheonlyprofessionaldegreeprogramofferedintheDepartment.Furthermore,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesvotedtocombinethenon-planningmajors(EnvironmentalEducation,Policy,EnvironmentalStudies,andGeography)intoasingleBAinEnvironmentalStudiesdegree.Afterformalapprovaloftherevisiontothesemajors,anticipatedtotakeeffectinAY2020-2021,theDepartmentwillthereafteroffertwomajors:theBAinUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentandtheBAinEnvironmentalStudies.
CombinedMajors:InconjunctionwiththeCollegeofBusinessandEconomicsandWoodringCollegeofEducation,TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesoffersseveralcombinedmajors:Economics/EnvironmentalStudies,B.A.;BusinessandSustainability,B.A.;Geography/SocialStudies,B.A.;EnvironmentalStudies-ElementaryEducation,B.A.E.;Geography-ElementaryEducation,B.A.E.
Minors:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesofferssevenMinors:DisasterRiskReduction;EnvironmentalEducation;EnvironmentalStudies;EnvironmentalPolicy;Geography;EnvironmentalandSocialJustice,andGeographicInformationSystems.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalSciencesoffersaMinorinEnvironmentalScience.
CombinedMinors:CombinedMinorsareofferedinEnergyPolicy(inconjunctionwiththeCollegeofBusinessandEconomicsandtheInstituteforEnergyStudies)andSustainableDesign(inconjunctionwiththeDepartmentofIndustrialDesign,CollegeofSciencesandTechnology).
DistributionofStudentsamongDepartmentMajors:WithintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies,five(5)BAdegreeprogramsarecurrentlyoffered:1)UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment;2)Geography;3)EnvironmentalEducation;4)EnvironmentalPolicy;and5)EnvironmentalStudies.StudentenrollmentintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesaveragesabout250studentsinitscombinedtwo-yearcohort.Studentsarerelativelyequallydistributedamongthefive(5)degreeprogramswithapproximately40-50studentsenrolledineachrespectivedegreemajor.
4.Non-DegreePrograms:Provideabriefdescriptionofanynon-degreeprograms,suchascertificates,etc.offeredbytheunitinwhichtheProgramresidesandindicateiftheyareaccredited.
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TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesoffersacertificateinGIS.
5.ProgramHistory:ProvideaconcisesummaryoftheProgram'sdevelopmentfrominceptiontothepresent,highlightingthechangesandconstantfeaturesthathavedriventheProgram(includingacademicandadministrativeevolution,milestones,etc).Alsoindicatethedatesandpurposesofanynon-accreditationrelatedSiteVisitswithinthelastfiveyears.
WesternWashingtonUniversityhascontinuouslyofferedtheBachelorofArtsDegreeinplanningsincethe1960s.TheprogramwasinitiallyofferedthroughWesternWashingtonUniversity’sDepartmentofGeographyasaBAinUrbanandRegionalPlanning.Uponthecreation,in1968,ofWestern’sHuxleyCollegeoftheEnvironment,thePlanningmajorwasestablishedconcurrentlyasoneofitsfirstmajorsalongwiththeofferingofthemasterdegreeinEnvironmentalPlanning(jointlywiththe“then”DepartmentofGeography).WhentheDepartmentofGeographymergedwithHuxleyCollegeinthe1990s,theplanningdegreeprogramsmergedintotheBAinEnvironmentalStudies:PlanningandEnvironmentalPolicymajor,offeredthroughtheCenterofEnvironmentalStudies,whichlaterbecametheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies.In2012,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesreestablishedtheundergraduateplanningdegreeprogramasaseparatemajor,establishingthemajorasaseparateAcademicProgram,andrenamingtheBAdegreeprogram“UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment.”
HuxleyCollegeiscomprisedtotwoDepartments:DepartmentofEnvironmentalSciencesandDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies.TheUrbanPlanningprogramishousedintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesthatoffers,inadditionaltotheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentdegree,BAdegreesinEnvironmentalPolicy,EnvironmentalEducation,Geography,andEnvironmentalStudiesaswellasaMastersinEnvironmentalStudies.Together,thetwoDepartmentsofHuxleyCollegehaveaveragedabout500studentsroughlydistributedbetweenthetwoDepartments.Oftheapproximately250studentsenrolledintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies,studentsareroughlydistributedamong5distinctmajors.TheUrbanPlanningmajorhasmaintainedaconsistentenrollmentofapproximately50students;about25studentsineachofthejuniorandsenioryearsofstudy.
Huxley’sUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogramhasbeencontinuouslyrefinedandexpandedoverthepastdecade,withtheadditionofnewcoursesandfacultyenablingtheexpandedcurriculum.CurriculumdevelopmentoverthepastdecadehascarefullyemphasizedadherencetoPABguidelinesforundergraduateplanningeducation.Theprogramwasfirstaccreditedin2016andbecamethesecondaccreditedprograminWashingtonState(alongwithEasternWashingtonUniversity’sBAinplanning).AsWashingtonStateisoneofseveralstatesthathaveenactedcomprehensiveGrowthManagementlegislation(1990)mandatinglocalgovernmentgrowthmanagementplanning,thereisanincreasingdemandforeducatingfutureplannersinourstate,andwerecognizeandvaluetheimportanceofaccreditationforourprogram.AccreditedstatusisanimportantindicationofthevalueandqualityofWestern’sprogramforstudentsandthepublic.Inmaintainingaccreditationofourprogram,wearefulfillinganimportantUniversitymandateforeducatingstudentsinhighdemandpublicandprivateserviceworkasprofessionalplanners.Manyofourpastgraduateshaveenteredprofessionalplanningworkintheprivate,civilsociety,andpublicsectorsofWashingtonState.
TheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogramisoneofthemostpopulardegreeprogramsintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesatHuxleyCollegeandcontinuestoattractacompetitivestudentbodythatarecommittedtopursuingprofessionalplanningeducationwithanemphasisinenvironmentalstudies.AstheprogramishousedwithinaCollegeofEnvironmentalStudiesandSciences,ourstudentsbenefitfromacorecurriculumthatconcurrentlyemphasizesurbanplanningandenvironmentalmanagement.Ourgraduateshave
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beenhighlysuccessfulinenteringprofessionalpracticeupongraduation,andmanyhavepursuedadvanceddegreesinplanningandrelatedfields.Weaimtomaintaintheenrollmentatabout25studentsineachcohortyearinordertobestaccommodatestudentswithourprogram’savailableresources.
6.StudentandFacultyCompositionData:CompletetheStudentandFacultyDataexcelworkbook.Provideanyfootnotesorclarificationsinthissection.
PleaseseetheseparateStudentFacultyDataexcelworkbookfiles.
PRECONDITIONSTOTHEACCREDITATIONSTANDARDSAllprogramsapplyingforaccreditationreviewmustmeetfivepreconditions.ProgramsmustdemonstrateintheirSelf-StudyReportsthattheymeetthepreconditionsofaccreditationateachaccreditationreview.Theexistenceofacampus-basedprogramwhichmeetsallpreconditionsisaprerequisiteforanapplicationfromaprogramdeliveredviadistanceeducation.Foraccreditationpurposes,programsareevaluatedinthesamewayregardlessoflocationsormodalitiesofdelivery.AsPABisdesirousofpromotinginnovationandexperimentationinplanningeducation,programswhichdonotmeetthepreconditionsinastrictlyliteralsense,butwhichmeetthespiritoftheseprovisions,maypetitionPABforspecialconsideration.SuchpetitionsandSelf-StudyReportsmustprovideevidencethattheProgrammeetsthespiritofthepreconditions.Allprogramsapplyingforaccreditationreviewmustmeetfivepreconditions.1.ProgramGraduates.Programsshallhavegrantedthedegreeforwhichaccreditationissoughttoatleast25students.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsPrecondition1.ProgramGraduates:
HuxleyCollege’sBADegreePrograminUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment,anditspredecessorBAprogramsinenvironmentalplanningandurbanandregionalplanning,hascontinuouslyoperatedatWesternWashingtonUniversityfor50years.Overthecourseofdecades,weestimatethatwehavegrantedtheBAdegreeinPlanning(underformerdegreetitlesincluding:“urbanandregionalplanning”,“environmentalplanning”,and,currently,“urbanplanningandsustainabledevelopment”)forwhichaccreditationissought,towellover600students.Morethan160studentshavebeengrantedtheBAdegreeinUrbanPlanningoverthepasteight-yearperiod,2011-2019.
2.AccreditationStatusoftheInstitution.TheProgram'sparentinstitutionshallbeaccreditedbyaninstitutionalaccreditingbodyrecognizedbytheCouncilforHigherEducationAccreditation(CHEA)orbyitssuccessororganization.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsPrecondition2.AccreditationStatusoftheInstitution:
TheNorthwestCommissiononCollegesandUniversities(NWCCU),whichrecognizescompliancewithitsstandardsofhighereducation,accreditsWesternWashingtonUniversity.NWCCUistheregionalaccreditingbodyrecognizedbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofEducation.Toenricheducationthroughdiversity,WesternWashingtonUniversityisanequalopportunity/affirmativeactionemployer.
3.ProgramandDegreeTitles.Formaltitlesofprogramsanddegreesshallcontaintheword"planning."ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsPrecondition3.ProgramandDegreeTitles:
ProgramName: UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment
DegreeTitle: BachelorofArts,UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment
DescriptionofDegreeProgram:UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment,BA
Thisinterdisciplinaryprogrampreparesstudentstoenterprofessionalfieldsconcernedwiththesustainabilityofthehumanandnaturalenvironment.TheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogramconsistsofafoundationcore,theurbanplanningcore,specializationelectives,andacapstoneandexperientialrequirement.ThefoundationcoreincorporatesinterdisciplinarycoursesofHuxleyCollege’sapproachtothestudyoftheenvironment.Theurbanplanningandsustainabledevelopmentcoreconcentratesstudiesintheknowledge,methods,skillsandprocessesofplanninganddecision-making.Thespecializationelectivecomponentoftheprogramfocusesinaplanningsubfield.Huxley’sUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajor(degree)emphasizesaninterdisciplinaryapproachtosolvingcomplexproblemsthatfacecommunitiesfromthelocaltothegloballevel.Theprogramemphasizesaconcernforprogressivechangethatisneededtowardsthedesignofequitable,healthful,livable,andsustainablecommunitiesforpresentandfuturegenerations.Thecurriculumcombinesurbanplanning,sustainabledesign,environmentalpolicy,andenvironmentalsciencetoprovidestudentswithanunderstandingofthelinkagesbetweenurbanandnaturalsystemsandthemultidimensionalproblemsinurbandevelopment.Theprogrampreparesstudentswiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytomakepositivechangestowardssustainabilityinanincreasinglycomplexworld.Graduatesarepreparedforcareersinplanningagencies,consultingfirms,andnonprofitorganizationsatthelocal,state,andfederallevelsofgovernment,aswellasadvancedgraduatestudy.StudentsareacceptedintotheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDesignmajorbasedthecompletionofprerequisitecourseworkandthereviewoftheirapplicationandportfolioofworkdemonstratingtheiraffinitytointegratesustainabledesign,socialequalityconcerns,andenvironmentalsystemsprinciples,andonenrollmentlimits.
4.LengthofProgram.Undergraduatedegreeprogramsshallrequireaminimumoffouracademicyearsoffull-timestudyortheequivalent.Forstudentsforwhomthegraduatedegreeconstitutesthefirstprofessionaldegreeinplanning,aminimumoftwoacademicyearsoffull-timestudyortheequivalentinplanningisrequired.Guideline:Residency.AProgram,whetherundergraduateorgraduate,shallnormallyrequirestudents’presenceattheaccreditedprograminstitutionforaminimumoftwoacademicyears,oritsequivalent.Theintentionsofthisguidelinearetoensuresignificantinteractionwithotherstudentsandwithfaculty,handsoncollaborativework,socializationintothenormsandaspirationsoftheprofession,andobservationsbyfacultyofstudents’interpersonalandcommunicationskills.Programsdepartingfromcampus-centerededucationbyofferingdistancelearning,internationalexchanges,orinnovativedeliverysystemsmustdemonstratethattheintentionsofthisguidelinearebeingachieved,andthatsuchprogramsareunderthesupervisionoffullyqualifiedfaculty.Suchdeterminationmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,evidenceoffacultyofrecord,andcommunicationsbetweenfacultyandstudents.Guideline:Fast-tracking.Programsthatcombineundergraduateeducationwithagraduatedegreeinplanninginatotaloflessthansixacademicyearsortheequivalentshallmeetthestandardsofanaccreditedgraduatedegree.Guideline:DualDegrees.Programsmayallowadegreeinplanningtobeearnedsimultaneouslywithadegreeinanotherfield,inlesstimethanrequiredtoearneachdegreeseparately.Allstandardsofanaccreditedgraduatedegreeinplanningmustbemetandtheelectivesallowedtomeetrequirementsoftheotherdegreemustbeappropriateaselectivesforaplanningdegree.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsPrecondition4.LengthofProgram:
TheBAinUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentisafulltime,fouracademicyearprogram.TheUniversityrequiresatotalof180minimumquartercreditsforbaccalaureatedegrees.InadditiontogeneralUniversityrequirements,theUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentMajorrequiresaminimumof102quartercreditsthatarecompletedduringthejuniorandsenioryearsofstudyanddistributedamongthefollowingparts:1)DepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesfoundationcourses;2)UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajorcorecoursework,3)requiredspecializationelectives,4)acapstonecourse,and5)Experientialservicecreditsearnedthroughinternship,internationalstudy,ordirectedresearch.
StudentscandeclareamajorintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies(ENVS)atanytimeduringtheirfreshmanorsophomoreyear.OncedeclaredasaphaseImajor,studentsareassignedafacultyadvisorbasedonstudentinterestsatthetimeofdeclaration.Studentsthenmeetwiththefacultyadvisortodiscusswhichcoursestotakeandwhen,howtopreparetheformalapplicationtotheUrbanPlanningprogram,discussionsaboutfuturecareersinplanningoradvancedgraduateeducation,andforassistancenavigatingthroughtheHuxleycurriculum.PhaseIstudentemailsareaddedtoanemaildistributionlistforHuxleymajorstoreceivenotificationsandgeneralannouncements,aswellasinformationaboutjobs,internships,orresearchopportunities.StudentsbegintheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajorinPhaseI,whilecompletingthepreparatoryclassesrequiredforPhaseIIadmission(includespoliticalscience,economics,math,andenvironmentalstudiesprerequisitecourses).AdmissiontoPhaseIIisacompetitiveprocessandrequiresthecourseworkaboveandagradeofB-orbetterintheurbanplanningenvironmentalstudiescourses,aswellasasatisfactoryGPAinallothercoursework.StudentsthensubmitanapplicationthatincludesanessaydescribingreasonsforwantingtoenterintotheUrbanPlanningmajor,aportfolioofwork,andaplanofstudy.UrbanPlanningPhaseIIapplicationsareacceptedinthespringquarters.
ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetstheResidencyGuideline:
UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajorsmeettherequiredminimumoftwoacademicyears,oritsequivalent,residencyrequirement.Planningmajorcoursesrequireaminimumoftworesidencyyearstocomplete,inadditiontootherUniversitycourserequirements.Alloftherequiredcoursesareofferedatourhomecampus.
Iffast-trackingisoffered,provideinformationthatdemonstratesthefast-trackstudentsreceiveanequivalenteducationasthe2-yearstudents.
Fast-trackingprogramsarecurrentlynotoffered.
IfDualDegreesareoffered,provideevidencethatdemonstratesthedual-degreestudentsreceiveanequivalenteducationasthe2-yeargraduatestudents.
Urbanplanningmajorsmayearnaseconddegreeinanotherfieldbutmustfulfilltherequirementsforeachmajor.UrbanPlanningmajorsareencouragedtominorinseveralfieldsofstudyandtheirfulfillmentoftheirrequiredminorelectivesalsomayserveastheir“specializations”intheUrban
Planningcourseofstudy.SpecializationsofferedincludeHazardsPlanningandSpatialAnalysis.Minorsapprovedforurbanplanningmajorsinclude:1)geographicinformationsystems,2)sustainabledesign;3)communityresiliency;4)foodsecurity;5)environmentalpolicy;environmentalandsocialjustice;and6)energyandclimatepolicy.
5.PrimaryFocus.Thedegreeprogram'sprimaryfocusshallbethatofpreparingstudentstobecomepractitionersintheplanningprofession.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsPrecondition5.PrimaryFocus:
TheprimaryfocusofHuxleyCollege’sUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentBachelorofArtsdegreeisthepreparationofundergraduatestudentstobecomepractitionersintheplanningprofessionandrequiresaminimumof102credits.TheUrbanPlanningcurriculumemphasizesadualcoreofcourses:a)foundationandenvironmentalcoursescomprisedof30creditsineconomics,quantitativemethods,humanecology,sustainability,ethics,environmentalstudies,urbanization,andenvironmentalsciences;andb)urbanplanningcorerequirementsincludeaminimumof62creditsintheurbanplanningcurriculum.Inadditionaltotherequiredurbanplanningandenvironmentalstudiescoreclasses,theprogramrequires:c)experientialservicelearning(minimum5creditsofinternships,internationalstudies);d)acapstonecourse(aproblemsolving,multidisciplinaryappliedcourse;ande)electivespecializationsclasses(minimum10credits)whichserveasaplanningspecialization.BecauseourUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogramisembeddedwithinHuxleyCollegeoftheEnvironment,ourplanningstudentsreceiveanemphasisinenvironmentalpolicyandsciences,whichservesasanoverarchingspecializationcomplementingtheUrbanPlanningmajor.
STANDARD1–STRATEGICPLANNINGANDPROGRESS
TheProgramortheDepartmentinwhichitresidesshallstriveforself-improvementusinganintentionalprocessofgoalarticulation,planning,outcomesassessment,reflectionandcorrection.
ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsStandard1:
Inthissectionwepresentreflectionsandresponsestoourfirstaccreditationreviewin2016.Allstandardsthatwereidentifiedas"partiallymet"havebeenthoroughlyconsideredbytheUPSDProgramcommittee,students,andtheProgram'sadvisoryboard.Thosestandardsthatwerefoundtohavebeen"met"bytheBoardwerefurtherevaluatedforprogramimprovement.ThestrategicplancarefullyaddresseseachstandardandprovidesevidencereflectingtheresponsivenessoftheprogramtoconcernsandrecommendationsraisedbytheBoardaswellasbystudents,alumni,andfaculty.
A.PriorStrategicPlanandAccreditationReview : TheProgramshouldbeengagedincontinuousimprovementbasedonongoingplanningactivities,andresponsestoprioraccreditationreviews.TheProgramshalldemonstrateprogresssincethelastaccreditationreviewinmeetingthegoalsandobjectivesarticulatedinthestrategicplaninplaceattheprioraccreditationreview,anddocumentprogresstowardscomplianceinmeetingaccreditationstandardsassessedaspartially-metorunmetatthelastSiteVisit. Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetscriterion1A:ProvidethepriorstrategicplaninSSREvidence.
ThefollowingreflectstheProgram’sreflectioncontinuousimprovementbasedonongoingProgramreviewsandresponsestoprioraccreditationreview.
Standard1/MissionandStrategicPlan-Criterion1A/StrategicplanTheBoard,in2016,hasassessedthisinformationasmet,basedoninformationintheProgram’sPostSiteVisitReport.TheBoard,however,foundthegoalsinthe2016StrategicPlantolacknecessaryspecificitytotheProgram.TheBoardemphasizedtheimportanceofaplanningprogram-levelstrategicplanthatfocusesonthemissionandpurposeoftheProgram,aswellasaprocessforplanningthatengagesallstakeholders.TheBoardrecommendedthat,initssubsequentSelf-StudyReport,theProgramprovideevidencethattheplanhasbeenrefinedtoreflectthemission,goals,andobjectivesoftheProgram.Evidence:TheProgram’sStrategicPlanwasrevisedin2019toreflecttheProgram’smission,goals,andobjectivesmoreclearly.TherevisionprocessincorporateddirectinvolvementofstudentsenrolledintheProgram,theProgramfaculty,alumni,andtheProgram’sprofessionaladvisorycommittee,asdiscussedfurtherbelow.Criterion1C/ProgramgoalsandCriterionTheBoardassessedthiscriterionaspartiallymet,citingStrategicPlangoalsthatlackedfutureaspirationsanddidnotaimtowardevidence-basedaccountability.TheBoardrecommendedthattheProgramprovideevidencethatthestrategicgoalshavebeenreformulatedtoreflectstakeholderinput,aspirationsofexcellence,andfeedbackfromPAB’saccreditation.Criterion1D/MeasurableObjectives:TheBoardassessedthiscriterionaspartiallymet,citingthelackofmeasurableobjectivesandbenchmarksintheplanwhichwouldenabletheProgramtomeasureprogresstowardgoalattainment.InitsSelf-StudyReport,theBoardrecommendedtheProgramprovidesevidencethatmeasurableobjectiveshavebeendevelopedtosupportstrategicgoals.Evidence:TheProgram’sStrategicPlanhasbeenrevisedtoreflecttheProgram’smission,goals,andmeasurableobjectivesmoreclearly.Therevisionprocessincorporateddirectinvolvementofstudentsenrolledintheprogram,aswellasprogramfaculty,alumni,andtheprogram’sprofessionaladvisorycommittee,aspresentedintheSSR.Standard2/Students-Criterion2B/StudentdiversityTheBoardhasassessedthiscriterionasmet.InitsPostSiteVisitReportandattheNovember5meetingtheProgramprovidedevidencetheplanhasbeenimplementedandisworking,includingrecentdiversity-targetedscholarshipoffersfromalocalAmericanIndiantribeandWashingtonStateplanningdirectors.Evidence:Theprogram’sdiversityplanhasbeeninplacesince2016andmeasuresofachievementhavebeenidentified.StudentrecruitmenthasshownasubstantialincreaseindiversityovertheperiodsinceourinitialPABreviewin2015asreflectedinTableS-7.Currentstudentenrollmentof51studentsinclude33%studentsofcolor,identifiedasBlackorAfricanAmerican,AmericanIndianorAlaskaNative,Asian,NativeHawaiianorHispanicorLatino.ThiscomparestoWWU’sstudentdiversityrateof27.8%,andtheStateofWashingtondiversityrateof29%.TheUPSDprogram’sdiversityratehasincreasedsubstantiallycomparedto2015,wherestudentsofcolorrepresentedabout6%oftotalenrollment.Inaddition,inJanuary2019,WWUrecruitedandappointeditsfirstTribalProgramsDirectorandTribalGovernmentLiaisonpositioninordertopromotegreaterrecruitmentamongtribalmembersinWashingtonStateandcoordinateservicelearningopportunitieswithNativetribalgovernments.AsoneoftheUPSDprogram’sstrategicobjectives,theuniversity’sformalcommitmenttoprovidinggreaterservicetoNativeAmericancommunitiesgreatlyfurthersourprogram’sobjectives.CoordinationisnowunderwaytoexpandNativeAmericanenrollmentinourprogramthroughacooperativeagreementwithNorthwestIndianCollege,
andtoexpandappliedservicelearningundertheUPSDprogram’sUrbanTransitionsStudioprogramtoextendplanningassistancetoNativecommunities.HuxleyCollegehasalsorecruitedaDiversitySpecialistwhoassiststheUPSDprogramandtheCollegeinadvancingitsgoalsforincreasedstudentdiversityrecruitment.Standard3/Faculty-Criterion3G/ProfessionaldevelopmentTheBoardhasassessedthiscriterionasmet.TheProgramprovidedadditionalinformationinitsPostSiteVisitReporttodocumentthatsabbaticalleaveaswellasfundingforfacultyprofessionaldevelopmentisprovidedbytheDepartment,College,andUniversityandhasbeenutilizedbyProgramfaculty.Evidence:AlthoughthiscriterionwasdeterminedtohavebeenmetbytheBoard,thisSSRprovidessupplementalinformationconcerningseveralUPSDfacultythathadbeengrantedprofessionalleaveduringthisperiod,fundingsupportforfacultyenrollmentinprofessionalandacademicorganizations,eligibilityforsummerteachingandresearchgrants,andsummerteachingandoverloadteachingopportunitiesavailabletothefaculty.ProfessorStanglwasofferedprofessionalleaveduringA2017.ProfessorZaferatoswasofferedprofessionalleaveinAY2019.ProfessorMeliouswasofferedprofessionalleaveinAY2018.ProfessorsPaci-GreenandKamelarepreparingtosubmitapplicationsforprofessionalleaveinAY2019-2021.ProfessorZaferatosreceivedoverloadteachingcontracttoofferhisNativeAmericanPlanningcoursethroughHuxley’sPeninsulaprogramin2017and2019.ProfessorsKamel,Zaferatos,andStangleachoffersummerfieldcoursescompensatedthroughoverloadcontracts.Standard4/CurriculumandInstruction-Criterion4A1c/PlanningLawTheSiteVisitTeamassessedthiscurriculumsub-componentaspartiallymet,citinginsufficientcoverageoftheknowledgecomponentbasedoncourseswhereonlylegalcasesaretaught.TheBoardconcurredwiththisassessment,whileacknowledgingtheProgramhasdevelopedanewcourseinadministrativeplanningandlanduseregulations,thoughithadnotyet,atthetime,beenimplemented.InitsSelf-StudyRepottheProgramshouldprovideevidencethatthisknowledgeareaisbeingadequatelypresentedwithintherequiredcurriculum.Evidence:Aswasproposedinthe2015SSR,therevisedcurriculumhasbeenadoptedtomorefullycomplywiththecriterion.Inadditiontothededicatedcourseinlanduselaw,twoadditionalcourseshavebeenincludedinthecore-planningcurriculum.ThesecoursesincludeENVS374,LandUseLawandTechnicalWriting,andENVS475,CommunityDevelopmentandParticipatoryMethods.Bothcoursesemphasizeshortrangeplanningknowledge,methods,andskillsdevelopment.Inaddition,ENVS360PlanGraphicsandMethodsinSiteDesignemphasizesformbasedzoningcodeinterpretationthatstudentsemployinsitedesignassignmentsemphasizingshort-rangeadministrativeplanningknowledge,methods,andskills.Thesecourseseachcombinetoaddressthelegal,regulatory,andadministrativefunctionsofplanning.Criterion4A2a/ResearchTheSiteVisitTeamassessedthiscurriculumsub-componentaspartially-met,citingalumniandemployercommentsindicatinganeedforadditionaltraininginresearchmethodssuchthatstudentscouldmoreeffectivelyanalyzeplanningproblems.TheBoardconcurswiththisassessment,whileacknowledgingtheProgramhascompletedacurriculumrevisiontoanexistingplanningmethodscourse,thoughthechangeshaveyettobeimplemented.InitsSelf-StudyRepottheProgramshouldprovideevidencethatthisknowledgeareaisbeingadequatelypresentedwithintherequiredcurriculum.Evidence:Toensurethatknowledge,methods,andskillsinassemblingandanalyzingideasandinformationisadequatelyincorporatedwithintherequiredcurriculum,curriculumrevisionsproposedin2016wereadoptedin2018toensureattainmentofthiscriterion.ThecurriculumrevisionsincluderevisionstoENVS470PlanningMethodsthathas,inpart,beenintegratedinthestudiosequenceas“StudioI”toemphasizemethodsandskillsindatacollectionandanalysissupportingayear-longstudioinvestigationinwinterStudiosIIandspringStudioIII.Researchmethodsindataanalysisand
applicationsinENVS470include:regionaldataanalysis;populationanddemographics,socio-economic;housing,transportation,ethnographic,andbuiltform.Theadditionofaquantitativemethodsrequirementtothecurriculumprovidesachoiceamongseveralclassselectionstofurtherknowledgeinquantitativemethodsusedinplanning.Theseclassesinclude:ENVS320GISI:IntroductiontoGIS;ENVS322AnalysisofSpatialData;ENVS372NaturalHazardsPlanning;andENVS442RegionalEnvironmentalandEconomicModeling.TheseadditionalcoursescomplementENVS470PlanningMethodsaswellasENVS201UnderstandingEnvironmentalDataandInformation,afoundationcourseinthecurriculum.Inaddition,thecurriculumprovidesforarequiredspecializationinplanning’ssubfieldsthatfurtheremphasizequantitativemethodsandanalysis.ThesespecializationfieldsincludeGeospatialAnalysisandHazardsPlanning,requiringthecompletionofaminimumofthreecoursesineitherspecialization.Inaddition,methodsinqualitativeanalysisareemphasizedinthenewcorecourseENVS475CommunityDevelopmentandParticipatoryMethods.Criterion4A2c/QuantitativeandQualitativeMethodsTheSiteVisitTeamassessedthiscurriculumsub-componentaspartially-met,citingevidenceofunevenknowledgeofresearchmethodsusedinmodernplanningliteratureandprojectanalysis.TheBoardconcuredwiththisassessment,whileacknowledgingtheProgramhasdevelopedanewcourseonCommunityDevelopmentandhascompletedacurriculumrevisiontotwoexistingcoursesoneconomicmodelingandspecialdata,thoughchangeshaveyettobeimplemented.InitsSelf-StudyRepottheProgramshouldprovideevidencethatthisknowledgeareaisbeingadequatelypresentedwithintherequiredcurriculum.Evidence:Asstatedabovein4A2a,qualitativeandqualitativeanalysismethodshavebeenincorporatedinthecurriculumrevisionsadoptedin2018.Inadditiontothesecourses,methodsinpolicyanalysisareemphasizedinseveralofthecoreandfoundationcoursesthatinclude:ENVS450ScienceinthePolicyProcess;ENVS456EnvironmentalGovernance;ENVS457EnvironmentalDisputeResolution;andintheCapstonecourseENVS/ESCI493EnvironmentalImpactAssessmentStandard4/CurriculumandInstruction-Criterion4B1/SpecializationsTheSiteVisitTeamassessedthiscriterionaspartiallymet,citingconfusingmarketingmaterialsthatpromoted6specializationswhileimplyingalimitlesslistofindividualspecializations.TheBoardconcurredwiththisassessment,whileacknowledgingtheProgram’sPostSiteVisitReport,whichprovidedreasonabledefinitionsforeachofthespecificspecializations.Specializations,whilenotmandatory,canprovidestudentsconcentratedmasteryinaspecificarea.Thespecializationcurriculumshouldbestructuredtoinclude,ataminimum,afoundationcourse,amethodscourse,andanapplicationscourse.InitsSelf-StudyReporttheProgramshallprovideevidencethatitsspecializationscontainplanningcontentthatistruetoplanningcontexts,andthattheknowledge,skills,andvaluesgainedareofsufficientdepthandbreadthbeyondtherequiredcurriculum.Evidence:Theprogram’sspecializationshavebeenrefinedtofocusontwoplanningsubfields,whicharesupportedbytheparticularcurriculumdepthofferedwithinourDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies.ThesespecializationfieldsincludeHazardsPlanning(DisasterRiskReduction)andGeospatialAnalysis(GeographicInformationSciences).Tofulfillthespecializationrequirement,studentsmustselectfrom3coursesinoneofthesefieldsthatconsistofafoundationcourse,amethodscourse,andanapplicationscourse.Eachofthesespecializationsrepresentsimportantsubfieldsinplanningandthereforeemphasizesplanningcontentthatistruetoplanningcontexts.Whilethesetwospecializationfieldsareemphasizedintheprogram,studentsmayalsofulfilltheirelectivespecializationrequirements,withfacultyadvisorreviewandapproval,bycompletingoneofthemorecourse-intensiveminorofferedintheCollege,includingtheMinorinSustainableDesign,GIS,EnvironmentalandSocialJustice,Energy,andEnvironmentalPolicy.Standard5/Governance-Criterion5A/Programautonomy
TheBoardhasassessedthiscriterionasmet.BasedonevidenceinitsPostSiteVisitReporttheProgramandtheCollegeinwhichitresideshaveprovidedsufficientdocumentationthataddressesPAB’sconcernsregardingprogramautonomythatisreasonableandcustomarypursuanttopoliciesandproceduresatWesternWashingtonUniversity.Evidence:TheUPSDProgramGovernancePolicyhadbeenfurtherupdatedin2018tostrengthenthefaculty’sgovernancewithrespecttoprogramplanning,curriculumdesign,facultyevaluation,andotherstrategicfeaturesofprogrammanagement,fullyincorporatingtheparticipationofstudentsandtheprofessionalcommunity.Standard6/ProgramAssessment-Criterion6D/OutcomesTheSiteVisitTeamassessedthiscriterionaspartiallymet,citingalackofevidencetheProgramhadadoptedstudentlearningobjectivesfortheentirecurriculumorsequencesofcoursesintherequiredcurriculumorspecializations.Inaddition,theSVTexpresseditsconcernthatnoprogramgraduatehadtakentheAICPexamwithin5yearsofgraduation.TheBoardconcurswiththisassessment.TheProgram’sSelf-StudyReportandPostSiteVisitReportprovideverylimitedstudentlearningoutcomemeasures,astheyare“inprocess,”withrubricstobedeveloped.InitsfutureSelf-StudyReporttheProgramshouldprovideevidenceofimplementationoftheassessmentplananddatacollection.Evidence:Theprogram’sassessmentandoutcomeshasbeenrevisedtomorefullyaddressthiscriterion.Severalmeasurementinstrumentsassessingstudentlearningwereintegratedintheprogram’sassessmentplan,includingtheformulationofrubricsforevaluatingstudentlearninginannualreviewsofcourses;theimplementationofacomprehensiveentranceandexitexaminationissuedtoallincomingjuniorsandgraduatingseniors,andtheinclusionofstudentlearningoutcomesassociatedwithcoursesyllabi.TheadditionalstudentlearningassessmenttoolscomplementaseriesofsurveyinstrumentstheProgramemploystoevaluatestudentlearning,thecurriculum,andemploymentupongraduation,Surveysaredistributedtostudents,recentgraduates,andalumnioftheprogram.Standard7/Progress-Criterion7C/Strategicissuesforthenext5-7yearsTheSiteVisitTeamassessedthiscriterionaspartiallymet,citingalistof6itemsintheSelf-StudyReportthatdidnotreflectmission-specificstrategicissuesfacedbytheProgram.TheBoardconcurredwiththisassessment.IssueslistedintheSSRarereallynextstepsfortheProgramtocompleteratherthanstrategicissues.TheProgrammaybeofficiallynewintermsofaccreditationanditsofficialstructure,buttherearecertainlyknownissuesitfaceswhichwarrantidentificationandfocus.InitsfutureSelf-StudyReport,theProgramshouldprovideevidencethatitsstrategicplanhasbeenrevisedtoidentifylonger-termstrategicissues.Evidence:Theprogram’sstrategicplanwasupdatedin2018andadoptedin2019withare-evaluationofprogramgoalsandmission-specificstrategicissuesfacedbytheprogram.TheWWUstudenturbanplannerscluborganizedstudentinterviewsandreviewsessionstoprovidetheUPSDCommitteewithrecommendations.TheUPSDfacultyrevisedtheprogram’sStrategicPlanandprovideddraftsforreviewbystudentsintheprogramaswellastotheUPSDprofessionaladvisoryboard.Severalmeetingsamongfacultyandstudentsresultedinrefinementoftheplan,whichwasadoptedbytheUPSDprogramcommitteeinMarch2019.Thestrategicissuesarepresentedinthenextsection.Standard7/Progress-Criterion7D/PublicInformationTheSiteVisitTeamassessedthiscriterionaspartiallymet,citingoutdatedand/orincompleteinformationontheProgram’swebsiteatthetimeoftheSiteVisit.TheBoardconcurredwiththisassessment,notingtheProgramhad8monthssincetheSiteVisittomakecorrections.Accreditedplanningprogramsareexpectedtopublishinformationthatisascurrentaspossibleatalltimes.InitsProgressReporttheProgramshouldprovideevidencethattheinformationonitswebsiteisascurrentandup-to-dateaspossible.
Evidence:Thepublicinformationwebsitepageisroutinelyupdatedtoreflectprogramaccomplishmentsandotherpertinentinformationrequiredforpublicdissemination.ReflectionandEvaluationofthe2016UPSDStrategicPlanThe2016UPSDStrategicPlan(2016)identifiedthefollowingProgramgoals:
1. AssesstheUPSDcurriculumtomatchneededknowledgeandskills;2. Increasestudentdiversity;3. RevisetheUPSDcurriculumtomatchneededknowledgeandskills;4. Expandopportunitiesforexperientiallearning;5. Expandprofessionalandcommunityoutreach;6. Expandgraduateeducation;7. Encouragetheapplicationofscholarlyresearchtomeettheneedsoflocalandglobal
communities.Specificobjectivesandmetrics(benchmarks)wereassociatedwitheachgoal.The2019reviewoftheStrategicPlanshowsthatgoals1,2,3,5,and6werefullymetorexceededbenchmarksandprogresscontinuestobemade.Goals4and7benchmarkswerepartiallymetandprogresscontinuestobemade.WithrespecttoPABassessmentoftheStrategicPlan,thereviewpointedouttwocomponentsthatwerepartiallymet:Programgoalsandmeasurableobjectives.AssessingPABrecommendationsandrevisingthecurriculumin2018asdiscussedaboveachievedgoal1.Goals2wasachievedbytheProgram’ssuccessfuldiversityrecruitmentexceedinguniversitystudentdiversitydemographics.Goal3wasachievedthroughcurricularrevisionsemphasizingplanningmethodsandrefiningelectivespecializations.Goal4hasbeenpartiallyachievedbytheProgram’sengagementintheuniversity’sSustainableCommunitiesPartnershipprogram,expandingourservicelearningprogramsregionally.Goals5wasachievedbyincreasingourProgram’sparticipationinstatewideandregionalAPAorganizationsandactivities.BothfacultyandstudentsserveonrepresentativeAPAboardsandstudentshaveincreasedtheirparticipationinAPAworkshopsandconferences.Goal6isintheprocessofbeingmetthroughcontinuedProgrameffortstodevelopagraduateprogramspecializationinplanningforgraduatesofNorthwestIndianCollege’s(NWIC)BAdegreeinTribalGovernance.Finally,Goal7isintheprocessofattainmentthroughtheProgram’sdraftingofguidelinesthatfurtherdefine“appliedresearch”toappendtheDepartment’sUnitEvaluationPlanfortenureandpromotion,thatencouragesfacultyresearchthatdirectlybenefitslocalandunderprivilegedcommunities.This2019StrategicPlanaddressestheseandotherelementsoftheProgramwherethe2016accreditationreviewindicatedaneedforfurtherimprovement.Reviewofthe2016UPSDProgram’sStrategicPlan’sAlignmentWiththeUniversity’sStrategicPlanInadditiontoaddressingthePABBoard’srecommendation,therevised2019StrategicPlanwasevaluatedagainsttheUniversityStrategicPlan,adoptedFall2018toensurealignment.TheUniversityStrategicPlanemphasizesthefollowinggoalsthatalignwiththeProgram’sStrategicPlan:
• Increasingdiversityofstudents,faculty,andstaff.• Deepeningengagementwithlocal,regional,andinternationalcommunities.• Expandingstudents’internationalexperienceandinternationalprograms.• Supportingresearchandgraduateeducation.
ReviewoftheUPSDProgrambyProgramFaculty,Students,andProfessionalAdvisoryBoardProgramfaculty,students,staff,alumni,andAdvisoryBoardmembersfurtherinformedtheevaluationof
theProgram’sStrategicPlan.TheStrategicPlanreflectsincreasedstudentdemandforenrollmentintheprogram.Thisreviewfound:• Studentenrollmenthasincreased-ApplicationsandadmissionstotheProgramhaveincreased
steadilysinceaccreditation.ThiscomesatatimewhenenrollmentinotherENVSprogramshasnotexperiencedsimilarincreases.Anumberoffactorscanexplainsuchanincrease,including:
• Improvedmarketingandinformationabouttheaccreditedprogram;• ThehiringofaCollegerecruitingandretentionspecialist;• Theeliminationofrollingadmissions;and• Astreamlinedadvancementtodegreebasedonclearrequirementsforprogressthrougha
specifiedprogressionofcourses.• Revisionstothecurriculumthatreducedcreditrequirementsbyabout15credits.
• Studentplacementandretentionremainsstrong-UPSDstudentscontinuetoobtainrelevantemploymentinthefieldofplanning,inplanning-relatedfields,non-profits,community-basedandadvocacyorganizations.UPSDgraduatesthatchoosetopursueaMaster’sdegreeareadmittedtocompetitiveprograms.
• Studentsatisfactionremainshigh-Whiletherehasbeensomeminorfluctuationacrosstheyears,
studentsatisfactionremainshigh.In2018,87%ofstudentsratingtheprogram“verygood”to“excellent”intrainingstudentsforacareerinplanning,and77%forpreparationforgraduateeducation.Overall,91%ofstudentsratedtheprogram“good”to“excellent.”
• Communityengagementisexpanding-TheUPSDprogramworkscloselywithcommunitiesatthe
local,regional,national,andinternationallevel.Thisisachievedinvariousways:• AfullyearofstudioclassesincorporatesappliedservicelearningclassesundertheUPSD
UrbanTransitionsStudioprogramandWWU’sSustainableCommunityPartnershipprogram;• Facultyappliedresearchandscholarshipthatfocusedoncommunityengagementhas
increased;• Facultyserviceincludeslocal,regional,nationalandinternationalorganizations,pro-bono
consulting,andleadingglobaleducationalprograms;and• A10-yearappliedinternationalservicelearningprojectreceivedthe“2017beststudent
project”awardfromtheAmericanPlanningAssociationWAChapterandthePlanningAssociationofWashington.
• Studentparticipationinresearchandinternshipshasincreased-Inthelast3years,morethan15UPSD
studentswerehiredaspaidresearchassistantsforperiodsrangingfromonetothreequarters.Thenumberofstudentshiredinplanningandplanning-relatedprofessionalinternshipscontinuestoincrease,constitutingapproximately75%ofourseniorcohort.
• Curriculumcoherence-Followingrecommendationsfromthe2016PABreview,theUPSDcurriculum
wasstreamlined,specializationswererefinedandmorefocused,andseveralnewcorecourseswereincludedinthecorecurriculum.Progresscontinuestobemadeinassessingcurriculumstructure,coursematerial,andinstructionquality.
Studentconcerns:Theplanreviewhighlightedareasthatneededfurtherprogress• Universityadministratorsareoftenperceivedasnotresponsivetostudentconcernsregarding
transparencyinreviewofprofessionalstaffconductthatcanaffectstudenttrustandclimate;• Progressondiversity,inclusion,andequityinitiativesviewedasslow;• Careeropportunitiesarenotsufficientlysupportedbytheprogram;
• Thecurriculumshouldincreaseexposuretocommunity-based,advocacy,andnon-profitformsofplanninginadditiontopublicsectorplanning;
Facultyconcerns:Theplanreviewhighlightedareasoffacultyconcerns.• Aneedforincreasedtransparencyinuniversityandcollegeadministrationdecision-makingaffecting
faculty,students,andtheProgram;• Aneedforadditionalresourcestoaddressdiversepopulationsinteaching,advising,andinthe
curriculum;• Aneedforaconcertedefforttointegrateequityandjusticeconsiderationsthroughoutthecurriculum,
instudentlearningobjectives,andinhiringandnewfacultyorientation;• Aneedforbroadeningthecurriculumtoaddressdiverseemploymentandcareeropportunities;• Concernsthatfacultyworkloadlimitsserviceandresearchduetoadministrativedutiesrelatedto
program,department,college,anduniversitycommittees;and• ConcernsthatserviceandadministrationoftheProgram,aswellascommunityservice,islargely
voluntary,lackssufficientfinancialsupport,andisundervaluedbycollegeanddepartmentadministrations.
B.CurrentStrategicPlan : TheProgramshallhaveastrategicplanforachievingitsgoalsandobjectives–eitherasafree-standingplanorpartofabroaderdepartmentalstrategicplan–andmustbeabletodemonstrateprogresstowardsgoalattainment. Thestrategicplanmustaddress:theProgram’svision;itsdefinitionofmissionfulfil lment;theelementsidentifiedasnecessarytocarryouttheplan(includingfinancialresources);theprocessbywhichthestrategicplanisdeveloped,refreshed,anddisseminated;andamethodforevaluatingprogressandmakingimprovements.Programsmustdocumentparticipationinplandevelopmentbyfaculty,students,alumni,andpractitioners.It issuggestedthatpractitionersincludeabroadspectrumoftheprofessionwhocanberesourcesfortheProgramduringplandevelopmentandimplementation.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion1B:ProvidethecurrentstrategicplaninSSREvidence.
ProgramVisionTheprogramenvisionsadvancingasocietywhereindividualsandgroupscanfullyparticipateintheplanninganddevelopmentoftheircommunitiessuchthatbasicneedsofsafety,shelter,livelihoodsandopportunityforself-realizationandparticipationaremetforall.Communityaspirations,asunderstoodbydiversesegmentsofthecommunity,arediscussedfreelyandformthefoundationofplanningforamoresustainablefuture,withspecialconsiderationforthosewhoaremostmarginalizedandfortheecologicalsystemsthatsustainandinspireus.Processofstrategicplanupdatesanddisseminated,andmethodforevaluatingprogressHuxley’sUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogramemphasizesaconcernforprogressivechangethatisneededtowardsthedesignofequitable,healthful,livable,andsustainablecommunitiesforpresentandfuturegenerations.Thecurriculumcombinesurbanplanning,sustainabledesign,environmentalpolicyandanalysis,andenvironmentalsciencetoprovidestudentswithasolidunderstandingofthelinkagesbetweenurbanandnaturalsystemsandthemultidimensionalproblemsconfrontedinurbandevelopment.Advancedstudioclassesarealignedwithlocalgovernmentsandnon-profitorganizationsincollaborativestudioworkshopsthatexaminesustainabledevelopmentproblems
andsolutionsforcommunities.Ourprofessionalpartners,severalwhoareAPAand/orAICPmembers,supplementtheteachingfacultyaslecturingguestfacultyandmentorsinourseniorlevelplanningstudioclasses.Asaprofessionalmajor,graduatesarepreparedforcareersinpublicplanningagencies,consultingfirms,andnonprofitcivilsocietyorganizationsatthelocal,state,andfederallevelsofgovernment,aswellasforgraduatestudy.StudentsareacceptedintotheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajorbasedonareviewoftheirapplicationdemonstratingtheiraffinitytointegratesustainablethinking,urbandesign,socialequalityconcerns,andenvironmentalsystemsprinciples,andonenrollmentlimits.ProcessforprogramreviewAsafirststepintheprocessofannualprogramreview,theplanemphasizesfacilitatingstudentunderstandingabouttheprogramstructureanditsrequirements.Thisisaccomplishedthroughinformationalhandouts,publicmeetingswiththeplanningstudentcohort,andwebsitepostings.Informationalexchangeisessentialforsupportingstudentrecruitmentandretention.Studentinformationalmaterialexplainhowtheprogramapplicationprocessworks,thestructureandrationaleofthecurriculum,andprovidesdisclosurestatementsregardingprogramcostsandduration,aswellasstudentguidanceinschedulingtheircourseselectionsequence.Weemphasizethedevelopmentofastrongcohortgroupofplanningmajorsfromthetimestudentsarefirstintroducedtotheirpeersintheirfirstquarteroftheirjunioryear,andprogressivelyengageincohortcollaborationinseniorlevelplanningstudios,capstonecourses,andotherproject-basedcoursework,creatingastrongidentifyforthecohortgroup.PublicinformationabouttheUrbanPlanningprogramispostedonWWU'sUrbanPlanningProgram'swebsite.Theurbanplanningprogramcommittee,comprisedoffaculty,students,andtheCollegeDean,meetsregularlytoreviewandrevise,asnecessary,theprogram’sstrategicplan.Theprogramcommitteealsoconvenesatleastonceannuallyinaretreatformatwiththestudenturbanplanningorganizationandtheprogram’sprofessionalAdvisoryBoardtofurtherevaluateandrefinethestrategicplan.Reviewandassessmentoutcomesfromtheannualretreatinformsubsequentrevisionstothestrategicplan.
1) MissionStatement: TheProgramortheDepartmentinwhichitresidesshallhave aclearandconcisemissionstatementthatexpressesitscorevaluesand fundamentalpurposeandroleintrainingprofessionalplanners.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion1)MissionStatement:
ProgramMissionStatementThemissionoftheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentProgramistocontributetoamorejustandsustainablesocietybycultivatingstudentstobecomefutureplanningleaderswhoareethical,knowledgeable,andtechnicallycapabletoassistcommunitiesplantheirequitable,healthful,livable,andsustainablecommunitiesforpresentandfuturegenerations.TheUrbanPlanningprogram’smissionaffirmsandworkswithinthebroadermissionofHuxleyCollegetointegrateanoutstandingurbanplanningeducationalprogramthroughfaculty-studentcollaboration,appliedresearch,andprofessionalandcommunityservicetofosterpositiveoutcomesincommunities.HuxleyCollege’soverarchingmissionistobeapremierinstitutionfortheeducationoffutureenvironmentalexpertsandleaders,bothregionallyandglobal.HuxleyCollege’sapproachtoitsmission
isthroughcriticallyaddressingtoday'senvironmentalchallengesandpreparingtomorrow'sinterdisciplinaryproblemsolvers.Weaccomplishthismissionbyintegratingoutstandingeducationalprograms,faculty-studentcollaboration,appliedresearch,andprofessionalandcommunityservice–usingtheteaching,advising,andCollegestructureasanintegralresource.HuxleyCollege’sdisciplinarymajorseachemphasizeparticularfieldsofstudytoeffectivelycarryingouttheHuxley’smissionintheeducationoffutureenvironmentalleadersandexperts.TheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajorrepresentstheprofessionalfieldwithintheCollegethatdirectlyaddressesenvironmentalandcommunityproblemsolvingthroughurbanplanningpractice.TheProgram’sstrategicmissionisfulfilledthroughcurriculumattainmentofthreevalues:Collaboration,Application,andProblemOrientation:
●Collaboration:WecollaboratewithintheCollege,withotherunitsoftheUniversity,andwiththelargercommunityinsolvingenvironmentalandcommunityproblems.
●Application:Weapplyourteachingandlearningtotherealworldandseektomakemeaningfulcontributionstoacommunity’ssustainabledevelopment.
●ProblemOrientation:Weengagestudents,faculty,andtheprofessionalcommunitymeaningfullyintheanalysisofsolutionstopressingenvironmentalandcommunityproblems.
Manyofourgraduatesgoontoprofessionalcareersinurbanplanning,whileotherscontinuetheirgraduatestudiesintheurbanplanning,law,naturalresourcemanagement,architecture,andpublicpolicyfields.Ourcurriculumisdesignedtohelpstudentsmaketheintellectualconnectionsandgainthepracticalskillsnecessaryforbuildingsociallyandenvironmentallysustainablecommunityfutures.Throughtheintegrationofurbanplanningandthenaturalsciences,socialsciences,andalliedfields,theUPSDProgramatHuxleyCollegeendeavorstoeducateproblemsolverswhoareabletomeettheenvironmentalchallengesofourtimes.Ourgraduatesdirectlymeetstatewidedemandsfortrainingyoungprofessionalstoenterhighdemandfields;thisisespeciallypertinentinWashingtonState,whichhasenactedprogressivelanduse,growthmanagement,andenvironmentalprotectionpolicies.TheProgram’smissionemphasizesaninterdisciplinaryapproachtosolvingcomplexproblemsthatfacecommunitiesfromthelocaltothegloballevel.TheProgramemphasizesaconcernforprogressivechangethatisneededtowardsthedesignofequitable,healthful,livable,andsustainablecommunitiesforpresentandfuturegenerations.Thecurriculumcombinesurbanplanningtheory,history,andmethods,sustainabledesign,law,conflictresolution,resilienceplanning,urbandesign,environmentalpolicy,andenvironmentalsciencestoprovidestudentswithasolidunderstandingofthelinkagesbetweenurbanandnaturalsystemsandthemulti-dimensionalproblemsfacedinurbandevelopment.TheProgrampreparesstudentswiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytomakepositivechangestowardssustainabilityinanincreasinglycomplexworld.TheUrbanPlanningprogramfurtherfulfillsthebroaderstrategicgoalsandmissionoftheCollegeandtheUniversity,whichinclude:
●AddressingthecriticalneedsintheStateofWashington.●Providingstudentaccesstorigorousandengagingbaccalaureateeducation.●Fosteringandpromotinglife-longlearningandsuccessinanever-changingworld.●Applyingcollaborativeapproachestoscholarship,creativity,andresearchtostrengthen
communitiesbeyondthecampus.●Servingasamodelforinstitutionaleffectiveness,innovation,diversity,andsustainability.
Definitionofprogrammissionfulfillment
TheProgram’smissionistocultivatestudentstobecomefutureplanningleadersinordertoassistcommunitiestoplanmoresustainablefutures.ThatsustainablefutureisinspiredbytheProgram’svisionfortheattainmentofafuturesocietywhereindividualsandgroupscanfullyparticipateintheplanninganddevelopmentoftheircommunitiessuchthatbasicneedsofsafety,shelter,livelihoodsandopportunityforself-realizationandparticipationaremetforall.Theprogramfulfillsitsmissionthroughitscurriculumaswellasextracurricularactivities.ShapingandrefiningtheStrategicPlanTheUrbanPlanningfaculty,alongwithDepartmentfacultycolleagues,conductedamajorreevaluationofitsUrbanPlanningprograminAY2010-11.OneoftheprioritiesemergingduringthemajorevaluationworkwasarecommendationtoapplyforPABaccreditation,aprioritythatisachievedthroughthisPABaccreditationreviewprocess.Theprogram’scurrentstructure,consistingoftheindependentUrbanPlanningmajor,wasrevisedin2012.Planningstudentsintheprogramduringthe2010and2011wereactivelyengagedthroughsurveysandaseriesofdiscussionsandsurveystodeterminethefuturedirectionsfortheprogram,andrevisionswereintroducedtotheUrbanPlanningcurriculumto1)strengthenitscoreprogramincompliancewithPABcurriculumstandards,2)toincreaseintegrationwithotherdisciplinaryfieldswithintheDepartmentandtheCollege,and3)tocreateamoreclearlydefinedprogramforpurposesofprogramself-administrationandmaintenance.Theprogramintroducedseveralnewcoursestothecurriculum(includinganappliedstatisticscourse,methodscourses,andaintegratedPlanningStudioseriesofclasses)wherewefoundthatmoreskills-basedknowledgewasneeded,andwecontinuouslysoughttorefinethecurriculum(forexample,areductionofseveralprerequisitecourseanddepartmentcorerequirementsinAY2016-2017thatprovidedforanexpandedurbanplanningcorecurriculumtofurtherstrengthentheprogram).(SeeAdditionalInformation:UPSDStrategicPlan,AI-24)TheUPSDStrategicPlanemphasizes8strategicelementsandactivitiesinTable1:
Table1:UPSDStrategicElements&Activities
Strategicelement ActivitiesandPriorities
1.Curriculum ●Assess,evaluate,andenhancecurriculumcontentandadministration●Initiateopportunitiesforgraduatestudiesinurbanplanning
2.ExperientialLearning ●Expandexperientiallearningopportunitiesthatbenefitunderrepresentedcommunitiesinappliedcurriculum
●ExpandopportunitiesforservicelearningexperiencesservingNativeAmericancommunities
3.ConstituentandProfessionalEngagement
●Engagefaculty,students,alumni,andprofessionalcommunityinstrategicplanningandprogramevaluation
4.Diversity ●Increasediversityamongfacultyandthestudentbody●IncreaseenrollmentamongNativeAmericanstudents●Initiatecommunicationsregardingprogramclimateamongfaculty,staffand
students●Expandstudentlearningobjectivesbyincorporatingequityandinclusionary
goals
5.Facilities ●Expandfacilitiesandprogramresourcestomeetgrowingcurriculumneedsandenrollment
6.Faculty ●Assessneedforexpandedtenuretrackandnontenuretrackfaculty●Strengthenpoliciesthatencouragegreaterappliedfacultyscholarship
7.Extracurricular ●Supportextracurricularlearningexperiencesforstudents●Providetrainingservicestothepublicandprofessionalcommunity
8.Funding ●Establishprogramfundingsupportforaccreditationmaintenance,programextracurricularactivities,scholarships,facultyprofessionalmembership,programaffiliations,andexperientiallearning.
2) ProgramGoalsandMeasurableObjectives: TheProgram’sstrategicplanshall identifygoalsandmeasurableobjectivesthatadvancetheProgram’smission.The goalsshall identifytheProgram’sfutureaspirationsinthecontextofitsmission andthatoftheUniversity,andshallaimtowardexcellencebeyondthatwhichmay alreadyexist.GoalsshallreflecttheProgram’sintenttoachieveandmaintain diversityinitsstudentbodyandfaculty,andtoincorporateintothecurriculum theknowledgeandskillsneededtoserveadiversesociety.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion2)ProgramGoalsandMeasurableObjectives:
UPSDProgramGoalsAsapublicuniversity,weeducatestudentstobecomefuturepracticingprofessionalsinthefieldofplanninginordertoaddressWashingtonState’shighdemandfortrainedplanners.Disciplinaryknowledgeisintegratedwithskillssothatstudentsgainknowledgethatisimmediatelyusefulintheircareersandtheabilitytolearnandgrowovertime.Wedothisthroughacurriculumthatemphasizesknowledge,values,processes,andskillsnecessarytopositivelyandsustainablyaddresscomplexproblemsfacedbycommunities.Weseektoincreasediversityinourfacultyandstudentbodytofurtherenrichourmission.Wefacilitateappliedexperientiallearningasakeystonetoourcurriculum.Andwearecommittedtoaprogramthatissteepedincreativeurbandesignandplanningsolutions,strategiesthatpromotesustainableuseoflandandnaturalresources,approachesthatfostersocialequity,andtheidealsofenvironmentaljustice.TheProgram’sshorttermandlong-termgoalsaredescribedbelow.StrategicPlan2019-2022Short-TermGoals(1-4years)Goal1:Ensuremultipleanddiversepathwaysforsustainablesuccess(relatestoStrategicElements1and4).
Rationale-SinceourlastPABreviewin2016,theUPSDprogramhasattractedagrowingnumberofstudents,especiallystudentsfromunder-representedgroups(peopleofcolor,non-traditional,PellGrant-eligible,andfirst-generationstudents).Theincreaseddiversityofstudentsinspiredeffortstoaddressthemultiplerolesplannerscanplayinaddressingsocietalneeds,aswellasincreasingeffortstoprovideacurriculumthataddressesplanningfromtheperspectiveofunder-representedsocialgroups.Studentshaveexpressedgrowinginterestingrassrootsandcommunity-basedplanning,aswellasinaffordablehousingandcommunityandenvironmentaljustice.WhiletheProgramisrelativelysmall,itwasabletointroduceanumberofcoursestoexpandplanningdomainhorizons.Inaddition,theProgramhasstreamlineditsareasofspecializationtoconcentrateintwoimportantplanningsubfields:HazardsPlanning(DisasterRiskReduction)and
GeospatialAnalysis(GIS).TheProgramanticipatesthefutureofferingoftwoadditionalurbanplanningspecializations:“TribalandIndigenousPlanning”and“UrbanDesign.”UPSDfacultyandstudentshavehelpedestablishaDepartmentminorinEnvironmentalJustice,whichwillprovideadditionalcoursesforUPSDstudentsinterestedinfurtheremphasizingsocialequityandenvironmentaljusticeconsiderationsaspartoftheirplanningeducation.Thedevelopment,adoption,andimplementationoftheCollege-wideDiversityandInclusionPlanwasadirectresultofUPSD’searlieradoptionoftheProgram’sdiversityplanandassociatedactivities.AmongthefirstoutcomesoftheattentiongiventodiversitywasthecreationandfillingofaHuxleyCollegeDiversityRecruitment&Retentionspecialist.Thispositionandrelatedactivities,whilerepresentingcriticalfirststeps,havenotyetreachedtheirfullpotentialandrequireexpandedandcontinuedsupportfromProgram,Department,College,andUniversityresources.
Goal2.DevelopPlanningSpecializationtargetingservicetoTribalNations(relatestoStrategicElement1and4).
Rationale-Planning’sservicetoTribalNationshasbeenoneoftheleastdevelopedfieldwithinthedisciplineofplanning,reflectedinthelimitedcontributionintheplanningliteratureontribalplanning.Thereare29federallyrecognizedTribalNationsinWashingtonState,eachwithvaryingdegreesofneedforplanningexpertise.AsapublicWashingtonStateUniversitywithparticularexpertiseintheplanningfield,theUPSDprogramrecognizestheimportancetoaddressthisunmetneedinexpandedplanningeducationthatmaydirectlybenefitTribalNations.ExplorationofintercollegiatecooperationbyofferingaspecializedtrackinplanningtostudentsenrolledintheNorthwestIndianCollege’sTribalGovernanceBAdegreeprogramremainsapriorityfortheUPSDprogram.
Goal3.ImproveProgram,Department,andCollegeclimateforstudents,staff,andfaculty(referstoStrategicElements3and4)
Rationale-Inthelastfewyears,theUniversityhasexperiencedbothariseinsocialjusticeconsciousnessandanincreaseintensionsaroundissuesofrace,gender,sexuality,citizenship,andfreedomofexpression.WhileconflictsaroundsuchissuesaretypicallyaddressedbytheUniversity’sadministration,theCollege,Departments,andProgramshavealsoparticipatedinaddressingstudentconcernsthroughlisteningsessions,facultyandstaffworkshops,anddedicatedmeetingswithadministration,faculty,andstaff.WhileconsensushasnotbeenreachedonthebestwaytoresolvesomeofthecontentiousandpotentiallydisruptiveissuesthathavearisenwithintheUniversity,College,Department,andProgram,facultyandstudentsarecontinuingtoengageinthediscussionsandprocessesthatwillallowustoimprovetheProgram’slearningenvironment.DivisionsandconcernswithintheProgramareamicrocosmofsocietyasawhole.Asplanners,wenotonlyhaveanobligationtoaddressthediverseneedsofthecommunitiesweserve,butwealsopossessthetoolstoaddressthemthroughopencommunication,theidentificationofcommoninterests,andacommitmenttorespectfulandmeaningfulinvolvementofallmembersofthecommunity.
Goal4:AdvanceprogrammaticintegrationwithDepartmentandachievefacilitiesimprovement(relatestoStrategicElements1,5and8)
Rationale-TheProgrambenefitsfromthemultipledisciplinesavailablewithinHuxleyandtheEnvironmentalStudiesDepartmentinanumberofways.AstheCollegecontinuestogrowwithnewhiresandcoursesinthefieldsofenergy,indigenouslandandnaturalresourcemanagement,climatechange,GIS,andadditionalsubdisciplinesrelevanttothefieldofplanning,UPSDshouldevaluateitscurriculumtoexpanditsofferingsinordertoprovidestudentswithadditionaldepthinplanning’ssubfields.
Goal5.ExpandtheProgram’scontributiontoprofessionalandcommunityplanningeducation(relatestoStrategicElements3and7)
Rationale-SincereceivingPABaccreditationin2016,theProgramhasconsiderablyexpandeditsoutreachandinteractionwiththeprofessionalcommunitythroughitsparticipationontheState’sAPABoard,theAPANorthwestSectionBoard,throughitsparticipationinextendedservicelearningprograms,andinotherlocalcommunityengagementcapacities.TheProgramseekstofurtheritsoutreachtotheprofessionalcommunityandinparticular,toassiststudentsinengagingaspre-professionalswithintheregionofprofessionalplanners.
StrategicPlan2019-2022Short-TermGoalsandObjectives(1-4years)Goal1:Ensuremultipleanddiversepathwaysforsustainablesuccess(relatestoStrategicElements1and4)
Objectives1.1UPSDstudentapplication,admissions,graduation,andjobplacementratesaretracked
annually.1.2UPSDdevelopsandadoptsaconcertedmarketingandrecruitmentstrategy.1.3UPSDholdsanannual“IntroductiontoPlanning”workshopthatisopentouniversity
freshmenandsophomoresandisrequiredby1styearUPSDstudentstofamiliarizestudentsofprogramrequirementsandcareeropportunities.
1.4Curriculumandsyllabiarereviewedandstreamlinedtoeliminateredundancyandaddressunmetcurricularneeds.
1.5Apost-graduateworkshopisheldannuallyforcontinuedtraining,skillacquisition,andnetworking.
1.6Electivespecializationsin“TribalandIndigenousPlanning”(seeGoal2)andin“UrbanDesign”aredevelopedandoffered.
ImplementationStrategies1.1ContinuetoworkwithCollegestafftodevelopandimplementamarketingstrategyto
recruithighqualitystudents.1.2ContinuetoworkwithCollegestafftocreateadatabaseoflocal,regional,national,and
internationalemployersforUPSDgraduates.1.3Establishregularstudent-faculty-staffmeetingsforprogramorientation,information
exchange,careeropportunities,andprogramandcurricularupdates.1.4IncreasefundingforWesternUrbanPlannerstosupportexpandedextracurricularactivities.1.5ContinuetoworkwithACSPandAPAtocreateacompendiumofsyllabiasafaculty
instructionalresource.1.6ConductyearlycurriculumassessmentforallUPSDcourses.1.7Explorepracticalityandneedforintroducingadditionalspecializationstocurriculum.BenchmarkMetrics
1.1(2019-2024):Studentprogramsatisfaction2to5yearsaftergraduationatorabove85%assatisfiedorhighlysatisfiedstudents.
1.2(2019-2024):Annuallyupdatecurriculummaptoensureeliminationofunnecessaryredundancy
1.3(2019-2024):Studentretentionatorabove85%1.4(2019-2024):Studentgraduationrateatorlessthan4.3years.1.5(2020-2024):EnrolledstudentsatisfactionwithUPSDprogramandprogramclimate
above75%.1.6(2020-2024):EnrolledminoritystudentsatisfactionwithUPSDprogramandclimate
above75%.1.7(2021-2022):Newspecializationshavebeenidentifiedandcurriculumrevision
preparedforreview.1.8(2022):Thepercentageofgraduateswhoareemployedwithinoneyearofgraduation
inprofessionalplanning,planning-relatedpositionsexceeds40%ofgraduates.1.9(2024):ThenumbersthatpasstheAICPexamwithin7yearsofgraduationexceeds5%
ofcohort.
Goal2.DevelopPlanningSpecializationtargetingservicetoTribalNations(relatestoStrategicElement1and4)
Objectives2.1Identifyappropriate400-and500-levelplanningandplanning-relatedcoursessupportinga
specializationbenefittingTribalNation’sunmetplanningneeds.2.2EvaluateprogramcapacitytoaccommodateadditionalNWICstudentstoprogram.
ImplementationStrategies2.1WorkwithNorthwestIndianCollege’stribalgovernanceprogramtodevelopagraduate
degreeinplanning,emphasizingtribalplanning.2.2Identifysystemsforreciprocalagreementsontuitionandcreditexchange.
BenchmarkMetric2.1By2021,acooperativecurriculumwithNorthwestIndianCollege,leadingtowarda
specializationinplanningappropriatetotheTribalReservationsituation,isinplaceanditsimplementationisinprocess.
Goal3.ImproveProgram,Department,andCollegeclimateforstudents,staff,andfaculty(referstoStrategicElements3and4)
Objectives:3.1Ensurerecruitmentandretentionratesofstudentsfromunder-representedsocial
backgroundsareatorabovelocalandstatelevels.3.2Conductannualassessmentofstudentattitudestowardssocialclimate.3.3StrengthenUPSDcurriculumintheareasofjusticeandequity.3.4ExpandStudentLearningObjectivestoembracethevaluesofequityandjustice3.5ExpandaccesstosocialjusticeandculturalsensitivitytrainingtoUPSDfacultyandstudents.3.6InitiatequarterlyFaculty-studentopeninformalsessionsoncampus.3.7ContinueannualsocialeventswithUPSDfaculty(tenure-andnon-tenuretrack)and
students.3.8InitiateannualassessmentandtrackingofFacultysatisfactionwithUPSDclimate.
ImplementationStrategies3.1Continuethecurrentannual“exit”surveyforUPSDstudentsincludesanassessmentof
climate.3.2ImplementanannualclimatesurveyisimplementedforallUPSDstudentsandmatchesthe
climateassessmentinthe“exit”survey.3.3IntegrateStudentLearningObjectivesaddressingthevaluesofsocialequityandinclusionare
adoptedandincorporatedintothecurriculum.3.4Instituteopen,informalsessionsandsocialeventseveryquarter/year,andtheeventsare
advertisedthroughstudentinformationalmaterials,facultyannouncements,andtheWesternPlannersClub.
3.5ImplementinterviewsorsurveysoffacultytodeterminesatisfactionwiththeworkingclimateoftheProgram.
3.6ContinuetoworkwithCollegeandUniversityresourcestoprovideaccesstosocialjusticeandculturalsensitivitytrainingforfacultyandstudentsthroughDepartmentresourcessupportingteaching,scholarshipandservice.
BenchmarkMetrics3.1By2020,studentsurveyinstrumentswillimplementquestionsassessingsocialandpolitical
climate.3.2By2021,theUPSDprogramadoptsprogramStudentLearningObjectivesthataddressthe
valuesofequityandinclusioninallcourses.3.3By2021,UPSDpublicinformationshallannuallyreportonstudentclimatesurveyresults.3.4Programfacultyarereviewedontheircontributionstodiversity,equity,andjusticein
teaching,scholarship,andservice.3.5By2021,UPSDwillhaveinstitutedquarterlyinformalfaculty-studentsessionsandannual
socialevents.3.6By2022,surveysindicateamajorityofstudentsandfacultyrateUPSDprogramclimate
acceptableandresponsivetostudentandfacultyconcerns.Goal4:AdvanceprogrammaticintegrationwithDepartmentandachievefacilitiesimprovement(relatestoStrategicElements1,5and8)
Objectives4.1Similartoitsapproachinfocusingitscurrentelectivespecializationindepartmentresources
suchasGISandDisasterRiskReduction,theProgramshouldevaluateadditionalspecializedclustersthatincludeemergingsubdisciplines,includingsocialandenvironmentaljustice,sustainableenergy,urbandesign,andclimatechange.
4.2TheProgrampursuescollaborationwithCollegeinstitutesandresearchcentersthatcanbemutuallybeneficialinprovidingexpandedstudenttrainingandcollaborativeresearchopportunities.
4.3TheProgramcontinuestoworktoensuresufficientfundstosupportstudent,facultydevelopment,andnewhiring.
4.4TheProgramworkstowardthedevelopmentofaminorinurbanplanning.ImplementationStrategies4.1FundingforadditionalFTEissoughttoexpandthecurriculum,inparticular,tooffermore
classesinhousing,communitydevelopment,andTribalplanning.4.2Additionalstudiospaceisprovidedforincreasedenrollmentandtosupporttechnology.4.3Facultyhaveaccesstotailoreddevelopmentandmentoringprograms.
4.4TheUEPisrevisedtoreflectclearerexpectationsforfacultypromotionandtenureintheareasofscholarship,teaching,andprofessionalactivities.
4.5Programdirectorpositionissupportedandrewardedbycollegeanddepartmentadministration.
BenchmarkMetrics4.1(2020):UPSDhasadedicatedannualbudgetof$60,000tosupportNTTteachingneeds,
studentclubactivities,facultyandstudentdevelopment,PABaccreditationcompliance,andprogramequipmentandsupplies.
4.2(2021)DevelopafeasibilityanalysisforaUPSDProgramintermsofcapacity/enrollmenttargets,curricularofferings,resourcesavailable/needed.
4.3(2021)IdentifythemostsuitableconfigurationforaUPSDProgramwithrespecttoemphasesandfacultycompositionandappointment.
4.4(2021)Expandtheprogram’surbanplanningstudiospace,toprovidesecuredspacefortechnologysupportingthestudio.
4.5(2022)Securecollegeanduniversitysupporttoincreaseadmissiontoupto35undergraduatestudentsperyear.
4.6(2022)Gainapprovalofaminorinurbanplanning.4.7(2023)Workwithdepartment,college,anduniversityadministrationtosecuresupportfor
planningprogramwithMastersandUndergraduatedegrees.Goal5.ExpandtheProgram’scontributiontoprofessionalandcommunityplanningeducation(relatestoStrategicElements3and7)
Objectives5.1Providelocal,regional,andnationalspeakerstotheHuxleySpeakersProgram,toaddress
timelyurbanplanningtopics.5.2Hostanannual“locallanduse”trainingsessioninsponsorshipwithAPAWashingtonandthe
PlanningAssociationofWashingtonandreachouttohostAPANorthwestSectionplanners’forums.
5.3Evaluateopportunitiestohosttrainingandconferenceprogramsforthebenefitofstudents,localprofessionalplanners,AICPcontinuedmaintenancecredit,andthegeneralpublic.
ImplementationStrategies5.1ContinueworkingwiththeAPAWashingtonChapterandtheNorthwestSectionBoardto
identifywaystoengagestudentswithprofessionalplanners.5.2IdentifywithAPANWSectionBoardtrainingtopicsandvenuesforWWUfacultyto
lead/facilitate.Benchmark5.1By2020,theUPSDprogramcommitteewillproviderecommendationsforplanningspeakers
toparticipateintheweeklyHuxleySpeakersprogram.5.2By2022,theUPSDprogramwillhavehostedAPAWANWSectionquarterlymeetingon
campusandsecuredAICPCMproviderstatusforcurriculumdelivery.5.3By2022,theProgramCommitteewillhasorganizedanannualWinterquarterpanel
discussionwithAdvisoryBoardmemberstodiscussstudentpreparationinapplyingforentrylevelplanningpositionsupongraduation.
C.ProgrammaticAssessment: TheProgram,ortheDepartmentinwhichitresides,shallhaveaclearlydefinedapproach,methodology,andindicatorsformeasuringtheProgram’ssuccessin
achievingthegoalsarticulatedinitsstrategicplan.Specifically,performanceindicatorsandtheirresultsshallbereportedateachaccreditationreviewintheareaslistedbelow,inadditiontothosethatarecontainedwithintheProgram’sstrategicplan.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion1C:
FocusoftheUPSDCurriculumTheProgramconsistsofanurbanplanningcore,anenvironmentalstudiescore,andspecializationelectives,aswellasminors.TheenvironmentalstudiescoreincorporatestheinterdisciplinaryfoundationofHuxleyCollege’sapproachtothestudyoftheenvironmentandservesasanoverarchingdisciplinaryfocusforoururbanplanningstudents.Theurbanplanningcorecurriculumconcentratesstudiesinurbanplanninggeneralknowledge,publicpolicydevelopment,landuseandenvironmentallaw,methodsandprocessesofplanning,decisionmaking,planninghistory,values,andtheoryandpracticum,designedtomeetthePABcurriculumstandards.Thespecializationelectivecomponentprovidesforstudentstoelectanareaofspecializedinterestoraminorinoneormoresubfieldsofplanning,ortoselectfromthematicallyorientedclustersofelectivecourses,withFacultyadvisorapproval.
TheProgramemphasizesaconcernforprogressivechangethatisneededtofurtherthedesignofequitable,healthful,livable,andsustainablecommunitiesforpresentandfuturegenerations.Thecurriculumcombinesurbanplanning,sustainabledesign,environmentalpolicyandanalysis,andenvironmentalsciencetoprovidestudentswithasolidunderstandingofthelinkagesbetweenurbanandnaturalsystemsandthemultidimensionalproblemsconfrontedinurbandevelopment.Advancedstudioclassesarepartneredwithlocalgovernmentsandnon-profitorganizationsincollaborativestudioworkshopsthatexaminesustainabledevelopmentproblemsandsolutionsforcommunities.Ourprofessionalpartners,severalwhoareAPAand/orAICPmembers,supplementtheteachingfacultyaslecturingguestfacultyandmentorsinourseniorlevelplanningstudioclasses.Asaprofessionalmajor,graduatesarepreparedforcareersinpublicplanningagencies,consultingfirms,andnonprofitcivilsocietyorganizationsatthelocal,state,andfederallevelsofgovernment,aswellasforgraduatestudy.Withinenrollmentlimits,studentsareacceptedintotheUPSDmajorbasedonanapplicationthatrequiresthemtodemonstratetheirpotentialtointegratesustainablethinking,urbandesign,socialequalityconcerns,andenvironmentalsystemsprinciples.
ProcessforProgramReviewAsafirststepintheprocessofannualProgramreview,theStrategicPlanemphasizesfacilitatingstudentunderstandingabouttheProgramstructureanditsrequirements.Thisisaccomplishedthroughinformationalhandouts,publicmeetingswithplanningstudents,andwebsitepostings.Informationexchangeisessentialtosupportingstudentrecruitmentandretention.TheseinformationalmaterialsexplainhowtheProgramapplicationprocessworks,summarizethestructureandrationaleofthecurriculum,provideguidanceinschedulingstudents’courseselectionsequence,andprovidedisclosurestatementsregardingprogramcostsandduration.Weemphasizethedevelopmentofastrongcohortgroupofplanningmajorsfromthetimestudentsarefirstintroducedtotheirpeersintheirfirstquarteroftheirjunioryear,andprogressivelyengageincohortcollaborationinseniorlevelplanningstudios,capstonecourses,andotherproject-basedcoursework,creatingastrongidentifyforthecohortgroup.PublicinformationabouttheProgramispostedontheHuxleyCollegeUPSDwebsite.TheProgramCommitteemeetsregularlytoreviewandrevise,asnecessary,theProgram’sstrategicplan.TheProgramCommitteealsoconvenesannuallyinaretreatformatwiththeWesternUrbanPlannersclubandtheprogram’sprofessionalAdvisoryBoardtofurtherevaluateandrefinetheStrategic
Plan.ReviewandassessmentoutcomesfromthesemeetingsinformsubsequentrevisionstotheStrategicPlan.
StudentLearningAssessmentSeveralassessmentinstrumentsareusedtoassessstudentlearningandskillsacquisitionspecifictothegoalsoftheProgram.AssessmenttoolsincludetheevaluationofSLOs,studentcourseevaluations,surveyinstruments,andacomprehensiveentryandgraduationexitexam.StudentLearningObjectivesAssessmentInthefirstmeasurementofevaluation,theProgramannuallyperformsinternalassessmentsofSLOs,basedontheassessmentplanforassessingbothPABandProgramspecificstudentlearningobjectives.TomapstudentprogressandmasteryofSLOsthroughtheprogram,theProgramCommitteeidentifiesjuniorandseniorlevelcoursestoassessIn2018,theprogramevaluatedSLOsintheGeneralPlanningKnowledgecategory.Forourassessment,threecourseswereexamined:ENVS361–IntroductiontoPlanning(finalpaperandfinalexam–multiplechoice);ENVS443–TheUrbanEnvironment(finalpaper);andENVS461–LandUseLaw(finalexam).ENVS361and443wereusedtomapstudentlearningbetweenjuniorandseniorlevelcoursesforspecifiedSLOs.Toconducttheassessment,twofaculty,notassociatedwiththecourses,collectedthesyllabi,reviewedthemforassignments,andrequestedcopiesofstudentworkfromthetop(2),middle(2)andbottom(2)tiersineachcourseforatotalofsixsamplesfromeachcourse.ArubricisusedtoassessprogressinachievingSLOs.StudioEvaluationAsecondmeasurementofevaluationexaminesappliedplanningstudio,experiential,andcapstonecourseswhichareevaluatedasfacultycollaborativeefforts.Theobjectivesofthesecoursesincludethefollowing:
▪ Challengingstudentstoproducesolutionstocomplexurbanandenvironmentalproblemsthroughstudiobasedproblemsolvingclasses;
▪ Developingplanconceptformulationskills,aidedbycritiqueandassessment;;▪ Producingandpresentingcollaborativecreativework;▪ Applyingknowledgegainedintheprogram;▪ Applyingacademictraininginprofessionalsettingsthroughinternships;and▪ Assessing,evaluating,andaddressinginternationalcommunityproblemsthrough
internationalstudy.StudioprojectdevelopmentiscritiquedthroughoutthestudioexperiencebyProgramfaculty,alumni,professionalplanners,andcommunityclientrepresentatives,providingstudentswithcontinuousevaluationandfeedbackregardingtheirproblemidentificationskillsandsolution-makingprocess.Evaluationofstudentlearningoccursintheassessmentoffinalproductsandinpresentationsofplanningconceptsdeliveredinpublicmeetings.
StudentCourseEvaluations.Athirdmeasurementoflearningobjectivesachievementiscarriedoutthroughstudentcourseevaluations.Studentsevaluateeachcourseattheendofthequarter,andtheevaluationreportsaremadeavailabletothefacultyandreviewedbytheprogram.Theevaluationprovidesassessmentofcoursesandisvaluableinconsideringrevisionstocurriculumorchangestothedeliveryofcoursematerialinatimelymanner.
WWUExitSurveys
AfourthmeasurementoflearningobjectivesachievementisconductedthroughanexitsurveyquestionnaireforgraduatingUPSDmajors.TheUniversity’sannualsurveyofgraduatingstudentsassessesstudent-learningoutcomesingeneralUniversityeducation.AdditionalquestionsissuedonlytoUPSDgraduatesareincludedinthesurveytoassessacquisitionoftheProgram’sstudentlearningobjectives.AnnualUPSDProgramSurveysAfifthmeasurementofachievementisprovidedthroughperiodic(usuallyannual)surveysofcurrentstudentsandalumnitoassessachievementinSLOs,evaluationoftheProgram’sstructureandcontent,and,forgraduates,successinfindingajobinaplanningorrelatedfieldorenrollmentingraduateeducation.ComprehensiveEntrance/ExitExamAsixthmeasureofachievementisthecomprehensiveentranceandexitexaminationforjuniorsenteringtheProgramandseniorsabouttograduate,inordertotestplanningknowledge,skillsandvaluesobtainedpriorandpostcurriculum.Theentry/exitexamisintendedtoprovideabaselineformeasuringachievementsgainedoverthe2-yearcurriculum.Questionsaddress“generalplanningknowledge”regardingthepurposeandmeaningofplanning,planningtheory,history,andlaw,aswellasconsiderationsoffutures,andtheglobalcontextofplanning.Asectionon“planningskills”posequestionsrelatingtoplanningresearchandtechnicalwritingskills,qualitativeandquantitativemethods,planmakingandimplementationmethods,andleadershipskills.A“valuesandethics”sectionincludequestionsaddressingprofessionalplanningethics,governanceandparticipation,sustainabilityprinciples,environmentalquality,growthmanagement,andsocialjusticeconsiderationsinplanning.
(SeeAdditionalInformation:UPSDProgramAssessmentAI-13.
1) GraduateSatisfaction: TheProgramshalldocumentthepercentageofgraduates who,twotofiveyearsaftergraduation,reportbeingsatisfiedorhighlysatisfied withhowtheProgrampreparedthemfortheircurrentemployment.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion1)GraduateSatisfaction:
TheProgramregularlydistributesanonlinesurveytoprogramgraduates.Themostrecentsurveyconductedin2019shows85%ofourgraduatesindicatedanoverallsatisfactionratingwiththeProgram,andabout80%wouldrecommendtheprogramtoothers.About75%ofourgraduatesindicatedtheprogrampreparedthemforprofessionalcareerseithermoderatelywellorverywell.About80%alsofelttheybenefitedfromtheProgram'sPABaccreditation.
In a survey conducted in 2018 of Program graduates between 2014-2018, over 95% indicated their satisfaction with the program (good to excellent).
2) GraduateServicetoCommunityandProfession: TheProgramshallprovide evidenceofgraduates’contributionstomeetingcommunityneedsandto providingservicetotheplanningprofession.Evidencefortheseshallbeobtained between2and5yearsaftergraduation.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion2)GraduateServicetoCommunityandProfession:
TheProgramtracksourgraduates’careerpaththroughonlinesurveysaswellasfollowupcommunications.Surveyresponsesindicateawiderangeofservicestocommunitiesourgraduatesserve,aswellastotheprofession.OurgraduateshavelargelyfoundprofessionalemploymentinpublicandprivatesectorplanningpositionsthroughoutWashingtonState,andforasmallerpercentageofourgraduates,inotherstates.Ourgraduatesserveinawidearrayofplanningcapacities,rangingfromplanningagencydirectorsorentry-levelplannerswithdevelopmentandconsultingfirms.Several
graduatesholdelectedpositionsintheWashingtonChapteroftheAmericanPlanningAssociationandtheNorthwestSectionofAPA.Asnapshotofour2014-2018graduatesthatfoundcareersintheservicetolocalcommunitiesisillustratedinthetablebelow.Thedataindicatesnearly70%ofgraduatesfoundplanningorplanningrelatedcareersintheservicetolocalcommunitieswithin1yearofgraduation.
.
3) StudentRetentionandGraduationRates:TheProgramshallreportstudent retentionandgraduationrates(includingnumberofdegreesproducedeachyear) relativetotheprogramenrollmentandtotargetssetbytheprogram.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion3)StudentRetentionandGraduationRates:
Theurbanplanningprogrammaintainsaconsistentlevelofstudentenrollment,retention,andgraduationrates.Dataoverthepast10yearsshowanincreasedlevelinprogramapplications,enrollments,anddegreesgranted.Enrollmentshaveincreasedfrom2008fromabout30students(combined2-yearcohort)and10degreesgranted,to50students(combined2-yearcohort)in2018with25degreesgranted.Theprogramhasaveraged48studentsoverthepast7years,orabout24studentsperjuniorandseniorcohortyear.Ourretentionratesaresimilarlyverysolid.Wehavefound,underourHuxleyadmissionprocedurethat
encouragesmorefreshmanandsophomorestodeclareaPhaseIearlyinterestinaHuxleymajor,overallhigherenrollmentsinourentrylevelcourses,whichprovidesstudentswithanintroductiontotheUrbanPlanningmajoraswellastothenatureofHuxleyCollegemajors.Forexample,enrollmentsintheIntroductioninPlanningcourserosefivefoldoverthepastdecadefromapproximately30studentsperyeartoapproximately150studentsperyear(largelyduetoprovidingentrytobothplanningandnonplanningmajors).OnlyafterstudentshaveappliedandhavebeenacceptedintotheUrbanPlanningmajorcantheygainadmissionthecoreplanningcourses.Typically,asmallpercentageofstudentsmaydecidethatplanningisnottherightmajorforthem,andthusmayelecttoselectanothermajor.Generally,theurbanplanningprogram’smorerecentretentionrates(7yearperiod)arenearly100%forthosestudentsgrantedadmissiontotheprogramandcommencingtheprograminthefalloftheirjunioryear.Studentsthatwithdrewfromtheprogramafteradmissionoverthepastdecadehastypicallyaveragedlessthan5%.
4) GraduateEmployment:TheProgramshalldocumentthepercentageoffulltime graduateswhoareemployedwithinoneyearofgraduationinprofessional planning,planning-relatedorotherpositions,andthedefinitionsthereof.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion4)GraduateEmployment:
Thefollowingsurveydata,generatedfroma2019surveyofgraduatessince2014,indicatedover50%ofourgraduateswereabletobecomeemployedinaplanningorplanningrelatedfieldwithin1yearofgraduation.Virtuallyallemployedgraduatesfoundprofessionaljobsincityandcountyplanningagenciesorwithprivateconsultingfirms.MostpositionswerelocatedinWashingtonState.ThetablebelowfromaWWUuniversitysurveyofgraduatesshowsthepercentageofstudentsemployedintheirfieldsostudyandaveragestartingsalaries.
Thetablebelowillustratestherangeofplanningpositionsofferingemploymenttoourgraduates(2018Programsurvey).
5) GraduateCertification:TheProgramshalldocumentthepercentage,basedonthe numberwhotakeit,ofmaster’sgraduateswhopasstheAICPexamwithin5years ofgraduation,and/orthepercentageofbachelor’sgraduateswhopasstheAICP examwithin7yearsofgraduation.Iftheprogrambelievesthatalternative credentialsaremeaningfultoitsgoalsandobjectives,theprogrammay supplementitsAICPdata.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion5)GraduateCertification:
SincetheMay2014AICPexamdate,20studentshaveattemptedtheAICPexamand17havepassed,and85%passrate.Inarecent2019surveyofgraduates,nearly40%ofourgraduatesindicatedtheyintendtoapplytotaketheexamwhentheybecomeeligible.
6) StrategicPlan: TheProgramshalldocumentanyotheroutcomesidentifiedinits strategicplan.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion6)StrategicPlan:
TheUPSDProgramfirstadopteditsstrategicplanin2015,withsubsequentrevisionsadoptedinMarch2016and2019.This2019StrategicPlanrespondstoprogramneedsandtoissuesidentifiedbytheUPSDProgramCommittee(comprisedofProgramfaculty,studentrepresentatives,andtheCollegeDean),theWWUUrbanPlannersClub,UPSDstudents,theUPSDProfessionalAdvisoryBoard(AdvisoryBoard),andthePlanningAccreditationBoard’s2016accreditationevaluation,asmorefullypresentedinsections1Aand1Babove.
D.StudentLearningOutcomesAssessment: TheProgram,ortheDepartmentinwhichitresides,shallhaveaclearlydefinedapproach,methodology,andindicatorsformeasuringstudentlearningoutcomesfortheexpectedknowledge,skills,attitudes,competencies,andhabitsofmindthatstudentsareexpectedtoacquire.Evidenceshouldclearlyidentifythelearningoutcomessoughtandachievedforstudentsateithercohortoryearlevelovertheaccreditationreviewperiod.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion1D:
1D.StudentLearningOutcomeAssessmentTheProgram’smeasurementandassessmentandstudentlearningoutcomeshasbeenupdatedtomorefullyaddressthiscriterion.Severalmeasurementinstrumentsassessingstudentlearningwereintegratedintheprogram’sassessmentplan,includingtheformulationofrubricsforevaluatingstudentlearninginannualreviewsofcourses;theimplementationofacomprehensiveentranceandexitexaminationissuedtoallincomingjuniorsandgraduatingseniors,andtheinclusionofstudentlearningoutcomesassociatedwitheachcourse.Theseadditionalassessmenttoolscomplementaseriesofsurveyinstrumentsemployedtoevaluatestudentlearning,thecurriculum,andemploymentplacementupongraduation.Surveystargetcurrentstudents,recentgraduates,andalumnioftheprogram.Evaluationisessentialtodetermineifthegoalsforourprogramsandcoursesarebeingmet.Asafirststeptoassessment,weidentifytheattributesofaHuxleygraduate.Theseattributesaretheresultofachievingexpectedlearneroutcomesincourseworkandotherexperiences(suchasinternshipsandcapstonecourses).TheLearningObjectivesforstudentsintheurbanplanningprogramincludethefollowingindicatorsforlearningthecoreknowledge,skills,andvaluesoftheprofession,asoutlinedintheProgram’sMasterAssessmentPlan.AStudentLearningAssessmentCommitteefortheUrbanPlanningprogramiscomprisedofUPSDfacultyandotherDepartmentfacultymembers.ThestudentlearningindicatorsincludebothDepartmentandUrbanPlanningProgram-learningobjectives:
MasterAssessmentPlan:Program:UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentDepartmentStudentLearningObjectives(SLO):Upongraduation,DepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesstudents(ineachofourmajors)willbeableto:
• ENVS1:Ethicallyevaluatesocialprioritiesandtheirrisksinthecontextifenvironmentalproblemsolving.
• ENVS2:Applyanintegrativeapproachtowardsunderstandinghuman-environmentinteractions.• ENVS3:Workcollaborativelytoidentifyandanalyzecomplexenvironmentalproblems,
recognizediversestakeholderperspectives,andsynthesizecreativesolutions.• ENVS4:Transferacademiclearningtoareal-worldcontextofconstraintsandopportunities.• ENVS5:Produce,interpretandapplyresearchtoanenvironmentalsolutioncontext.
• ENVS6:Analyzeandcommunicateideaseffectivelyinoral,written,andvisualforms.UrbanPlanningStudentLearningObjectives(SLO):Upongraduation,UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajorswillbeableto:
• UP1:Produce,interpretandapplyresearchinanurban-solution-orientedcontext.• UP2:Understandthelegal,procedural,theoretical,ideological,andpoliticalprocessesthat
shapetheurbanenvironment.• UP3:Meditatetheprocessesofconflictandcollaborationamongpublicandprivate
stakeholdersinurbanplanning,• UP4:Applysustainabledevelopmentmethodstoachievegreaterbalanceinhumanand
environmentalinteraction.• UP5:Demonstrateanabilitytoworkincollaborativelyandinsituationsinvolvinguncertainty,
diversity,andrisk.• UP6:Demonstrateeffectivedesignandcommunicationsskillsinpreparingplanproposalsthat
improveurbanlife.AdditionalDepartment-levelSLOsfromtheDepartmentmissionstatementthatcouldbeassessedatprogramlevelinclude:
• Graduatesaregoodcommunicators• Graduatespossessskillsneededtoenterprofessionalpracticeorgraduatestudy.
Threecommoncomponentsoflearningreflectedintheseattributesareofinterestacrosstheurbanplanningcurriculum:contentknowledge,intellectualdevelopment,andproblemsolvingskills.Togetherthesereflectimportantgoalsforallofourcourses.OneexampleofassessmentofthesegoalsisperformedfortheHuxleycorefoundationclassesaswellastheurbanplanningcoreclasses.Inrecentyears,studentachievementoftheabovelearninggoalswassystematicallyassessedusingaproblemsolvingessayandaknowledgeassessmentinstrument.Contentanalysisoftheessaysrevealedtheuseofproblemsolvingsteps.ThecorefoundationcourseswerealsoprofessionallyscoredasthestandardizedMeasureofIntellectualDevelopment(MID)bynationallycertifiedjudges,andtheUPSDfacultyevaluatedplanningcorecourses.TheKnowledgeAssessmentmeasuredgainsinunderstandingofconceptsandcontentinthecourse.Theresultsoftheevaluationshowedgainsinallthecoursesthatweretaught.Theassessmentinstrumenttapsthecomplexityofthinkingaboutachallengingproblem–theresultsshowthatthecourseprompteddevelopmentawayfromsimplisticthinkingaboutenvironmentalandurbanplanningproblems.TheProblemSolvingscoresandtheKnowledgeAssessmentshowedbothstrongandweakareasacrossthefullrangeofinterdisciplinarycontent,andwereusedtoimprovecoursedesignanddelivery.Otherassessmentofstudentlearninginclude:
• EvaluationofCapstonecourses.ThecomplexityofthinkinganddepthofcourseworkindicatestowhatextentthestudenthasbeenabletointegratestudyatHuxleyintoreal-worldproblemsolving.
• EvaluationofInternshipsandfinalprojects.ThesecontaintheelementsoftheentiresuiteofskillsaHuxleygraduateshouldhave.Advisorsapprovetheinternshipreportsandfinalprojectsinlightofthegoalstatementsthatthestudentandinternshipmentorspecifies.
• Development,implementation,andadministrationofstudentandalumnaesurvey.Thesesurveysofferdetailedinformationonthesuccessofourgraduates,andstrengthsorweaknessesoftheprogram,asexpressedbythegraduatesaswellasdataconcerningemploymentupon
graduation.• Studententranceandexitcomprehensiveexaminations.Anexamdeliveredviatheonline
Canvasplatform,isissuedtoincomingUPSDmajorsduringthefallquarteroftheirJunioryear,andagainduringthespringquarteroftheirsenioryear.Theexamiscomprisedof100questionsthatreflectcontentfrommostoftheplanningcurriculum.Thequestionbankcontainsover150questionsandquestionsarearbitrarilyselectedateachtestingperiod.
• UseofUrbanPlanningProgramAdvisoryBoard,whichcounselsonthereal-worldutilityofcertainfeaturesofourcurricula,andtheattributesofasuccessfulurbanplanninggraduate.
StudentSurveyInstrumentsSurveyinstrumentsprovideanimportantmeasurementofstudentlearningsuccess.Thefollowingchartssummarizetheresultsofsurveysconductedin2016-2018.ThesurveymeasuredsixprogramStudentLearningObjectivesregardinggainedknowledgeandskillsin:1)issuesofconflictandcollaboration;2)designskills;3)theoreticalandsocialjustice;4)writingandcommunicationskills;5)applyingmethodsandprinciples;and6)legal,political,andproceduralaspectsofplanning.
StudentLearningObjectivesAssessed:TheurbanplanningprogramandtheDepartmentannuallyperformsinternalassessmentsofstudentlearningobjectivesrelatingtothecore-planningcurriculum.Thefollowingtablesummarizesthemethodologyusedforassessingtheurbanplanningandenvironmentalstudiesstudentlearningobjectives,andhowtheinformationisusedtofurtherimprovetheprogram.
Measures SLO’s Assessed Use of the Information
Rubric A-guided rating of major paper in ENVS 3051 UP 1 &
ENVS 1
Summaries of student performance, relative to the SLO, are reported to the Chair/assessment coordinator by faculty teaching ENVS 305. The Chair/coordinator summarizes responses for the Department. The faculty will decide the need for, and content of, an improvement plan that responses to the results.
Rubric B-guided rating of student product from ENVS 303; and rating of a program-specific 400-level course product 2
ENVS 2
Students take different courses from among a few options that contribute to this SLO, which should characterize the Department graduates broadly. To determine the pattern of achievement of this SLO the first time it is assessed we will compare a sample of student performance on written products from a Department core course (ENVS 303) with a sample of student performance on at least one program-specific 400 level course using the same Rubric. Summaries of results will be reported to the Chair / assessment coordinator by faculty teaching the courses. These data are summarized, shared, and acted upon, as described for other ENVS 1, above. Information may be used to modify required courses, and/or course content, and future assessment decisions.
Self-report instrument administered to students at conclusion of Capstone courses3
ENVS 3 Instructors of capstone courses tabulate student responses and summarize main themes for the Chair/assessment coordinator. These data are summarized, shared, and acted upon, as described for ENVS 1, above.
Assessment of experiential application write up4
ENVS 4 Advisors forward to Chair/assessment coordinator all students’ responses to standard experiential application report prompt; responses summarized and acted upon as described above. Alumni are asked to self-report adequacy of their skill, knowledge & dispositions provided by their degree, as measured by their job
Alumni survey performance. These data are summarized, shared and acted upon, as described above.
Assessment of experiential applied learning in ENVS 472. Planning Studio I. Final plan and presentation project
UP 1
Program faculty define program-specific instantiations of this Departmental objectives, construct measures of them, gather data, and summarize student performance. Together with other program-specific learning outcomes enumerated below, these data are shared and discussed with program and Departmental faculty and result in the creation of a program improvement plan.
Assessment of theories and principles in ENVS 462 Planning theory final paper
UP 2 Patterns of student understanding and cogent use of goals, theories, practice & history of urban planning will be summarized by instructor and presented to program faculty. This information will be discussed and acted upon by course and program faculty.
Assessment in Methods and practices in ENVS 457. Dispute Resolution. Exams and/or final project reports
UP 3
Summary results of analysis of student products according to rubric will be done by course instructors and presented to program faculty. This information will be discussed and acted upon by course and program faculty.
Assessment of experiential applied learning in ENVS 472. Planning Studio I. Final plan and presentation project
UP 3, 4, 5, 6
ENVS 2, 3, 5
Summary results of analysis of student products according to rubric will be done by course instructors and presented to program faculty. This information will be discussed and acted upon by course and program faculty. This studio based problem solving class challenges students to produce comprehensive solutions to complex urban and environmental problems.
Assessment of experiential applied learning in ENVS 473. Planning Studio II. Final plan and presentation project
UP 4, 5, 6
ENVS 2, 3, 5
Summary results of analysis of student products according to rubric will be done by course instructors and presented to program faculty. This information will be discussed and acted upon by course and program faculty. This studio based problem solving class challenges students to produce comprehensive solutions to complex urban and environmental problems.
Assessment of principles and theories in ENVS 370. Planning history. Final exam and/or paper
UP 2
ENVS 3
Summary results of analysis of student products according to rubric will be done by course instructors and presented to program faculty. This information will be discussed and acted upon by course and program faculty.
Assessment of principles and theories in ENVS 461. Land Use Law. Final Paper
UP 2
ENVS 4
Summary results of analysis of student products according to rubric will be done by course instructors and presented to program faculty. This information will be discussed and acted upon by course and program faculty.
Notes:
• RubricAforassessingstudentproductsforENVS1• RubricBforassessingstudentproductsforENVS2willfocusonunderstandingofnaturalsystem
concepts,understandingofhumansystemconcepts,abilitytointerpretinteractionsbetweenthesesystemsatdifferentlevelsoforganizationandacrossspaceandtime,andabilitytointegratetheoretical
perspectivestoproducecomprehensiveandmulti-facetedexplanations.• RubricCwillbegeneratedforuseinscoringtheitemsrelatedtoaCapstoneself-reportforENVS3.
Questionnairewilltapeachstudent’sself-perceptionsof:preparationforteamwork;strengthsandweaknessesofteam’sworktomaintainitselfandachievegoals;individual’sabilitytounderstandandworkacrossdisciplinesandothersocialperspectives;andabilityofthestudenttodefineproblemsinwaysthatenableeffectivesolutionssuchasdefiningtheprobleminamulti-dimensionalfashion,understandingdiverseperspectives,generatingalternatives,methodicallycomparingalternatives,foreseeingconsequencesanddefendingtheoptionchosenforimplementation.
• Standardpromptincludedinallinstructors’instructionsforexperientialapplicationwriteup:“Comparehowyourcourseworkontheonehand,andyourexperientialapplicationworkontheother,havecontributedtoyourunderstandingofthecreationandapplicationofknowledgeinyourfieldofstudy.”Thisquestionwillbeexaminedtodeterminewhether,how,andtowhatextentstudentstransferredtheiracademicprogramknowledgeandskillstothereal-worldcontext,andhowthatexperiencemayhaveaffectedtheirconceptionsofknowledgeandprofessionalperformanceintheirfield.Appliedtourbanplanningstudiobasedclassassessments.
• EssaysinUP2,3,and4inPlanningTheory,LandUseLaw,PlanningHistoryclasseswillbeanalyzedforpatternsofstudentunderstandingandcogentsynthesisofhistory,goals,theories,methodsandresearchbaseofurbanplanning.
• PlanningStudio(IandII)andDisputeResolutionprojectswillbeassessedondimensionsof:experientialpedagogicalfoundations;accurateandcompletesocio-ecologicalknowledgefoundations;proceduralorganizationofplan;engaginglearners,andabilitytoworkinacohortteamenvironment.Criteriaforeachdimension(exemplary/adequate/inadequate)willbedefinedbyascoringrubric.
• PlanningStudioprojects(IandII)willbeassessedforuseofeffectiveexperientialinstructionalmethods&writtenandgraphicpresentationandcommunicationtechniques.Criteriaforeachdimension(exemplary/adequate/inadequate)willbedefinedbyascoringrubric.
2019SLOsAssessmentEvaluationTheUrbanPlanningProgramannuallyperformsinternalassessmentsofStudentLearningObjectives.Table1belowsummarizesthescheduleforassessingbothPABandUrbanPlanningProgramstudentlearningobjectives,andhowtheinformationisusedtofurtherimprovetheprogram.InAY20-21,TheProgramwillreviewtheassessmentplan,lookingatareasforimprovement,aswellasdetailingcourseadjustmentsbasedonassessmentfindings.
PABSLO UPSDSLO Course(s) AssessmentYear
1.GeneralPlanningKnowledge
a.Purpose&MeaningofPlanning UPSD2* ENVS361ENVS443
AY17-18
b.PlanningTheory UPSD2 ENVS361ENVS443
AY17-18
c.PlanningLaw UPSD2 ENVS461 AY17-18
d.HumanSettlements&HistoryofPlanning UPSD2 ENVS361ENVS443
AY17-18
e.TheFuture UPSD4 ENVS361ENVS443
AY17-18
f.GlobalDimensionsofPlanning ENVS443 AY17-18
2.PlanningSkills
a.Research UPSD1 AY18-19
b.Written,OralandGraphicCommunication UPSD6 AY18-19
c.QuantitativeandQualitativeMethods UPSD1 AY18-19
d.PlanCreationandImplementation UPSD1&6 AY18-19
e.PlanningProcessMethods UPSD3&5 AY18-19
f.Leadership UPSD5 AY18-19
3.ValuesandEthics
a.ProfessionalEthicsandResponsibility AY19-20
b.Equity,DiversityandSocialJustice AY19-20
c.GovernanceandParticipation UPSD3 AY19-20
d.SustainabilityandEnvironmentalQuality UPSD4 AY19-20
e.GrowthandDevelopment UPSD4 AY19-20
f.HealthandBuiltEnvironment AY19-20
*UPSD1:Produce,interpretandapplyresearchinasolution-orientedcontextUPSD2:Understandthelegal,procedural,theoretical,ideological,andpoliticalprocessesthatshapetheurbanenvironmentUPSD3:MeditatetheprocessesofconflictandcollaborationamongpublicandprivatestakeholdersinurbanplanningUPSD4:ApplysustainabledevelopmentmethodstoachievegreaterbalanceinhumanandenvironmentalinteractionUPSD5:Demonstrateanabilitytoworkincollaborativelyandinsituationsinvolvinguncertainty,diversity,andriskUPSD6:Demonstrateeffectivedesignandcommunicationsskillsinpreparingplanproposalsthatimproveurbanlife
AssessmentApproachTomapstudentprogressandmasteryofSLOsthroughtheprogram,weselectajuniorandseniorlevelcourse(whenapplicable).ForAY17-18,weevaluatedSLOsintheGeneralPlanningKnowledgecategory.Forourassessment,weselectedthreecourses:
● ENVS361–IntroductiontoPlanning(finalpaperandfinalexam–multiplechoice)● ENVS443–TheUrbanEnvironment(finalpaper)● ENVS461–LandUseLaw(finalexam–written)
ENVS361and443wereusedtomapstudentlearningbetweenjunior(361)andsenior(443)levelcoursesforSLOsa,b,d,e,andf(seeTableX.2).Forplanninglaw,weonlyhadoneseniorlevelcoursethatwecouldevaluateSLOc.PlanningLaw(461).Toconducttheassessment,twofaculty,notassociatedwiththecourses,collectedthesyllabi,reviewedthemforassignments,andrequestedcopiesofstudentworkfromthetop(2),middle(2)andbottom(2)tiersineachcourseforatotalofsixsamplesfromeachcourse.TherubricoutlinedinTable2.Xwasusedtoassesscoursematerials.
AssessmentRubricforGeneralPlanningKnowledgecategory&Findings:
SLOArea/Course Neophyte-Unacceptable
Apprentice--Acceptable
Novice--Good Professional--Exemplary
a.PurposeandMeaningofPlanning
Inabilitytorecognizeandclearlyexplaintheoverallpurposeandmeaningofplanning.Unabletoidentifyanddescribemorethanoneplanningapproachtoanissue.
Canidentifyandexplaintheoverallpurposeandmeaningofplanning.Abletoidentifytwoormoreapproachestoaplanningissue.
Demonstratesanabilitytocompareandcontrastdifferentapproachesontheoverallpurposeandmeaningofplanning.
Demonstratesaprofessionalunderstandingandpresentationoftheoverallpurposeandmeaningofplanning.
ENVS361–paper 1 3 2
ENVS443–paper 1 1 2 2
b.PlanningTheory Unabletorecognizethevalueandroleofplanningtheory
Demonstratesanawarenessoftheroleofplanningtheory
Demonstratesaneffectiveunderstandingoftheroleofplanningtheory
Employsahighlydevelopedawarenessofthevalueandapplicationofplanningtheory
ENVS361–paper 6
ENVS443–paper 6
c.PlanningLaw Unfamiliarwiththebasiclegalframeworkforplanning
Showsanawarenessofthefundamentallegalframeworkinvolvedinurbanplanning
Assessthevariouslegalfoundationsusedinplanningpractice
Evaluateandapplyappropriatelegaltechniquestosolvecomplexplanningproblems
ENVS461–exam 1 2 1 2
d.HumanSettlementsandHistoryofPlanning*
Lacksawarenessofthehistoryandcontextofhumansettlementsandplanning
Familiaritywiththehistoryofhumansettlementsanditsroleinplanning
Effectivelyusesplanninghistorytoinformcurrentpractice
Criticallyexaminesurbanhistoryandappliestheknowledgetocontemporaryplanningissues
ENVS361–paper 5 1
ENVS443–paper 2 2 2
e.TheFuture* Unabletolinkplanningpracticewithfutureconditions
Canrecognizetrendsthatmayimpactthefutureofplanning
Abletoanalyzeanddescribetrendsaffectingtheplanningprocess
Abletoanticipatetrendsbasedonempiricalresearchandapplythesetofutureplans
ENVS361–paper 1 3 2
ENVS443–paper 3 1 2
f.GlobalDimensionsofPlanning
Failstorecognizethevalueofalternateapproachestoplanning
Identifyglobalapproachestoplanning
Valueandapplyglobalsolutionstoplanningissues
Discriminateamongalternativeglobalapproachestoplanningandtranslateappropriatetechniquesforlocaluse
ENVS443–paper 2 2 2
*ENVS361–FinalExamhadquestionsthatfellintotheSLOcategoriesofHumanSettlementsandHistoryofPlanningandTheFuture.Top,midandbottomtieredexamswerecollected.FortheHumanSettlementsandHistoryofPlanningquestions,72%ofthestudentsgot100%correct.For“TheFuture”questions,69%ofthestudentsgot100%correct.
AssessmentFindingsTheabovetableshowsthefindingsfromourAY17-18SLOassessmentforGeneralPlanningKnowledge.Wefoundthefollowing:
● NeitherENVS361or443aregoodcoursestoevaluateb.PlanningTheory● Weseeimprovementsinunderstandingbetweenjuniorandseniorlevelcourseworkin
○ a.PurposeandMeaningofPlanning○ d.HumanSettlementsandHistoryofPlanning
● WedonowseethesameimprovementinunderstandingsbetweenENVS361&443fore.TheFuture
● Forc.PlanningLaw,thereisroomforimprovementamongplanningstudentsintermsofunderstandingthelegalcontext;thetoptwoexamssubmittedforreviewwerefromnon-planninggraduatestudents
● Forf.GlobalDimensionsofPlanning,theresultsshowequaldistributionbetweenneophyteandnovice;thereisroomforimprovementinthisarea.
Actionitemsresultingfromassessment:● WewillrequestandreviewcourseassessmentmaterialsfromENVS462–PlanningTheoryto
assessb.PlanningTheory● Wewillmakesureallassessmentmaterialsreceivedforevaluationisworkcompletedby
planningstudents● Theprogramwillworkwithfacultytodiscusstheassessmentplanandassessmentmeasures,so
thatfacultycanadjustassignmentstoinwaysthatwillmakethembetteralignwithrubricsandSLOgoals.
(SeeAdditionalInformation:StudentSatisfactionSurveysAI-16)
E.StrategicIssuesfortheNext5-7Years: TheProgramshall identifythecriticalstepsconsistentwithitsmissionneededtoadvanceitsgoalsandprogressduringthenextaccreditationperiod.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion1E:
StrategicIssues-Objectives5-7Years(2023-2025)Thefollowing7strategicissueswereidentifiedasprioritiesconsistentwiththeUPSDmissiontoadvanceitsgoalsduringthenextaccreditationperiod:
1. Expandcurriculuminareasoftribalplanning,housingpolicy,andcommunitydevelopment.2. Add1.5-2.0FTEfacultytotheplanningfacultytosupportexpandedcurriculum.3. Expandadmissiontoasecondcohortforatotalof30-35studentsadmittedeachyear,and
reducingtheenrollmentoftheplanningstudiosequenceto15-18students.4. WorkwiththeUniversitygraduateprogramtodevelopa4+1graduatedegreeinurbanplanning
availabletoUPSDgraduates.5. UpgradeProgramfacilities,includingtheadditionofasecondurbanplanningstudiosupporting
theincreasedprogramenrollment.6. CommencethespecializationtrackinurbanandtribalplanninginconjunctionwiththeBA
degreeinTribalGovernanceattheNorthwestIndianCollege.7. DevelopaMaster’sdegreeprogramtailoredtograduatesfromtheNorthwestIndianCollege’s
TribalGovernanceProgramTribalplanningandenvironmentalmanagement.F.PublicInformation : TheProgramshallroutinelyprovidereliableinformationtothepubliconitsperformance.Suchinformationshallappearineasilyaccessiblelocationsincludingprogramwebsites.Inadditiontothefollowinginformation,programsareencouragedtoshowcasestudentachievement,howeveritmaybedetermined.
1) StudentAchievement: studentachievementasdeterminedbytheprogram; 2) Cost: thecost(tuitionandfees)forafull-timestudentforoneacademicyear; 3) RetentionandGraduation: studentretentionandgraduationrates,includingthe numberofdegreesproducedeachyear,thepercentageoffirst-yearstudentswho returninthe2ndyearforgraduatestudents,and/orthepercentageofstudents enrolledoneyearafterdeclaringtheirmajorforundergraduatestudents,the percentageofmaster’sstudentsgraduatingwithin4years,and/orthepercentage ofbachelor’sstudentsgraduatingwithin6years; 4) AICPPassRate: thepercentage,basedonthenumberwhotakeit,ofmaster’s graduateswhopasstheAICPexamwithin5yearsofgraduation,and/orthe bachelor’sgraduateswhopasstheAICPexamwithin7yearsofgraduation;and 5) Employment: theemploymentrateoffulltimegraduatesinprofessionalplanning, planning-relatedorotherpositionswithin1yearofgraduation.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion1F:
PublicInformation–AY2018-2019ThePlanningAccreditationBoardrequiresthisinformationbepostedfortheBAUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogramUPSDProgramWebsiteAddress:https://huxley.wwu.edu/urban-planning-and-sustainable-development-programSeealsoAdditionalInformation:UPSDPublicInformation(14).LinktoUPSDPublicInformationPage:http://faculty.wwu.edu/zaferan/UPSD_website/UPSD_Public_Info.pdf
Public'Information'–'AY'201972020'The$Planning$Accreditation$Board'requires$this$information$be$posted$for$the$$
BA'Urban'Planning'and'Sustainable'Development'program'Student'Achievement$$The$degree$of$satisfaction$regarding$student9learning$outcomes$is$summarized$below:$
80%$respondents$rated$their$understanding$and$skills$in$legal,$political,$and$procedural$process$of$planning$$“good”$to$“excellent”$
93%$respondents$rated$their$understanding$of$theoretical$and$social$justice$considerations$in$planning$“good”$to$“excellent”.$$
95%$respondents$rated$their$understanding$and$skills$in$issues$of$conflict$and$collaboration$“good”$to$“excellent”$
95%$respondents$rated$their$skills$in$applying$planning$and$methods$and$principles$“good”$to$“excellent”$$
100%$respondents$rated$their$skills$for$working$collaboratively$&$involving$uncertainty$and$diversity$“good”$to$“excellent”$$
87%$respondents$rated$their$skills$for$working$collaboratively$&$involving$uncertainty$and$diversity$“very$good”$to$“excellent”)$
88%$respondents$rated$their$design$skills$as$“good”$to$“excellent”$
98%$respondents$rated$their$writing$and$communications$skills$as$“good”$to$“excellent”$
98%$respondents$rated$their$overall$Huxley$College$satisfaction$“good”$to$“excellent”$
95%$respondents$rated$the$program’s$preparation$for$planning$careers$“good”$to$excellent”$
COMPREHENSIVE'JUNIOR'/'SENIOR'COHORT'COMPREHENSIVE'EXAMINATION'' ' High'Score' Low'Score' Average'Score' #'Questions''
Senior'Class'
Spring$2017$ 93%$ 75%$ 88%$ 30$
Spring$2018$ 90%$ 70%$ 81%$ 50$
Junior'Class'
Fall$2017$ 88%$ 48%$ 70%$ 50$
Spring$2018$ 84%$ 50%$ 66%$ 50$
Fall$2018$ 80%$ 56%$ 69%$ 50$$
$
2019720'Tuition'and'Fees$In$State$Residents,$per$full9time$academic$year$ $$8,623$Out$of$State$Residents,$per$full9time$academic$year$ $$24,970$$
Student'Admissions$ F2016$ W2017$ Sp$2017$ F$2017$ W2018$ Sp2018*$ Sp2019*$
Students$applications$received$ 16$ 7$ 9$ 5$ 9$ 30$ 22$
Number$of$students$accepted$ 11$ 7$ 9$ 4$ 6$ 26$ 21$
Acceptance$rate$ 68%$ 100%$ 100%$ 80%$ 66%$ 86%$ 95%$
*Note:'Beginning'2018,'applications'are'only'accepted'during'spring'quarter'for'admission'the'following'fall'Student'Retention'Rate$ Percent$Percentage$of$students$who$began$studies$in$fall$2017$and$continued$into$spring$2018$ 100%$
Number$Students$Enrolled$in$Program$Fall$2018$ 62$
$
Student'Graduation'Rate$ Percent$Percentage$of$students$graduating$within$4$years,$entering$class$of$2014$ 100%$
$
Number'of'Degrees'Awarded$Number$of$degrees$awarded$for$AY$2017$9$2018$ 22$
$
$AICP'Certification' Percent$Percentage$of$BA$graduates$taking$AICP$exam$within$7$years$who$pass,$graduating$class$of$2010$ 80%$
$
$Employment$ Percent$Average$percentage$of$graduates$obtaining$full9time$planning$or$planning9related$
employment$within$12$months$of$graduation,$graduating$classes$between$201592018$51.5%$
$
WWU$Urban$Planners$Student$Club$Facebook$Page:$https://www.facebook.com/groups/wwuplanners/$
WWU$Urban$Planners$Post$Graduate$Student$Facebook$Page:$https://www.facebook.com/groups/278941775613135/$
STANDARD2-STUDENTS
TheProgramshallattractasufficientnumberofwell-qualifiedstudentsfromdiversebackgroundsandshalladequatelyprepare,support,andadvisethesestudentstopursueandcontributesuccessfullytothefieldofurbanandregionalplanning.Accordingly,theProgramshalldemonstratethatitsstudentsupongraduationpossesstheknowledge,skills,andvaluesthatwillenablethemtosecureprofessionalemployment,toperformeffectivelyasplanners,andtoparticipatemeaningfullyintheplanningprofession.AmongtheforemostresponsibilitiesoftheProgramaretorejectdiscrimination,includingdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,disability,age,andotherclassesprotectedbylaw-withintheProgramitself-andtoadvancediversityandacultureofinclusionamongtheplanningprofession’sfuturepractitionersintheProgram,particularlywithregardtohistoricallyunderrepresentedracialandethnicminorities.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsStandard2:
DiversityatWesternandintheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentProgramBuildingdiversityamongourstudentbodyisanimportantpriorityatWestern.In1980,only388studentsofcolorwereenrolledatWesternWashingtonUniversityoutof10,616students(3.7%).Inthefallof2014thestudentbodywascomprisedof3,547studentsfromethnicminoritygroups,inatotalstudentbodythatnumbered15,060(23.6%).Atotalof28.5%ofnewfreshmanand21.5%ofnewtransfersselfreportedtheirracialorethnicidentityasBlack/AfricanAmerican,Hispanic/Latino,Asian,AmericanIndian,AlaskaNative,NativeHawaiian,orotherPacificIslander.WashingtonState’s2012censusindicatesaWhitepopulationof81.6%comparedtothenationalaverageof77.9%.TheBlackandAfricanAmericanpopulationtotaled3.9%against13.1%nationally.AsmorefullyreviewedinthisSSRandreflectedinthestudentdatatables,theUrbanPlanningprogram’sdiversityplanhasbeeninplacesince2016andsignificantmeasuresofachievementhavebeenidentified.StudentrecruitmenthasshownasubstantialincreaseindiversityovertheperiodsinceourinitialPABreviewin2016asreflectedintheDataTableS-7.Currentstudentenrollmentof51urbanplanningmajorsinclude33%studentsofcolor,identifiedasBlackorAfricanAmerican,AmericanIndianorAlaskaNative,Asian,NativeHawaiianorHispanicorLatino.ThiscomparestoWWU’s2018studentdiversityrateof27.8%,andtheStateofWashingtondiversityrateof29%.TheUPSDprogram’sdiversityratehasincreasedsubstantiallycomparedto2016,wherestudentsofcolorrepresentedonlyabout6%ofourtotalstudentenrollment.Inaddition,inJanuary2019,WWUrecruitedandappointeditsfirstTribalProgramsDirectorandTribalGovernmentLiaisonpositioninordertopromotegreaterrecruitmentamongtribalmembersinWashingtonStateandcoordinateservicelearningsupportprogramswithNativetribalgovernments.AsoneoftheUPSDprogram’sstrategicobjectives,theuniversity’sformalcommitmenttoprovidinggreaterservicetoNativeAmericancommunitiesfurthersourprogram’sobjectives,andcoordinationisoccurringtoemphasizeappliedservicelearningthroughtheUPSDprogram’sUrbanTransitionsStudioprogramandtheWWUSustainableCommunitiesPartnershipProgramtoextendplanningassistancetoNativecommunities.HuxleyCollegehasalsorecruitedaDiversitySpecialistwhoassiststheUPSDprogramandotherCollegeprogramsinadvancingitsgoalsforincreasedstudentdiversityrecruitment.ThecommunityofHuxleyCollegefullyrespectsandembracesallidentitiesandexperiencesandemphasizesthepracticeofinclusionwithinandbeyondtheclassroom.Weencouragestudents,staff,andfacultytobringtheiruniquebackgroundsandpracticestojoininourcollectiveCollegeandprogrammission.Webelievethatdiversityisimmenselyvaluableandwestrivetopracticeinclusionwithinandbeyondtheclassroom.Weareprincipledthroughacommonpracticeofsocialinclusionandadvocacyforsocialandenvironmentaljustice.
CommitmenttoDiversityandInclusionTheUrbanPlanningprogramcontinuestopreparestudentstoworkwithinanincreasinglycomplexanddiversesociety.Drivinginnovation,perseverance,andsuccess,ourfamilyofactivethinkersandleadersengageinexcitingopportunitiestodevelopandshapeacademicandmulticulturalidentities.FromadmissionstoourCollege’sacademicprogramstopostgraduatealumnioutreach,valuingdiversityexcellence,equity,andinclusionarecentraltoourCollege’smission.HuxleyCollegeprovidesanatmospherewherestudents,faculty,andstaffinteractandengageineffectiveandcourageousconversations,modelingaprocessofsocialdevelopmentthroughcivildiscourse.TofurtherHuxleyCollege’smissionandtheUniversity’svisionofbeingaleaderinactivelearningandsocietalproblemsolving,theCollegecontinuestofindnewwaystoengagewithWesternstudents,andinparticular,hassetforthaplantotargettherecruitmentofdiversestudentstoitsprograms.HuxleyCollege,traditionallyanupper-divisionCollege,ismovingtowardsdirectengagementwithfreshmanandsophomores.Beginningin2012,UrbanPlanningstudentsareabletodeclareapre-PlanningMajorandhaveaccesstoHuxleyCollegeadvisingandcommunitybuildingeventsduringtheirfirsttwoyearsatWestern.Toservethesenewstudents,aswellasthegrowingdemandforlowerdivisioncoursesthroughoutcampus,HuxleyCollegehascommittedtoaseriesoflowerdivisionpreparatorycourses.SeveralofthesecoursesarepartofourEnvironmentalStudiescorecurriculum,andmanyofourlowerdivisioncoursesarealsointendedtoservetheentirecampuscommunityandoperateasgeneralUniversityrequirementsontopicssuchassustainability,environmentalliteracy,urbanplanning,andcleanenergy.ThisapproachhasincreasedHuxleyprogram’svisibilitytofreshmanandsophomoresstudents,including,andespecially,amongunderrepresentedstudents.IncreasedstudentinterestinthefieldofurbanplanningaswellasotherHuxleymajorshasoccurredasaresultoftheserecruitmenteffortsaimedatWestern’sgrowingdiversestudentpopulation.
A.StudentQuality:TheProgramshalladmitstudentswhoseeducationalattainment,previousacademicperformance,workexperience,aptitude,maturity,andmotivationindicatepotentialforsuccessintheirstudiesandinprofessionalpractice.Towardthatend,theProgramshallestablishadmissionstandardsthatreflecttheinstitution’spoliciesandtheProgram’sgoals,andtheProgramshallapplythosestandardsfairlyandconsistently.TheProgramshalldocumentitsadmissionstandardsandtheextenttowhichitscurrentstudentsmeetorexceedthosestandards.
ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion2A:
StudentsmaydeclareamajorinterestintheUrbanPlanningprogram(PhaseI),butpriortobeingadmittedtotheUrbanPlanningmajor(PhaseII),studentsmustfirstcompletetheapproximatelyeightprerequisitecourseswitheitheragradeofCorB-orhigherdependingupontheidentifiedprerequisitecourses(sciences,math,economics,politicalscience,environmentalstudies),andsubmitanapplicationconsistingofthestudents’academicrecordandanarrativestatementexpressingtheirinterestinpursuingacareerinurbanplanningandtheiraspirationsformakingacontributiontoamoresustainablefuture.Aportfolioofworkillustratingskillsinwriting,research,anddesignalsoaccompaniestheUrbanPlanningapplication.Thestudent’snarrativestatementprovidesanimportantindicatorofthestudent’smotivationandpotentialforsuccessintheprogramandthefieldofplanning.Intheapplicationprocess,studentsareacceptedintotheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentmajorbasedonthereviewoftheirapplicationandportfolioofworkdemonstratingtheiraffinitytointegratesustainabledesign,socialequalityconcerns,andenvironmentalsystemsprinciples,aswellasonenrollmentlimits.Insituationsofuncertaintyregardingacceptinganapplicant,astudentmaybeprovisionallyadmittedtotheprogramwiththeexpectationofachievingaminimumB-gradeinthe
introductiontoplanningcourse.Ouraimistomaintainenrollmentatacohortsizeof22-25studentsineachprogramyearandtoencouragetheenrollmentofadiversestudentcohort.Theurbanplanningfacultycommitteeconductsapplicationreviewsduringthespringquarterforadmissionduringthefollowingfallquarter.Evidenceregardinghowourstudentsmeettheadmissionstandardsisbestdemonstratedbyournear-perfectstudentretentionrate.Theadvantagestheannualapplicationreviewperiodinclude:establishingacohortgroupthatcommencestheprogramduringthesamequarter;agreateropportunitytoevaluateallapplicationsinasinglereviewperiod;bettermanagementofcoursescheduling,andtheclearersequencingofcoursesbeginningeachfallquarter. (SeeAdditionalInformation:WWUUPSDadmissionspolicy,AI-1)
B.StudentDiversity:Consistentwithapplicablelawandinstitutionalpolicy,theProgramshallestablishstrategicgoalsthatdemonstrateanactivecommitmenttoattractingandretainingadiversestudentpopulation,andareinformedbythecharacteristicsofthepopulationsthattheProgram’sgraduatesgenerallyserve.TheProgramshallcollectandanalyzedataonstudentdemographicstoinformandenhanceitseffortstoidentifyeffectiveandappropriatemethodologiesforachievingdiversityinitsstudentbody.Furthermore,theProgramshallestablishassessmentmechanismsforeachofitsstrategicgoalsthatarefocusedonachievingdiversity.Becausediversityisnotastaticconcept,andbecauseallplanningprogramsshouldseektoimprovethediversityofthegraduatesenteringtheprofession,theProgramshallprovideevidenceofcontinuousimprovementinachievingitsdiversity-relatedstrategicgoals.
ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion2B:
TheUrbanPlanningprogramcarriesforththeUniversity’sstrongdiversityandaffirmativeactionpoliciesthatareappliedthroughoutHuxley’shiringandstudentadmissionspractices.TheUrbanPlanningprogram,Department,andCollege,continuestomakeconcertedeffortsindiversifyingthestudentbodybyprovidingopportunitiesforallstudentstohaveexperienceswithdiversesocialgroups.UrbanPlanningfacultymembersparticipateinUniversitycommitteeservicetoinnovatenewwaystodiversifyandInternationalizetheUniversity.Huxley’semphasisindiversityhasalsoledtothedevelopmentofseveralgloballearningprogramsthatareofferedasfaculty-ledprograms.AttractingstudentsofdiversitytotheUrbanPlanningprogramfromthroughouttheUSandforeignnationsarealsoapriorityofourUrbanPlanningprogram,andwehaveformulatedrecruitmentstrategiestobettermarketHuxley’sprogramsinbroadersettings.Recently,ourUrbanPlanningprogramparticipatedinaninternationalstudentexchangepartnershipwithEcolePolytechniqued'Architectureetd'Urbanisme,Algiers,aprogramsponsoredbytheU.S.StateDepartmenttoenrollanAlgerianurbanplanningstudentinourplanningcurriculum.WehaveenteredintoanagreementwithourAlgerianuniversitypartnertocontinueafuturestudentexchangerelationshiponalong-termbasis.AnotherinitiativeinvolvescurrentdiscussionswiththeNorthwestIndianCollegetosupportNativeAmericanstudents’studiesintribalgovernancewithaplanningspecializationprovidedbyourprogram.OuraimistoprovideNativeAmericanstudentswithacertificatedegreeinurbanplanningandtoserveasaspecializationtocomplementtheirtribalgovernancemajors,and/ortogranttheBAdegreeinurbanplanning.Inthepastdecade,wehavesuccessfullygraduatedseveralNativeAmericanstudentswhohavegoneontoassumeprofessionalplanningpositionswithtribalnations.CommitmenttoDiversityRecruitmentintheUrbanPlanningprogram
TheUrbanPlanningprogramrecognizestheimportanceofstudentdiversityasamoralvalueaswellasacommitmenttocivilrightsanddemocracy.AddressingstudentdiversityinaconcertedanddeliberatewayisdirectlybeneficialtotheUrbanPlanningprogrambecauseit:
• Supportsthemissionandcorevaluesoftheuniversityandcollege;• Increasesourcompetitivenessbothregionallyandnationallybyattractinghighqualitystudents
fromalargerpool;• Improvesthecompetitivenessofourgraduatingstudentsbyprovidingthemwithcross-cultural
skillsneededinincreasinglyglobalizedlabormarketsanddiversifiedworkenvironments;and• Advanceseducationandscholarshipbyincorporatingandrepresentingdiverseworldviews.
Asaresultofouradoptedstudentdiversityandrecruitmentstrategy,theUrbanPlanningprogram,andHuxleyCollegeingeneral,continuestoincreaseitsstudentdiversity.Theprogramiscommittedtoaconcertedcampaigntoenhanceourstudentdiversity.Thisiscurrentlyaccomplishedthroughaphaseddiversity-recruitmentplanwithstrategiesemployedthroughouttheacademicyear.Thediversityrecruitmentstrategyconsistsofthefollowingelements:First,coursesthatmarketHuxleyCollege’sdegreeprogramshavebeenexpandedtotargetstudentsintheirfreshmanandsophomoreyearsinordertointroducethesestudentstourbanplanningcareeropportunities.Concurrenteffortstargetingfreshmanandsophomorestudentsincludeprograminformationtoinformstudents--andinparticular--studentsofcolor,aboutcareeropportunitiesinthefieldofurbanplanning.WehaveidentifiedourUniversity’sgrowingdiversecohortoffreshmanstudentsasaprimarytargetforrecruitment.TofacilitateaccesstofreshmanandsophomoreundergraduatestudentstoHuxley’sprograms,weestablishedapre-majorenrollmentsystemenablingfreshmanandsophomorestudentstodeclareas“pre-urbanplanningmajors”whichaffordsstudentsaccesstocertaincoursespreviouslylimitedtoHuxleyCollegemajors.AmajormarketingcampaigntargetsWestern’sAssociatedStudentdiversityclubstoinformstudentswithdiversebackgroundsofcareeropportunitiesinthefieldofurbanplanning.Secondly,wewillcontinuetopromoteandbuilduponacurriculumthatemphasizesdiversitythroughoutourcorecurriculum,aswellasthroughourseveralgloballearningprograms.Manyofoururbanplanningcoursesemphasizemulticultural,diversity,andsocialandenvironmentaljusticeissuesinplanning.OneexampleincludesaNativeAmericanplanningcoursethatintroducesstudentstothecomplexchallengesfacedbyNativeNationsintheirstruggletoestablishsustainableapproachesofreservationdevelopmentandself-governance.Thethirdstrategyinvolvesnewmarketingapproachestoreachouttounderrepresentedstudents,nationally,internationally,andespeciallywithinWashington’smoredemographicallydiversehighschools,communitycolleges,andNativeAmericanIndianReservations.AdiscussionunderwaywiththeNorthwestIndianCollege(NWIC)tocreateaplanningspecializationtrackforNativestudentshelpstomeetthisstrategicpriority.Theprogramisenvisionedtorunconcurrentwiththeurbanplanningcurriculumthroughadualenrollmentsystem.StudentswouldcontinuetoreceivetheirdegreesthroughNWICwithacertificateinplanninggrantedthroughWesternWashingtonUniversity.TheprogramhasalsoenteredintoanagreementwiththeSwinomishIndianTribalCommunitytoestablishascholarshipprogramtoattracttribalmemberenrollmentintheprogram.Inaddition,WWUcurrentlyoperatesacampuscompassoutreachprogramwithregionalhighschools,especiallyineconomicallydistressedcommunities.Theplanningprogramactivelyengagesintheprogramanddistributesliteratureandapresentationaboutcareersinurbanplanningtothoseparticipatinghighschools.Inadditiontotheseefforts,theUrbanPlanningprogramisalsoacutelyawarethataconcertedmulti-
yearplanisneededinordertodevelopmeaningfulandsustainableresultsthataddressstudentdiversityintheUrbanPlanningprogram–aswellasinthedepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesandHuxleyCollege.Moreover,researchshowsthatstudentdiversityisstronglyconnectedtofacultydiversityrecruitmentandretentionaswellastoincorporatingdiversityincurriculadevelopment.Therefore,theplanningprogramhadledadepartment-wideinitiativeforincreasingdiversityintheEnvironmentalStudiesdepartmentandtheCollegeandleadingbyexample.Thisinitiativeconsistsofatwo-partapproachtoengagethediversityeffortinasystematicwaytoaddressdiversityissuesinstudent,faculty,andcurricula.(TheUrbanPlanningProgramDiversityRecruitmentStrategyispresentedintheAdditionalInformationsectionofthisSSR).PartIofthestrategyconsistsofshort-termtacticalactivitiestoimmediatelyengagediversityintheUrbanPlanningprogramasatrailblazingandpilotefforttobeextendedtothedepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesmorebroadly.Thestrategy’sobjectivesincludethefollowing:Part1:TacticalShort-TermActivitiesTheUrbanPlanningprogramidentifiedaseriesofimmediateandshort-term“tacticalandpilot”actionsforimprovingstudentdiversityintheprogram.Theseactivitiesarerelatedto:
• ExpandingstudentrecruitmentandretentionfromwithinWestern;• ExpandingstudentrecruitmentfromtheregionservedbyWestern;• Facilitatingfacultyhireswithacommitmenttodiversity;• StrengtheningdiversityinthecurriculaoftheUrbanPlanningprogramandthedepartmentof
EnvironmentalStudies;• ImprovingcoordinationwithWesternoutreachanddiversityprograms;• Establishingadepartmentandcollegecommitmenttoamulti-yeardiversityplan;• Incorporatingcommitmenttodiversityascriteriaforfacultyandstaffreview;• Settingupaframeworkandguidelinesforthedevelopmentandimplementationofamulti-year
diversityplan;• Identifyingfinancialresourcesfordiversityplanningandimplementation.
Part2:ARoadmapfortheDevelopmentandImplementationoftheDepartmentDiversityPlanThesecondcomponentoftheUrbanPlanningprogramapproachtodiversityistosuggestaframeworkfordevelopinganintegratedplanforimprovingdiversityamongstudent,faculty,andcurricula.Theobjectivesofthisgoal(anddocument)include:
• Engaginginitialpartnershipsandparticipantsinplandevelopment.• Identifyingphasesfordevelopingadiversityplan;• Developingatimelineforthedevelopmentofthediversityplan;• Proposingactivitiesrelatedtotheplan.
AttractingstudentsofdiversebackgroundstotheUrbanPlanningprogramisanimportantpriorityofHuxleyCollegeandourUrbanPlanningprogram,andwehavewitnesstremendoussuccessinrecentrecruitmentefforts.TheprogramwillcontinuetoevaluateandemployeffectiverecruitmentstrategiestoincreaseHuxley’svisibilityamongWestern’sincreasinglydiversestudentpopulation.SeeAdditionalInformation:UPSDDiversityRecruitmentStrategy(10).
C.STUDENTADVISING,SERVICES,ANDSUPPORT:Theprogramshallprovidestudentswithcompetentacademicadvising,
progressappraisal,andcareerguidance,aswellasaccesswithintheinstitutiontoanypersonalcounselingthatstudentsmightneed.Furthermore,theprogramoritsinstitutionshallprovidestudentswithcareerservicesthatassiststudentsinsecuringsuitableinternshipsandjobs.Theprogramshallalsosupportitsstudentsbyprovidingthemwithfinancialaidopportunitiesthataresufficientinnumberandamounttoachievetheprogram’sstrategicgoalsforawell-qualifiedanddiversestudentbody.Theprogramshallpublishitscriteriafortheallocationofsuchfinancialaid. ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion2C:
HuxleyCollege’steamofstudentadvisersprovidedirectandcontinuoussupporttostudentswithguidanceintheselectionofcourseofferings,specializations,internships,andinencouragingstudentstobuildstrong,interdisciplinarylearningexperiencesandeffectivecareerplans.Huxleyprovidesastaffofstudentadvisersthatguidestudentsfromtheirearliestinquiryabouttheurbanplanningmajorandcontinuedsupportthroughtheirapplicationprocess.Facultyadvisersareassignedtoeachstudentwhoprovidesadditionalguidanceoncurriculumrequirements,careercounseling,andadvisementforinternshipopportunitiesandotherrequirementsandexpectationsabouttheprogram.Studentsarerequiredtomeetwithfacultyadvisersearlyintheircourseofstudyinordertoestablishaplanofstudyandtoscheduletheircourseworkoveratwo-yearperiod.Facultyadvisersalsoengagestudentsindiscussionsaboutthenatureofthefieldofplanningtogainabetterinsightofthestudents’particularinterests.Astudentplanofstudyisoutlineduponacceptancetotheprogram,andstudentsmeetwithfacultyadviserstoreviewtheoverallexpectationsoftheprogram.Facultyadvisersguideandapprovethestudent’sselectionofspecializedelectivesandevaluateexperientiallearningexperiences,includinginternships.TheHuxleyregistrarassistsstudentsupontheirinitialinquiry,facilitatingtheirapplicationintoHuxleyCollege,theirselectionofamajor,andthecompletionoftheirapplicationtoamajor.TheCollegeregistrarandstudentadviserfollowsstudentprogressthroughouttheprogramthroughgraduationandmaintainacontinuingrelationshipwithalumni.TheCollegeoffersspecialfinancialassistanceprogramthroughitsvariousscholarshipprograms.Scholarshipsprovidefinancialsupporttostudentsforattendingconferences,supportingindividualresearchactivities,andtoparticipateininternationallearningexperiences.TheCollegecurrentlyoffersassistancetoovertwentydifferentscholarshipprograms,whichareidentifiedontheCollegewebsiteat:https://huxley.wwu.edu/scholarships.Thecriteriaforeachofthesefinancialassistanceprogramsarepublishedonthewebsite.
InadditiontogeneralscholarshipsofferedthroughtheCollege,theUrbanPlanningProgramisalsosupportedbyanannualscholarshipgrantthroughtheAPAWashingtonChapter,NWSection,whoseBoardofDirectorsrecentlyestablishedtheirannualWWUurbanplanningscholarshipfund.Inaddition,ourprogramhasrecentlybeendeclaredeligibletoparticipateinAPAWashingtonchapterstudentscholarshipsalongwithtwootherWashingtonuniversitiesofferingaccreditedplanningdegrees.WesternWashingtonUniversitymakeseveryefforttoprovidefinancialassistancetoeligibleapplicantsthroughgrants,scholarships,work-study,loans,orsomecombinationofthesestudentaidprograms.Aidisavailabletohelpmeeteducationalcostsincludingtuitionandfees,booksandeducationalsupplies,roomandboard,transportationandpersonalexpenses.EligibilityforfinancialaidisdeterminedbycompletingtheFreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid(FAFSA)onanannualbasis.TheWWUScholarshipCenterisavailabletoassiststudentsandtheirfamiliesastheysearchandapplyforscholarships.TheStudentEmploymentCenterisafreeresourceforWesternstudentsseekingpart-timeemploymenttohelppaythehighcostsofcollege.Westrivetoprovidestudentswiththeopportunitytogainexperience,explorecareeroptions,andtofundtheireducation.
Furthermore,theUniversityprovidesextensivestudentservicesprogramsincludinglearningdisabilityassistanceandcounselingservices.WWU’sCounseling,Health,andWellnessServicesassistsstudentsin
sustaininggoodemotionalandphysicalhealth,providingcare,guidance,andresourceswhenneeded.Servicesareavailabletoassiststudentswithpsychologicalobstaclesorphysicalailmentsthatmayarise.Thestudentservicesstaffprovidesinformationandassistanceaboutwaystocareforastudents’healthandtomaintainoverallwellbeingsostudentsmayachievetheirpersonal,academic,andcareergoals.TheCounselingCenterprovidesstudentswithavarietyofresourcesdesignedtoassistwithacademicprogressandpersonaldevelopment.Counselingservicesincludeindividualcounseling,groupcounseling,andmentalhealthservices.TheStudentHealthCenterprovidesabroadrangeofcare.Ateamofphysicians,nursepractitioners,nurses,medicalassistants,andhealthcounselorsstafftheHealthCenter.PreventionandWellnessServices(PWS)offersWesternstudentsopportunitiestogetinvolvedinimprovingtheirownhealthandthehealthoftheircommunity.PWSprovidesassistancetostudentswhomayfacespecificchallengestotheirwellbeingsuchasalcoholanddrugconcernsorsexualassault,andPWSoffersnumerousprofessionalandpeer-ledprogramsthatcanhelpstudentsachievehigh-levelwellness.(SeeAdditionalInformation:ProgramBrochure,AI-17)
D.StudentEngagementintheProfession : TheProgramshallprovideopportunitiesforstudentengagementintheprofession,includingbutnotlimitedtoparticipationinaplanningstudentorganizationaffil iatedwiththeProgram,inthelocalchapteroftheAmericanPlanningAssociation,inprofessionalmentoringprograms,inotherprofessionalsocietiesandactivities,andinwork,internships,community-basedplanningactivities,orprojectexperiencesthatdeveloptheirskillsasplanners.TheProgramshallalsopromotesocializationintotheplanningprofessionbyencouragingstudentstoattendAPA’splanningconferencesandothereventsinwhichstudentsmightinteractwithprofessionalplannersfromavarietyofbackgrounds.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion2D:
HuxleyCollege‘sabilitytoproduceenvironmentalandcommunityproblem-solversisaresultofacommonculturethathighlyvaluesinterdisciplinaryperspectivesandengagementincommunities.HuxleyCollegecultivatesaworldviewthathighlightsthecriticalconnectionsbetweenhumansandtheirenvironment,andencouragessustainedcollegiateengagementoffacultyandstudentsacrossdisciplines.Furthermore,thegeographyoftheregionlendsitselftothestudyofcomplexproblemswithourblendofwilderness,workinglandscapes,andurbansettings.Western’ssizeallowsHuxleyCollegetobeagile,adjustingcurriculuminachangingworld.HuxleyCollege’snationalandinternationalnetworkofalumniprovidesnetworkingforourstudentsandcontinuousfeedbackonourefficacy.Huxley’sUrbanPlanningprogramprovidesseveralincentivesforstudentengagementintheprofession,throughitshostingofprofessionalspeakereventsandguestlecturersonitsmaincampusprovidingstudentswithengagementwiththeplanningprofession,weeklyHuxleyCollegespeakersseriesthatbringprofessionalsindirectcontactwithstudents,andarangeofspecialeventsthathaveincludedthehostingoftheWashingtonStateDepartmentofCommerceandthePlanningAssociationofWashington/AmericanPlanningAssociationWashingtonChapter’s“ShortCourseonLocalPlanning”aswellasquarterlymeetingsoftheAPAWANorthwestSectionprofessionalplannersgroupwhichencouragesbroadstudentparticipation.HuxleyCollegehashostedseveralconferences,includingthe2014SalishSeaSustainabilityConference.TheUrbanPlanningprogramhassponsoredanaccreditedAICPlegaltrainingworkshopasaregisteredCMproviderandplanstoschedulefuturesessionstoengagebothstudentsandtheprofessionalplanningcommunityincontinuingeducation.Inpastyears,severalstudent-planningprojectsreceivedrecognitionforAPA/PAWplanningawards,inincludingthe“2016BestStudentPlanningStudy”.Inaddition,westronglyencourageourstudentstoenrollas
studentmembersinAPAandtheAICPcandidatepilotprogram.
OurstudentsparticipateasstudentrepresentativesontheAPAWANWSectionBoardofDirectors.OururbanplanningfacultyalsoparticipatesontheAPAWashingtonChapterBoardandtheAPANWSectionBoardasfacultyrepresentativesofourprogram.Finally,oururbanplanningstudentshaveorganizedanactivestudenturbanplanningorganization(WWUUrbanPlanners)asanAssociatedStudentgovernmentstudentclub.Ourprogramworkscloselywiththestudentorganizationonavarietyofactivities,includingrecruitingprofessionalspeakerstotalkatweeklymeetings,organizingconferenceparticipation,andinvolvingtheorganizationintheassessmentofprogramaccomplishmentsandtheformulatingrevisionstotheprogram’sstrategicplan.TheWWUUrbanPlannersclubelectstheirofficers,andtwomemberoftheclubsiteareappointedbytheclubtositontheUrbanPlanningProgramCommittee.Thestudentsorganizeseveraltripseachyeartovisitregionalcities(Seattle,Portland,Vancouver)tomeetwithplanningconsultants,planningagencies,anduniversityprogramsinthosecities.ThestudenturbanplanningclubmeetsweeklyonWednesdayevenings.TheUPSDprogramhostsanannualpotluckandbarbequeforallstudentsandfacultyatthe“Boathouse”–afacilitylocatedontheBellinghamwaterfront.Inadditiontothestudenturbanplanningorganization,studentshavealsoestablishedaStudentGreenBuildingCouncilorganizationandhavebeenactiveinpromotingspeakers,hostingfilmfestivalsoncampusandinthecommunity,andorganizedconferenceactivities.ThePlanningProgramannuallyengagesaLEEDaccreditedprofessionaltohostaLEEDtrainingworkshopthatisopentoourplanningstudents,studentsenrolledassustainabledesignminors,andstudentsaffiliatedwiththeStudentGreenBuildingCouncil.StudentshavealsoestablishedaHuxleyFacebookclubforurbanplanningstudents,andstudentsparticipatinginHuxley’ssummerinternationalprogramsdevelopaFacebookpagetofosterexchanges.ThestudentclubmaintainsaFacebookpageat:https://www.facebook.com/groups/wwuplanners/about/HuxleyCollegeandtheUPSDprogramfinanciallysupportstudentstoattendnationalandregionalplanningconferencesandworkshops,includingthenationalAPAconference.Forthepastfiveyears,Huxley’sUrbanPlanningprogram,incooperationwithSustainableConnections(alocalsustainabilityNGO),haveprovidedfinancialassistanceforplanningstudentstoattendanannualsustainabledesignconferencelocatedinBellingham.TheDean’ssustainabilityfundaswellasotherCollegeandurbanplanningprogramfundsprovidestudentsopportunitiestoattendconferencesoftheirchoicetofurtherengagewiththeprofessionalcommunity.Inaddition,Huxley’sUrbanPlanningprogramparticipatesinseveralUniversity-wideandcommunitybasedworkshopsandconferencesemphasizingsustainableplanninganddevelopmenteducationaleventsandEarthdayactivities.
AcenterpiecetoHuxley’sUrbanPlanningprogram’sengagementwithlocalcommunitiesandplanningprofessionalsisrepresentedinthe“UrbanTransitionsStudio”(UTS)program.UrbanTransitionsStudioisacollaborativepartnershipbetweenWesternWashingtonUniversityandourUTSpartners:Bellingham’sOfficeofPlanningandCommunityDevelopment,Bellingham’sPublicWorksDepartment,ThePortofBellingham,WhatcomTransportationAuthority,WhatcomFuturewise,theBellinghamDowntownPartnership,SustainableConnections,localneighborhoodassociations,andothercommunityorganizations.Startingin2009,Huxley’sPlanningStudioclassesfocusedtheirappliedstudioclassesindevelopingnewurbanismplanningconceptstohelptransitionBellinghamintoamoreurbanandsustainablecommunity.ThePlanningStudioclassesconsistofaseriesofthreecoordinatedclassinvestigationsthatemphasizesthepreparationoftheplan/designconcepts,withthesupportofourUTSpartners.TheclassesincludePlanningStudioI,whichemphasizesdatacollectionandanalysis,basemapdevelopment,communityengagement,andotherpreparatorystudies,PlanningStudioII,which
emphasizesplandevelopment,andStudioIIwhichexaminesplanimplementationstrategies.Thesecoursesemphasizestudentdirectengagementinthecommunity.OthersupportingservicelearningclassesinthecurriculumincludeSustainableDesignStudio,EnvironmentalImpactAssessmentandasustainablebusiness-marketingcourse.EachoftheparticipatingclassesfurtherbuildsonconceptsformulatedinPlanningStudio.Theprogramisdesignedtoexpandstudentlearningbyconcentratingplanningstudiesoverthecourseofanentireyearinclosecoordinationwithprofessionalandcommunitypartners.Projectsareselectedeachyearcollaborativelywithourcommunitypartners,andfinalprojectsarepresentedinpublicforums,includingbeforetheBellinghamCityCouncilandneighborhoodassociations.Severalofthestudents’presentationsarevideotapedandbroadcastonBellingham’spublicaccessTVchannel.TheUTSprogramwastherecipientofthe2011WWUsustainabilityawardforbuildingcommunitypartnerships.
Since2015,theurbanplanningprogramhasalsoplayedacentralroleintheuniversity’snewlyestablishedSustainableCommunitiesPartnershipprogramthatconnectsuniversityclassesintheserviceoflocalcommunities.Severalofourclasseshaveparticipatedineachprogramyear.TheprogramiscomplementarytotheUrbanTransitionsStudioprogram,howeveritexpandsitspartnershipsthroughouttheWesternWashingtonStateregion.(SeeAdditionalInformation:UPSDUrbanTransitionsStudio-WWUNewsArticles,AI-15).
STANDARD3–FACULTY
TheProgramshallemployasufficientnumberofqualified,productive,andengagedfacultymemberstopermittheachievementofprogramgoalsandobjectives.AmongtheforemostresponsibilitiesoftheProgramaretorejectdiscrimination,includingdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,disability,age,andotherclassesprotectedbylaw-withintheProgramitself-andtoadvancediversityandacultureofinclusionamongthefacultywhoshapethefutureoftheplanningprofession,particularlywithregardtohistoricallyunderrepresentedracialandethnicminorities.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsStandard3:
TheUrbanPlanningprogramfacultyiscomprisedofanengagedandproductivefacultyrepresentingarangeofdisciplines,includingurbanplanning,urbandesign,geography,law,engineering,environmentalsciences,environmentalpolicy,andrelatedfields.ThecollaborativefacultyenvironmentofourCollege,housedwithintheinterdisciplinaryDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies,togetherwithoursisterDepartmentofEnvironmentalSciences,numberover32fulltimetenuredandtenuretrackmembersinadditiontoparttimenon-tenuretrackfaculty.OurUrbanPlanningcurriculumisdesignedtomaximizetheinterdisciplinarylearningexperienceasstudentsengageinrequiredclassesinbothenvironmentalpolicyandsciencesastheyundertakingtheirUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentCoreRequirements.Additionally,allofourstudentsenrollinacapstoneclasswhichisproblemsolvingbased,providingstudentsanopportunitytoapplyplanninganddesignsolutionstoreallifeproblemsfromamultidisciplinaryperspective.OurUrbanPlanningfacultynumberfifteen;fivefacultyarededicatedfulltimetoteachingandadvisingdutiesintheUrbanPlanningcurriculum,tenteachintheUrbanPlanningprogrameitherparttimeastenuredortenuretrackfaculty,orasadjunctfaculty.OverviewoffacultyprofessionaldevelopmentTheDepartmentandtheProgramhighlyvaluescontinuouslearning,appliedscholarship,andscholarlyproductivityamongitsfaculty.Itencouragesfacultyprofessionaldevelopmenttowardstheattainment
ofteachingexcellence,substantialcontributionsinscholarshipandcreativeactivities,andservicethatfurthertheCollegeandUniversity’smission,representingthethreecriteriaforfacultyevaluation,pursuanttotheWWUCollectiveBargainingAgreementandtheDepartment’sUnitEvaluationPlan.TheUrbanPlanningprogramstrivestofacilitateoutstandinglearningexperiencesforallstudents.Ittakesabroadviewofteachingexcellence,reflectingtheapplied,interdisciplinaryandexperimentalnatureoftheDepartment'sfacultyexpertiseandcurriculum.TheDepartmentencouragesateachingapproachthatvaluesrisk-taking,innovationandcontributiontoknowledgeandactioninenvironmentalproblemsolving.TheDepartmentreliesonaprocessofpeerengagementinvolvingeachfaculty.TheDepartmentchairandprogramadministratorsfacilitatetheengagementofeveryfacultymemberiniterativediscussion,observationandconstructivecriticismtofostertheimprovementofeachfaculty’steachingperformance.Allfaculty,andespeciallythoseinthepromotionprocess,areencouragedtoformcollaborativeandmentoringrelationshipsfocusedonteachingimprovement,drawnfromwithinandoutsidetheDepartmentfaculty.Becauseofitsmultidisciplinaryapproachandappliednature,theDepartmenttakesabroadviewofscholarshipandexpectseachfacultymembertomaintainaprogramofscholarlyandcreativeactivitythatemphasizesexcellenceinproblemsolving.Thescholarshipprogramisviewedasanevolvingexpressionofthefaculty'sintellectualandappliedinterests.TheDepartmentencouragescreativity,originality,andsignificanceincontributionstoeachfaculty’sdisciplinaryfield.Whilesingleauthoredworksclearlydemonstrateindependentscholarlyachievement,theDepartmentequallyrecognizesthevalueofcollaborationandofappliedcreativeandmeaningfulendeavorsbenefitingthepublicinterest.ServiceincludesparticipationinProgram,Departmental,College,andUniversitycommittees,taskforces,andotherformsofservicethatsupportthemissionoftheProgram,Department,andUniversity.Off-campusserviceincludesservicetoscholarlyandprofessionalassociationsandcommunityservice.TheUrbanPlanningfacultyhasprovidedUniversity-wideleadershipinthreeemergingUniversityinitiatives.ThefirstinitiativepromotestheexpansionofsustainabilitystudiesthroughouttheUniversitycurriculumthroughthedevelopmentofasustainabilitystrategicplanandtheinstitutionofUniversity-wideliteracycoursesinsustainability,taughtprimarilybyDepartmentfaculty.OurDepartmentChairalsoservesastheuniversity’sacademicdirectorforsustainability.Thesustainabilityinitiativealsodevelopedthesustainabilityminor,andtheUrbanPlanningprogram’sfocusinsustainabilityrepresentstheUniversity’sfirstmajoremphasizingsustainabledevelopment.TheUrbanPlanningprogramalsoinstitutedtheminorinSustainableDesignin2006.ThesecondinitiativeaddressestheinternationalizationoftheUniversity,again,withstrongleadershipfromUrbanPlanningfacultywhohavedevelopedanddirectedgloballearningprogramsinGreece,Italy,CostaRica,andotherinternationallocations.OurInstituteforDisasterRiskReductionandResiliencyStudiesprogramcarriesoutservicelearningandresearchinseveralinternationalcommunities.Thethirdinitiativeisrepresentedbytheprogram’s“urbantransitionsstudio”program,apartnershipbetweentheurbanplanningprogramandlocalcommunitypartners.TheprogramsupportsfacultymembershipandparticipationinprofessionalplanningorganizationssuchasACSP,APA,AICP,andplanningconferences,providinganannualstipendtosupportfacultytravelandconferencefees.Theuniversityprovidesfacultydevelopmentsupport,rangingfromsummerteachingandresearchgrantstosupportingcostsassociatedwithpublicationfeesandcopyediting.TheprogramsupportsfacultytraveltoparticipateinACSPandAPAactivities.
A.FacultyQuality: Thefulltimeandadjunctfacultyoftheprogramshallhaveeducationalandprofessionalbackgrounds,arelevantmixofcredentials(i.e.,accrediteddegreesinplanning,significantexperienceinplanning,PhDsinplanning,degreesandexperienceinrelatedfields,andAICPmembership),bequalifiedtoservetheProgram’smissionandcapableofexecutingtheProgram’sgoalsandobjectives,particularlyastheypertaintoteaching,research,andservice. ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion3A:
TheUrbanPlanningfacultycomprisesawiderangeofprofessionalandscholarlyexpertise.Facultyhasextensiveprofessionalexperienceaslawyers,planners,tribalgovernmentexecutives,governmentagencydirectors,organizationalmanagers,andconsultants.Theprogram’sadjunctfacultyincludesworkingprofessionalswhoparticipateasprogramandcoursementorsandlecturers.Facultyscholarshiprangesfromlocalandregionalappliedresearchandextendstoappliedresearchinsustainablecommunitydevelopmentinternationally.TheUrbanPlanningfacultyteamrepresents6.8FullTimeEquivalentpositions.TheUrbanPlanningprogramfacultyiscomprisedoffullandparttimeDepartmentfacultyandsupportedbyadjunctfacultyandplanningprofessionalswhoserveaslecturers.OurHuxleyCollegeDeanisastrongsupporteroftheUrbanPlanningprogramandservesontheUrbanPlanningProgramCommittee,withover25yearsofexperienceindeveloping,implementingandenhancinginnovativeacademicprograms.Hisscholarshipfocusesintheareasoflandusepolicyandmanagement;landtrustsandconservationeasements;andenvironmentalleadership.Fivefacultymembersarededicatedascoreurbanplanningfacultymembers,andincludetheprogramadministrator.Theprogramadministratorhasservedastheprinciplearchitectinthedesignanddevelopmentoftheurbanplanningcurriculumoverthepasttwodecades.HiscredentialsincludethePh.D.inurbandesignandplanningandover35yearsofprofessionalexperienceasplanningdirectorandconsultanttolocalgovernment,tribalnations,andasexecutiveofficerininternationalorganizations.TheprogramadministratorholdsmembershipinAICP,andhasservedoverseveraldecadesinpublicserviceappointmentsthatincludelocalgovernmentplanningcommissionsandboards.Othercoreplanningfacultypossessdoctoratedegreesinurbanplanning,urbangeography,engineering,landuselaw,andcommunityresilienceplanning,eachwithsubstantialprofessionalandpublicandprivateservicerecords.
Regular,fulltimefacultyhaveexpertisetoteachineachofthecoreplanningcourses.TogetherwithourparttimeDepartmentfacultyandadjunctfaculty,abroadrangeofscholarshipandteachingexpertisesupportsarobustUrbanPlanningcurriculum.Forexample,afullprofessor,whopossessestheJ.D.andiscontinuouslyengagedinalanduselawpractice,teachesthelanduselawclasswhileservingasleadattorneyinarecentprecedent-settinglandusecaseinvolvingwaterrightsandtheWashingtonGrowthManagementAct.Severalotherfulltimefacultymembersengagestudentsinbothregionalandinternationalplanningresearch.Ourpart-time“categoryB”facultybringextensivescholarshipandprofessionalexpertiseandperspectivesoncurrentplanningpracticeandenvironmentalstudiestotheplanningcorecurriculum,mentoringofstudentsundertakingresearch,andteachinginourprogram’sspecializationelectives.TheirqualificationsincludethePhDinplanning,geography,engineering,geographicinformationsystems,environmentalpolicyandsciences,andrelatedfields.Ourparttimeadjunctandlecturing“categoryC”facultyiscomprisedoflocalprofessionals,academics,andstaffwhocontributetoteaching,lecturing,andstudentmentoring.TheirbackgroundsincludePhDsandMastersdegreesinplanning,
architectureandrelatedfields,aswellasextensiveprofessionalexperienceinplanning,sustainabledevelopment,transportationplanning,geographicinformationsystems,urbandesignandarchitecture,andAICPmembership.TheircontributionsplayaroleinourUrbanTransitionsStudiopartnershipprogramemphasizingappliedresearchadvancingpublicpolicyinlocalcommunities.
B.FacultyDiversity: Consistentwithapplicablelawandinstitutionalpolicy,theProgramshallestablishstrategicgoalsthatdemonstrateanactivecommitmenttoattractingandretainingadiversefacultyandareinformedbythecharacteristicsofthepopulationsthattheProgram’sgraduatesgenerallyserve.TheProgramshallcollectandanalyzedataonfacultydemographicsinordertoinformandenhanceitseffortstoidentifyeffectiveandappropriatemethodologiesforachievingdiversityamongitsfaculty.Furthermore,theProgramshallestablishassessmentmechanismsforeachofitsstrategicgoalsthatarefocusedonachievingdiversity.Becausediversityisnotastaticconcept,andbecauseallfacultyrepresentationwithineachplanningprogramshouldseektocontributetothediversityofthelearningenvironmentandimprovethediversityofgraduatesenteringtheprofession,theProgramshallprovideevidenceofcontinuousimprovementinachievingitsdiversity-relatedstrategicgoals.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion3B:
Theprogramfacultyrepresentsacommunityofeducatorsfromdiversenationalandinternationaluniversities,ethnicity,anddiversityinscholarlyspecializations.Facultycompositionalsorepresentsabalanceintermsofgenderaswellasage(rangingfromnewlyhiredtenuretrackfacultytoseniorfaculty.Huxleyendeavorstoattractadiversityoffacultytoitsprograms,incompliancewiththeUniversity’saffirmativeactionpoliciesandtheprogramandCollege’sdiversitystrategicmission.Inthepastfewyearswehavehiredseveralnewfacultymemberswhojointheurbanplanningfacultyasparttimeandfulltimemembers.Theprogramfacultyhasabalancedgenderratioofmalesandfemales(6male,9female),andseveralfacultymembersholddualnationalcitizenship.OurcurrentUniversityandprogramfacultydiversitycompositionisonlyslightlyabovetheState’sdiversitydemographics(anon-Whitepopulationof18.4%andaBlackandAfricanAmericanpopulationofonly3.9%comparedto13.1%nationally)andHuxleyCollegeendeavorstoachievegreaterdiversityamongourfacultythroughfuturerecruitments.TheSSRFacultyDataTablespresentthediversityoffacultydegreesobtainedfromuniversitiesacrossthenationandinternationally,representingadiversepooloffacultyandabroadrangeofspecializedknowledgerangingfromdisastermitigationplanninginSouthAmerica,sustainabledevelopmentplanningstudiesinMediterraneancommunities,landuselegalresearchandlitigationinCalifornia,urbancomparativestudiesacrossAmericancities,andanextensivefacultyengagementininterdisciplinaryresearchattheregionalandlocalcommunitylevel.Theseprogramshelptopromotetheinternationalizationoftheplanningcurriculum.
ItisthepolicyofWesternWashingtonUniversity,asaFederalcontractor,toimplementAffirmativeActioncomplianceprogramsinordertoassureapplicantsandemployeestherighttoequalemploymentopportunities.PursuanttotheUniversity'sPoliciesonEqualOpportunityandNondiscrimination,implementingourAffirmativeActionProgramandinaccordancewithapplicableWashingtonStateandfederallaw,theUniversitywillnotengageindiscriminatorypracticesagainstanypersonemployedorseekingemploymentbecauseofrace,color,nationalorigin,religion,sex,age,disability,maritalstatus,sexualorientationandgenderexpressionoridentity,andveteranstatus.AffirmativeActionExecutiveOrder11246requiresWesterntoundertakeproactivestepstoachieveadiverseworkforcewhenwomenandpeopleofcolorareunderutilizedwithrespecttotheiravailabilityinthelaborforce.Federal
lawalsorequiresproactiveoutreachtopeoplewithdisabilitiesandveteranswhomaybeinterestedinpositionsatWestern.Beforerecruitmentdocumentsarefinalizedandthepositionisadvertised,theEOOfficeconductsasearchbriefingforallsearchcommitteemembers.Atthesearchbriefing,anEOOfficestaffmemberdiscussesnondiscriminationandaffirmativeactionrequirementsrelativetotheparticularsearch,offerssuggestionsregardingtherecruitmentdocumentsasappropriateandreviewsbestpractices.TheEOOfficecollectsandmaintainsdataonbehalfoftheUrbanPlanningprogramtofacilitatetrackingofdiversityissuesinfacultyrecruitmentandretention.Adjunctfacultyandspecialguestspeakersintheurbanplanningcorecurriculumincludeabroadrangeofprofessionals,academics,andpoliticalleadersrangingfromprofessionalplanners,electedleaders,membersoflocalgovernmentplanningcommissions,staffandleadersofNativeAmericanNationsthatrepresentsadiversegenderandracial/ethnicrepresentationofthegreaterregionalcommunity.Intherecruitmentoffaculty,theprogramworksverycloselywiththeEqualOpportunityOfficeatWesternWashingtonUniversitytoensurecompliancewithequalopportunityhiring.FacultysitingonhiringcommitteesreceivestrainingfromEOpersonneloninterviewtechniques.ExtensivewrittennotesareassembledfollowinginterviewswithcandidatesandassembledaspartofthecandidatefiletoensurethefairevaluationofcandidateswithEOcompliancepolicies.TheEOofficemaintainsdiversitydataregardingallfacultyhiring.
C.FacultySize: ThefacultyshallbeofasufficientsizetoaccomplishtheProgram’smissionandgoals,administertheProgram,andteachthecurriculum.TheProgramshallhaveafacultyofsuchsizethatthefull-timefacultyareabletoteachrequiredcoursesanddirectallareasofspecialization.TheProgramshallhavenogreaterthana15/1ratioofundergraduatestudentFTEtoinstructionalfacultyFTE,anda10/1ratioofgraduatestudentFTEtoinstructionalfacultyFTE. ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion3C:
TheUrbanPlanningprogramfacultyiscomprisedof15members,representingateachingloadof6.8FTE.Thefacultyiscomprisedoffulltime,parttime,andadjunctfaculty.OurratioofundergraduatestudentFTEtoinstructionalfacultyFTEisapproximately7.5:1,wellbelowthe15:1thresholdforundergraduateprograms.
D.EngagementwithStudents: Thefacultyshallbeengagedwithstudentsbeyondtheclassroomasmentors,advisors,and/orcommitteemembersorcommitteechairsonthesis,reportsanddissertations.Facultyshallprovidecareeradviceandassistinjobplacementinwaysthatcoordinateappropriatelywiththeeffortsofstaffandacademicprofessionals. ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion3D:
Studentsareprovidedearlyandcontinuousadvisementfromprogramstaffandfacultyadvisers.StudentsmayapplyforearlyentrytotheUrbanPlanningmajorassophomoresandareencouragedtomeetearlywithfacultyadviserstodesigntheirpreparatorycourseworkforPhaseIapplicationtotheprogram.Uponcompletionoftheirpreparatorywork,theyareeligibletoapplyforPhaseIIadmissiontotheprogram.Studentsadmittedtotheprogramareassignedafacultyadvisorandmentorwhoworkwithstudentstodiscussthecurriculum,identifyappropriateelectivecourses,capstones,and
experientiallearningcoursestobestmeettheindividualstudents’specializationinterests.StudentsparticipateinresearchdirectlywithindividualfacultyandthroughresearchassignmentsinassociationwiththeCollege’sresearchinstitutes.Thefacultyadviserssupervisestudentindependentresearchprojects(ISPs),overseeandevaluatestudentinternshipexperiences,andserveaschairswhenseniorresearchorthesisoptionsareselected.SeveralProgramfacultyhavelednationalandinternationalappliedresearchprograms,including“greatcities”coursesduringsummerandacademicbreaksinSanFrancisco,Honolulu,NewOrleans,aswellasmoreextensivecoursesinternationally,includingGreece,Italy,andCostaRica.Ineachofthesegloballearningprograms,studentsarecontinuouslyengagedwithfacultyduringtravelandoffcampusresidencies.Theseprograms,alongwithourseveralstudio-basedclasses,havebeenshowntobehighlyeffectivelearningmodelswhichbuildstrongsocialandintellectualbondsbetweenstudentsandfacultyand,ofcourse,thehostcommunities.Facultymembersprovidecontinuousadviceandmentoringtostudentsincareerdevelopment,identificationofappropriateinternshipopportunities,writinglettersofrecommendationsforemployment,graduateschool,orscholarships,andprovidingguidancetostudentsinseekingavenuesintotheplanningprofessionandadviceregardinggraduateeducation.TheFacultymaintainregularofficehoursandareavailableonanappointmentbasistomeetingwithstudentswhenregularofficehoursarenotconvenienttostudents.ThecultureofHuxleyCollegehastraditionallysupportedwarmandcloserelationshipsbetweenfacultyandstudents.SeveralannualandmonthlyactivitiesareorganizedbytheCollegeandtheProgramtofacilitatefaculty-studentrelationshipbuildingincludingbarbecuesandmonthly“greendrinks”hostedbyourCollegeandlocalcommunityorganizations.
E.Research,ScholarshipandOtherCreativeActivity: Facultyteachingandadministrativeassignmentsprovideforengagementinresearch,scholarship,and/oroutreachreflectiveofthestageoftheircareers,themissionoftheProgram,andexpectationsoftheUniversity.Facultycreativeactivitieswill undergopeerreviewappropriatetothescholarlyorpracticeorientationofthework,including,butnotlimitedto,appropriatejournalsorotherpublicationoutlets,conferences,orothervenuesallowingdisseminationofthework.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion3E:
TheprogramandtheDepartmenttakeabroadviewofscholarshipandexpecteachfacultymembertomaintainaprogramofscholarlyandcreativeactivitythatemphasizesexcellenceinurbanplanningpracticeandenvironmentalproblemsolving.Thescholarshipprogramisviewedasanevolvingexpressionofthefaculty'sintellectualandappliedinterests.TheDepartmentencouragescreativity,originalityandsignificanceincontributionstothefaculty’sdisciplinaryfield.Whilesingleauthoredworksdemonstrateindependentscholarlyachievement,theDepartmentequallyrecognizesthevalueofcollaborationandofappliedcreativeendeavors.Itisthefacultymember'sresponsibilitytoexplainandpresenttoDepartmentcolleaguesthenatureandsignificanceofhisorherscholarshipandpractice,andthestandardsthatareappropriateinthefaculty’sparticulardisciplinaryfield.Theteachingexpectationsofprogramfacultyinclude,generally,5-6courseseachacademicyear,whichprovidesopportunityforfacultytoconcurrentlyconcentrateonscholarship.Thecollectionofscholarlyachievementsofprogramfacultyisimpressive,andincorporatesextensivepeerreviewedacademicpublicationsinjournalarticles,bookchapters,andbooks,aswellasstudent-facultyauthoredpublicationsproducedfromstudio-basedclassexperiences.Inaddition,manyfaculty
areprofessionallyengagedbycontributingtoprofessionalplanningactivities,assessmentofplanningagenciesandprograms,writinglegalbriefsrelatingtolanduseandplanningissues,andparticipateinlocal,regional,statewide,andinternationalpublicpolicyserviceappointments.Inassessingscholarlyandcreativework,emphasisisplacedonevidenceofscholarshipquality,significance,independentcontribution,andcontinuityofproductivityratherthansimplyafixednumberofpublications.Scholarlyaccomplishmentsofourfacultyarecomprisedofthefollowingareasofemphasis(SeealsoFacultyDataTablesandtheAdditionalInformationSectionforevidenceandstandardsforscholarshipandcreativeactivity,DepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesUnitEvaluationPlan,June12,2009).
• Refereedpublicationssuchasarticles,chapters,orbooks.Qualityandsignificanceisassessedaccordingtothequalityoftheproduct(publicationcitationraterelativetootherworksinthefield;publishedreviewsofbooksorotherworks;awardsfromprofessionalorganizations,orcommentsonworksinexternalletters),andpublisherquality(impactfactor,ranking,reputationinthefield).Otheractivitiesincludenon-peerrefereedjournalarticles,monographs,bookchapters,conferencepresentations,bookreviews,andotherproductiveendeavors.
• Non-refereedurbanplans,resourcesmanagementplans,publicpolicy,legalbriefs,communitydesigns,modelsandexhibitions,curricularinnovations,applicationsoftheory,communityservicelearning,communityfacilitation,policyandtechnicaldocuments,andotherappliedworks.Suchworksmayqualifyasscholarshiponthebasisofthefacultymember'sexpertise,originalintellectualcontribution,recognitionbyprofessionalcommunities,durationanddepthofinvolvement,ortheindependenceofprofessionaljudgment.
• Extramuralfundingandgrantsubmissionssupportingscholarlyworkarealsovalued.F.ProfessionalInvolvementandCommunityOutreach:Facultydemonstrateinvolvementintheprofessionthroughparticipationinnationalorganizationsand/orparticipationinlocal,state,regional,andnationalprofessionalconferences,workshopsandothersponsoredactivitiesincludingactivitiesofprofessionalplanningorganizations.Theyshalldemonstratecommunityoutreachthroughcontinuousengagementinactivitiesleadingtotheadvancementoftheprofession,theUniversity,andprogresstowardmeetingtheneedsofthebroadersociety. ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion3F:
Ourfacultymembersareactivelyengagedincommunityoutreach,University-wideacademicprograms,andinplanningorganizationsatthestate,national,andinternationallevels.SeveralofourfacultyareactiveinAPA,thePlanningAssociationofWashington,Futurewise(anon-profitgrowthmanagementadvocacyorganization),andothergrassrootsandneighborhood-basedplanningorganizations.OurfacultyhaveservedontheBoardofDirectorsforFriendsofWashington,thecitizen-basedgrowthmanagementcompliancewatchdogorganizationinthestateandguidedtheformationofWashingtonState’sfirstprofessionalassociationoftribalplannersthateventuallyformedananationalAPAdivision.Otherfacultymembersprovidecontinuousprofessionalandlegalguidancetonon-profitplanningorganizationsadvocatingforcompliancewithgrowthmanagementandenvironmentallawsinWashingtonState.Facultymembershavefoundedandledinternationalorganizationspromotinginternationaleducationinsustainabledevelopmentplanning,oneprojectwhichwasawarded“BestStudentPlanningProject”recentlybyAPAWashingtonChapterandthePlanningAssociationofWashington.SeveralfacultymembershaveservedasvisitingfacultyintheUnitedNationsUniversityprogramsinsustainabledevelopmentinAmman,Jordan.Facultyalsochairinternationalconferences
andhaveorganizedinternationalconferencesonMediterraneansustainabledevelopmentattheBellagioRetreatCenterinItaly,attheHellenicAmericanUniversityinAthens,Greece,andinTunis,Tunisia.AsdiscussedmorethoroughlyintheSSR,ourUrbanPlanningstudiocourseserieshavebeendesignedtoengagewithprofessionalplannersinlocalcommunitiessettingsasappliedservicelearning.Thesepartnershipprogramshaveaddressedlocalcommunityplanninganddevelopmentissuesthroughoutourregionaswellasglobally.Serviceisalsoanintegralpartoffacultyactivities,andservestoadvancethetraditionofsharedgovernanceatWestern.ContributiontotheDepartment,theCollege,andtheUniversityisconsideredessential.Othercontributionstothecommunityandtotheprofessioninclude:participationinProgramgovernance,ourfacultyunion,campuscommittees,taskforces,forums,academies,andotheradhoccouncils;leadershipinprofessionalorganizations,includingdevelopmentofprofessionalconferencesandworkshops;servicetothecommunitybeyondthecampus;editorialleadershipofscholarlyandprofessionaljournals;andthereviewofgrantproposalsandscholarlycontributionstojournals.Theprogramhasbeenactiveinprovidingcommunitylecturesontopicsrelatingtourbanplanningandenvironmentalpolicy,andhashostedcontinuingeducationpresentationsforregionalplanningprofessionalsandthepublic.
G.ProfessionalDevelopment: Facultyshallbeprovidedopportunitiestocontinuetodevelopthemselvesprofessionally.Workassignmentsandotherdevelopmentopportunitiesshallbesuchthatskillsinteaching,research,leadership,professionalpracticeandothercreativeactivitiesaresufficientlymaintainedanddeveloped.Adequateresourcesshallbeavailabletosupportfacultyprofessionaldevelopment,includingtrainingwithrespecttoinstitutionpolicies,studentneeds,andtheuseofappropriateinstructionaltechnology.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion3G:
UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment(UPSD)ProgramFacultymembersareofferedandparticipateinanarrayofsupportservicesandfacultydevelopmentresources.TheDepartmentandProgrammaintainsdatarecordsoffacultyprofessionaldevelopmentawards,sabbaticals,courserelease,professionaldevelopmentandfacultytravelallocations.Supportoffacultyprofessionaldevelopmentisdocumentedannually,andincludespaidprofessionalleaves,maternity/paternitypaidleave,coursereleases,newfacultystartupsupport,technologysupport,andsummerteachingandresearchgrants.TheUniversityCollectiveBargainingAgreement(AdditionalInformationSection)providesforannualsalaryincreases,compressioncompensation,professionaldevelopmentfunding,andotherfacultybenefits.TheDepartmentcollectsandreportsdataregardingfacultyresearchactivitiesandaccomplishmentsinanannualreporttotheProvost.HuxleyCollegeandWesternprovideawiderangeofsupporttoenabletheplanningfacultytoimprovetheirskillsinteaching,research,andothercreativeendeavors.Benefitsincludeprofessionalleaveandreleasetimetodevotetoscholarlyandcreativeendeavors.Asexamples,planningfacultyMeliousandZaferatoseachwereawardedprofessionalleaveinAY2015-16andAY2018-19),andStanglwasawardedprofessionalleaveinAY2016-17.PlanningfacultyKamelwasawardedcoursereleasestopursuethedevelopmentofProgramandCollegediversityandrecruitmentstrategiesinAY2016andintendstoapplyforprofessionalleaveinAY2020-21).SeveralPlanningfacultymembersalsoreceivedsupplementalDepartmenttravelfundingtoattendconferences,whichisinadditiontotheirannualfundallocationforprofessionaldevelopmentprovidedfortheinCBA(Kamel,Berardi,Green,Zaferatos).Facultymembersareentitledtoapplyforsabbaticalleaveupto1year(3quarters)foreach6yearsof
service.NewcoursedevelopmentfundsarealsoavailabletoUPSDfacultythroughWWU’sextendededucationprogramfordevelopingonlinecoursecurriculum.WWUCollectiveBargainingAgreementprovidesforannualfundingtosupportfacultyprofessionaldevelopmentthatmaybeused,atthefaculty’sdiscretion,toattendanceprofessionalconferences,researchactivities,developmentofnewteachingapproachesandplacebasedlearning,professionalassociationmemberships(includingAPA,AICP,andACSPmembershipandCMcredits),andotherformsofcontinuingeducation.TheDepartment’sUnitEvaluationPlanandHuxleyCollege’sStrategicPlanpromotefacultyprofessionaldevelopmentandidentifystrategiestosupportfacultyinitiativestoengageinresearchandprofessionaldevelopment(AdditionalInformationSection,ENVSUEP,Preamble,Section1.0).Expectationsforfacultyscholarship,teaching,andserviceperformanceareidentifiedintheCollegeandDepartmentUnitEvaluationPlansaswellasintheCollectiveBargainingAgreementthatdescribetheprocessforevaluatingfacultydevelopmentandachievement.
UniversitysupportoffacultydevelopmentisalsoprovidedthroughtheWWUCenterforInstructionalInnovationandAssessment(CIIA),supportingprogramsforsmallgroupinstructionaldiscussions,facultyteachingshowcases,undergraduateteachingsupport,onlineinformationandresources,andotherresources.Severalofourfacultymembersperiodicallyutilizethesesupportservices.CIIAfosterseffectiveteachingpracticesthatcontributetotheadvancementofstudentsuccessandengagement.NewandcontinuingfacultyworkwiththeCIIAtodiscussideasforclassroomfacilitationorassessment;brainstormsolutionstoclassroomproblemsandinnovations;developaplanforanewclassoranewplanforanexistingclass;attendorparticipateinworkshopsorwebinars;browseinstructionalresources;andexploreopportunitiesforcollegialinteraction.TheSmallGroupInstructionalDiscussion(SGID)isanopen-endedfeedbackprocesstoprovideanonymousmid-courseformativefeedbacktoinstructors.Planningfacultyregularlyaccesstheseresourcestoimprovetheircoursesandtodocumentteachingassessmentaspartoftheirpromotiondossiers.UrbanPlanningfacultymayalsoparticipateintheProfessionalDevelopmentWorkshopSeriesexploringissuessuchasdiversity,writingproficiency,activelearning,assessment,intellectualdevelopment,andinstructionalstrategies.CurrentandarchivedeventsarepostedontheCIIA'sWorkshops&Eventswebpage(AttachmentN).TheInnovativeTeachingShowcaseisanonlinepublicationtohighlightexceptionalteachingpracticesbyWWUfaculty.TheOfficeofExtendedEducationalsooffersfacultysupport,includingfinancialawardstodevelopcurriculumforhybridandonlinecourses.UPSDprogramfacultymayreceivefurthersupportthrougharangeoffacultydevelopmentopportunitiesprovidedthroughtheProvost’sOffice,whichincludesummerteachingandresearchawards.ProvostOfficefacultyresourcesalsoincludeassistanceincreatingcoursesyllabi,writinginstructionsupport,teachingadvice,andthefacultycodeofethics.AnnualProvostawardsinclude:Facultyexcellenceinteachingawards,researchandoutstandingscholarshipawards,andoutstandingleadershipawards(AdditionalInformationSection).TheHuxleyCollegewebpagecontainsapagededicatedtofacultyresourcesandincludesCollegeandDepartmentpoliciesandprocedures,strategicplans,andtechnicalsupportservices(https://huxley.wwu.edu/faculty-staff-resources).Finally,theDepartmentandtheUPSDProgramCommitteesupportthementoringoffaculty,providingclassroomevaluationandassistanceinthepreparationofannualperformancereviews,tenureandpromotionapplications,andpost-tenurereviews.
(SeeAdditionalInformation:WWUCenterforInnovationandAssessment(AI-21);ProvostWebsiteonFacultyResources(AI-23);UPSDFacultyDevelopmentAwards(AI-18);HuxleyCollegeFacultyResources(6)).
STANDARD4–CURRICULUMANDINSTRUCTION
Plannersintegrateknowledge,skillsandvaluestoanticipatethefutureandimprovethequalityofdecision-makingaffectingpeopleandplaces.Theyunderstandthedynamicsofcities,suburbs,regions,andthetheoryandpracticeofplanning.Theyattendtothediversityofindividualandcommunityvalues.Theydevelopandimplementethicalplans,policiesandprocesses.Theminimumcurriculumcriteriabelowreflecttheseeducationalgoals.Programsareexpectedtobeinnovativeandtoexperimentindevelopingcurricularapproachesthatachievetheobjectivesofthisstandard.ThecurriculumshoulddemonstrateconsistencyandcoherenceinmeetingtheProgram’smission,goals,andobjectives.Whileanaccrediteddegreeprogrammustmeetbasicminimalperformancecriteria,PABrecognizesthatprogramsmayhavedifferentprofileswithvaryingemphases.TheProgrambeingreviewedmustdemonstratehowitscurricularcontentmatchestheprofileemphasizedinitsoverallmission.Forexample,aprogramemphasizingurbandesignwouldmeetadifferenttestthanoneemphasizingsmalltownandruralplanning.Thecurriculummustincludeinstructiontopreparestudentstopracticeplanningincommunitieswithdiversepopulationsandtodevelopskillsnecessarytocreateequitableandinclusiveplanningprocesses.ConsistentwiththeProgram’smissionandstrategicplan,coursecontentandco-curricularactivitiesshouldseektobroadenunderstandingofhistoricalandcontemporaryfactorsacrossthefullrangeofpracticesettingsinwhichprogramgraduateswork,includingnational,demographicandpoliticalvariation,andtopromoteawarenessandrespectfordifferingbeliefs,valuesandexpectationsofpopulationsservedbytheprofession.TheProgramshallprovideacurriculumandofferinstructiontobestassureachievementoftheknowledge,skills,andvaluesthatqualifygraduatesofaccrediteddegreeprogramstoenterprofessionalplanningpractice.Whileprogramsmayadoptsuchestablishedandfamiliarlearningactivitiesascoursesandinternships,PABisalsoreceptivetoprograminnovationsthatproveeffectiveinmeetingthecriteria.Anaccrediteddegreeprogrammustensurethateachgraduatedemonstratetheknowledge,skills,andvaluesnecessaryforcompetentprofessionalplanningindiverseoccupationalandinstitutionalsettings.Thecriteriabelowprovideaframeworkforjudgingthescopeandqualityofminimumeducationaloutcomes.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsStandard4:CurriculumandInstruction:Curriculumdatafile
Huxley’sUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentprogram’smissionistoeducategeneralistplannerswithabreadthofskillsinplanningandcommunitydevelopmentalongwithafoundationinenvironmentalpolicyandsciencethattogetherhelptopreparestudentsforeffectiveplanningcareers.Thecurriculumiscomprisedofinstructionthatprovidesstudentswiththeknowledge,methods,skills,andvaluesthatareneededtosuccessfullyenterentry-levelprofessionalpracticeandadvancedgraduatestudies.Thecurricularcontentemphasizestheresponsibilitiesassociatedwithethicalplanninginthepublicdomain.Oncestudentsareadmittedtotheprogram,thecurriculumisdeliveredthroughasequenceofcorecourses,specializedelectives,acapstoneandanexperientiallearningrequirement,whichprovidestudentswiththeacoreplanningeducationandexposuretospecializationsinplanningpractice.Thecurriculumiscomprisedoftheurbanplanningcoreandanenvironmentalpolicyfoundationcore.Classesemphasizemethodsinquantitativeandqualitativeanalysis,policyanalysis,planninglaw,planningmethodsandprinciples,withtopicalexposuretotransportation,disasterriskreduction,andNativeAmericanplanning.Seniorlevelstudioclassesaresequential,aseachcoursebuildsuponthenext.OurUrbanTransitionsPlanningStudioseriescoordinatesthreeormoreclassestoexaminea
communitydevelopmentprobleminpartnershipwithlocalcommunities.Allstudentsintheprogramparticipateineither1)aninternshipexperienceinplanningagencies,non-profitorganizations,orotherpublicinterestsettingsunderthesupervisionofprofessionalsinthefield,2)aHuxleyglobalservicelearningprograms,or3)adirectedresearchproject.Planning’svaluesareemphasizedinmostofourcoreclassesaswellasguestlecturesbyprofessionalplannersandinourHuxleyweeklyspeakersseriesprogram.
Thefollowingcoursedescriptionsdemonstratefulfillmentoftheknowledge,skillsandvaluesrequirementsundereachcategoryofknowledge.Mostclassescontributetoeachofthecoreknowledge,skills,andvaluescategories.Inordertoreducetheduplicationofcoursedescriptions,classdescriptionsareprovidedonlyinthefirstinstanceofaclasslisting.PrerequisiteknowledgerequirementsofallPlanningStudentsPriortoenrollingintheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentdegreeprogram,studentsmustcompleteseveralprerequisitecoursesinordertobuildthenecessaryfoundationalskillsandbreadthofknowledgetosucceedintheprogram.Thesecourses(minimum30credits)include:
• Math112-FunctionsandAlgebraicMethodsorsuitablemathplacementscore.Patternrecognition
andgeneralization,buildingmathematicalmodelsandproblemsolvingareemphasized.Supportingtopicsincludepolynomials,linearandquadraticequations,inequalities,graphs,rationalexpressions,radicalsandfunctions.
• ENVS201–UnderstandingEnvironmentalDataandInformation.Introductiontothebasiclogical,
statistical,andanalyticaltoolsnecessaryforbroadparticipationinenvironmentalfieldsincludingbothphysicalandsocialsciences.
• ENVS203–PhysicalGeography.Principlesandtechniquesinanalysisofarealdistributioninthe
naturalenvironment;landforms,water,climate,soils,vegetation.
• ENVS303–IntroductiontoEnvironmentalStudiesI:HumanEcologyandEthics.Anin-depthlookathumanandenvironmentalsystemsinteractions.Conceptsofenvironmentalethicsandjustice.
• ENVS305–IntroductiontoEnvironmentalStudiesII:HistoryandPolicy.Introduceskeysocial-
scientificandpolicytoolsthathavebeendevelopedtounderstandandaddresshumanactivitieswithinsocial-ecologicalsystems.Coursematerialsintroducetheapplicationofthoseinsightstopost-warcasestudiesintheUnitedStatestoexaminethehistoricalandideologicaloriginsofcontemporaryenvironmentaldilemmas.
• ECON206–IntroductiontoMicroeconomics.Anoverviewofthemodernmarketeconomyasa
systemfordealingwiththeproblem• ofscarcity.Operationanddecision-makingofeconomicunits;supply,demandandresource
allocation;analysisofvariousmarketandindustrystructures;shortages,controls,socialcostsandbenefits;internationaltrade;comparativesystems.
• ENVS450–ScienceandthePolicyProcess.Thiscourseusestheoryandcasestudiestoexplorethe
rolesofscienceinenvironmentalpolicyandregulatoryprocesses,payingparticularattentiontocontroversies.Topicswillincludeamixtureofcurrenteventsandhistoricalcasestudies.OR
• ENVS456–EnvironmentalGovernance.Howshouldsocietiesbringaboutchangetoimprovesocial
andenvironmentalconditions?Thiscoursetreatsenvironmentalgovernanceascomprisingthestructureandactivitiesofthesocial,political,andeconomicinstitutionsthatdefineourinteractionswiththeenvironment.Studentswillexamineseveralcompetingapproachestoenvironmentalgovernance.
• OneEnvironmentalScience200-300levelcourse• One300-One300-400levelupperdivisionnaturalsciencecourse.
(SeeAdditionalInformation:UPSDCurriculum2019-2020,AI-12).
84 / 131A.RequiredKnowledge,SkillsandValuesoftheProfession: TheProgramshallofferacurriculumthatteachesstudentstheessentialknowledge,skills,andvaluescentraltotheplanningprofession.Theserequiredcomponentswill betaughtinsuchamannerthatitispossibletodemonstratethateverygraduatehasstudiedthem.Ordinarily,thismeansthattheyareincludedincoursesrequiredofall students,althoughotherapproachesarepossible.Specifically:
Theurbanplanningcurriculumiscomprisedoffoundationcourses,coreurbanplanningcourses,anelectivespecializationcourses,andacapstonecourseandexperientialcourserequiredofallofourmajors,asmorefullydescribedinthissection.
A.1. GeneralPlanningKnowledge:Thecomprehension,representation,anduseofideasandinformationintheplanningfield,includingappropriateperspectivesfromhistory,socialscience,anddesignandotheralliedfields.
a)PurposeandMeaningofPlanning : whyplanningisundertakenbycommunities,cities,regions,andnations,andtheimpactplanningisexpectedtohave.b)PlanningTheory: behaviorsandstructuresavailabletobringaboutsoundplanningoutcomes.c)PlanningLaw : legalandinstitutionalcontextswithinwhichplanningoccurs. d)HumanSettlementsandHistoryofPlanning:growthanddevelopmentofplacesovertimeandacrossspace.e)TheFuture :relationshipsbetweenpast,present,andfutureinplanningdomains,aswellasthepotentialformethodsofdesign,analysis,andinterventiontoinfluencethefuture.f)GlobalDimensionsofPlanning: interactions,flowsofpeopleandmaterials,cultures,anddifferingapproachestoplanningacrossworldregions.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A1.GeneralPlanningKnowledge:
Thefollowingprovidesasummaryofthecore-planningcurriculumrequiredofallplanningstudents(showninbold)inadditiontospecializationscoursesinasubfieldthatstudentsselect(coursesinitalicsshownbelow).Studentsalsomustselectonecapstonecourse(italic)andoneexperientiallearningcourse(italic).Thesecoursesaddressthegeneralplanningknowledgerequirementsthatfulfillthelearningoutcomesforprofessionalplanning.Asrequirementsofthemajor,allplanningstudentenrollinthesecourses.Thefollowingidentifiesthoserequiredcoursesthatprimarilyaddresstheparticularknowledge,skills,andvaluescategoriesandisnotintendedasacomprehensivelistofallcoursesthatcontributestoeachknowledgearea,asmanycoursesoverlapamongtheknowledgecategories.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A1a)PurposeandMeaningofPlanning:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A1a)PurposeandMeaningofPlanningstandard:
• ENVS343-Urbanization:ProcessesandPatterns–Geographicfocusinthedevelopment,functions
andproblemsofthemoderncitywithemphasisonAmericanurbanizationpatterns.
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning-PrinciplesandpracticesinurbandevelopmentandpublicplanningintheUnitedStates.Conceptsofplanningasacommunityprocessandprofessionalactivity.Evolutionofplanningideas,ethics,andvaluesinresponsetochangingsocial,economic,andenvironmentalconditionswithintheAmericanpoliticalandlegalframework.Surveyofthespecializedfieldsinplanningpractice.
• ENVS370–HistoryofPlanning-Surveyoftheorigins,developmentandsignificanceoftheplanning
movementintheUnitedStatesandtheprofessionthatemergedfromit.Theseminalinnovators,practicesandachievementsinAmericanplanning.
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A1b)Planningtheorycriteria:
• ENVS343-Urbanization:ProcessesandPatterns-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS470-PlanningStudioI:Methods-Processesincommunitygoalmaking,analytictechniquesandmethodsofsiteplanningandurbandesign.
• ENVS462-PlanningTheory-Surveyofthephilosophy,methods,criticalthinking,andanalytical
techniquesusedinpublicplanning.Synthesisofthetheoriesdrawnfromseveraldisciplinesandappliedtoplanning.Emphasisontheapplicationofexplanatoryconceptsinplanningdecision-making.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A1c)PlanningLaw:
Planninglawisreviewedinmanycoursesinthecurriculumand,inparticular,the3courseslistedbelow.ENVS461LandUseLawemphasizesBlackLetterLaw,withafocusonzoningandsubdivisionregulationsandtheirexceptions;thecontextofcompetingviewsonthenatureofpropertyrights;andtheprocessforestablishingprecedentintheexerciseofpolicepowers.ENVS374LanduseRegulationsandTechnicalWritingemphasizesshort-rangeadministrativeplanningknowledgeandskills,codewritingskills,andWashingtonState’slanduseregulatoryprogramsandbestpractices.Thesecoursesprovidestudentswithexposuretothelegalandinstitutionalcontextstheywillfaceinplanningpractice.ENVS361alsoprovidesanoverviewofplanning’slegalsystem,policepowers,andformsofregulationsinAmericanplanning.InadditiontothesecoursesourplanningstudiocoursesequenceemphasizestheapplicationofWashingtonState’sGrowthManagementAct’slaws,policiesandprinciples.Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A1c)PlanningLawcriteria:
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning–Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS374–LandUseRegulationandTechnicalWriting–Appliedstudiesinadministrativeplanning
andimplementationtools,evaluatinganddraftinglandusecodes.
• ENVS461-LandUseLaw-Landuseplanningisanattempttoreconciletheconflictbetween
individualpropertyrightsandcollectiveenvironmentalgoals.ThiscourseexaminestheAmericanlegalsystem’sroleinframingandresolvingthisdilemma.Itprovidesanunderstandingofthelegalframeworkthatcreatesourunique‘bottomup’landuseregulatorysystem.Italsoexaminesthepracticalandphilosophicalimplicationsoffederalconstitutionalrestrictionsonlocalgovernmentlanduseauthority,including‘takings’andhousingdiscriminationcases.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A1d)HumanSettlementsandHistoryofPlanning:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A1d)HumanSettlementsandHistoryofPlanningcriteria:
• ENVS343-Urbanization:ProcessesandPatterns-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning–Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS370–HistoryofPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS372-NaturalHazardsPlanning-Emphasizingcreationofsaferhumansettlementsthrough
applicationofhazardmitigationstrategiesincommunityplanning,siteselectionandlayout,infrastructuredesign,andbuildingdesign.Thecourseprovidesasurveyofmeteorologicalandgeologicalhazards.Itintegratesinsightsfromenvironmentaldesigndisciplinesforminimizinglossesfromnaturalhazardssuchasglobalwarming,severestorms,wildfires,flooding,earthquakes,andlandslidesandhowhazardmitigationcanincreaselong-termcommunityresiliencethroughpre-disasterandpost-disasterrecoveryplanning.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A1e)TheFuture:
TheentirestudiosequenceemphasizesWashingtonState’splanningmandatetoaccommodatepublicgrowthneedsoveratwenty-yearfutureplanninghorizon.Sixplanningcoursesareidentifiedthataddressesplanning'sinteractionwith"thefuture".CommunityResilienceandsustainabilitycoursesemphasizefutureimpactsassociatedwithcommunityrisk,especiallyfacingvulnerablecommunities.Huxley’soverarchinggoalemphasizescurriculathatpreparestudentstomakesignificantcontributionstowardsthebettermentoffuturesocietiesandenvironmentalconditions.Othercoursesnotidentifiedherealsoaddressplanning'sroleinshapingthefuture.OneexampleisinENVS462"planningtheory"thatemphasizesreadingsanddiscussionsconcernedwithimplicationsofplanningactionsinfuturesocietalsituations.Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A1e)TheFuturecriteria:
• ENVS303–IntroductiontoEnvironmentalStudiesI:HumanEcologyandEthics.
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning–Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS372-NaturalHazardsPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS470-PlanningMethods-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS472-PlanningStudioI-Analysisandsynthesisofsignificantsocioeconomicbiophysicaland
culturalresourcesusedinplanning;preparationofaland-useorotherplanforaselectedregion.
• ENVS473-PlanningStudioIIImplement-Thisisamethodsandapplicationscourseinlanduseplanning,engagingstudentsinplanimplementation.Thecoursewillfocusoninnovativelanduseregulations,butwillalsoincludeworkwithcapitalimprovementsandmarket-basedstrategies.NewlanduseregulationswillbedesignedtoenableandfacilitatetheimplementationofprojectsfromStudioI.Studentswillexaminethecostsofdirectpublicinvestmentrequiredtoimplementtheirplans,andthepossibilityofemployingincentive-basedstrategiesorpublic-privatepartnerships.
• Note:MostofHuxley’scoreenvironmentalandplanningcorecoursesaddressconsiderationsand
implicationsforthefuture.Onlyselectedcoursesarelistedunderthiscategory.Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A1f)GlobalDimensionsofPlanning:
Thefollowingcorerequiredandelectivecoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A1f)GlobalDimensionsofPlanningcriteria:
• ENVS331-Canada:SocietyandEnvironment-Thiscourseexploresrelationshipsbetweenpeople
andtheenvironmentintheterritorythathascometobeknownasCanada;emphasisisplaceduponthehistoryofsuchrelationships.Topicsinclude:physicalgeography,Aboriginalgeographies,Native-Newcomerinteractions,evolvingandcontestedpoliticalboundaries,resourceuseandecologicalcrisis,andurbandevelopment.
• ENVS340-DevelopingWorld-Analysisofselectedgeographicalproblemsofmajorcountriesand
regionsofAfrica,AsiaandLatinAmerica;populationpressure,agriculturalproductivity;resourceappraisalandutilization;urbanindustrialgrowth;urbanandregionalplanning.
• ENVS343-Urbanization:ProcessesandPatterns-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS372-NaturalHazardsPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ESCI392–IntroductiontoGlobalChange-Therearesixandahalfbillionpeopleandweare
changingtheglobalenvironmentatapaceunknowntohistory.Wewillunravelsomeofthelinkagesbetweenbiophysicalsystems,ecologicalresponses,andhumanactivities.Wewillcoverchangestotheclimate,butalsotakeastepbacktoappreciatetheincrediblesuiteofsimultaneousglobalchangestakingplaceinbioticdiversity,hydrologicandchemicalcycles,andhumanassimilationofEarth’senergy.
• ENVS437P–SustainableIthaca:Internationalprograminsustainablecommunity• development.Ithaca,Greece.Summerprogram.
• ENVS437O–UrbanizationItalyGlobalStudies:AnevaluationofurbanizationinNablesand
surroundingcommunities.
• ENVS462-PlanningTheory-Seedescriptionabove 94 / 131A.2. PlanningSkills:Theuseandapplicationofknowledgetoperformspecifictasksrequiredinthepracticeofplanning.
a)Research: toolsforassemblingandanalyzingideasandinformationfrompriorpracticeandscholarship,andfromprimaryandsecondarysources.b)Written,OralandGraphicCommunication:abilitytoprepareclear,accurateandcompellingtext,graphicsandmapsforuseindocumentsandpresentations.c)QuantitativeandQualitativeMethods: datacollection,analysisandmodelingtoolsforforecasting,policyanalysis,anddesignofprojectsandplans.d)PlanCreationandImplementation: integrativetoolsusefulforsoundplanformulation,adoption,andimplementationandenforcement.e)PlanningProcessMethods: toolsforstakeholderinvolvement,communityengagement,andworkingwithdiversecommunities. f)Leadership: toolsforattention,formation,strategicdecision-making,teambuilding,andorganizational/communitymotivation.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A2.PlanningSkills:
Thefollowingsectionsprovideasummaryofthecore-planningcurriculumrequiredofallplanningstudents(showninbold)inadditiontospecializationscoursesinasubfieldthateachstudentselects(coursesinitalicsshownbelow).Thesecoursesaddresstheplanningskillsrequirementstoperformplanningtasks.Thecurriculumrevisionadoptedin2019includesrequiredcoursesinqualitativeandquantitativemethodsinadditiontoaspecializationinthesefieldsandarequiredcourseinthecategoryofplanninganddiversity.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A2a)Research:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A2PlanningSkillscriteria:
• ENVS201-UnderstandingEnvironmentalDataandInformation-Thisclasshelpsstudentsnavigatetheintersectionofpeer-reviewedscientificliteratureandthepopularnewsmediaoutletsthatoftenreportonenvironmentalresearchandnews.Tointroducethebasiclogical,statistical,andanalyticaltoolsnecessaryforbroadparticipationinenvironmentalfieldsincludingurbanplanning.
• ENVS343-Urbanization:ProcessesandPatterns-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS373-TransportationSystemsandPlanning-Locationalandnetworkanalysisandmodelingof
local,regionalandnationalsystems.Investigationofalternativestotraditionaltransportationmodes.
• ENVS464–PedestrianandBikePlanning–Locationalandnetworkanalysisandmodelingofbiking
andpedestriansystems.
• ESCI392-IntroductiontoGlobalChange-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS457-EnvironmentalDisputeResolution–Courseconsidersseveralfactpatternsinvolvingdisputesovernaturalresourcesandenvironmentalissues.Studentswillstudyand,insomecases,researchthefactsandwillbeassignedrolestorepresentduringdisputeresolutionsessions.Studentshavetheopportunitytopracticearangeofdisputeresolutiontechniques,whichmayincludenegotiation,mediation,andotherdisputeresolutiontechniques.
• ENVS461-LandUseLaw-Seedescriptionabove
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A2b)Written,OralandGraphicCommunication:
Note:Inadditiontospecifiedcourses,Western’sgraduationrequirementsincludewritingproficiencyrequirements(WP).Inaddition,severaloftherequiredcoursesintheplanningcurriculummeettheUniversity’sWPwritingintensivecriteria.
• ENVS360-PlanGraphics:MethodsinUrbanPlanningDesignGraphics-Introductiontothe
applicationofgraphicdesigntechnologytoplandesignusingcomputeraideddesign,publicationlayout,imagepresentation,andvideoeditingsoftware.InterpretationofzoningguidelinesforsiteplananalysisandbuildingenvelopstudiesusingCADandpresentationtools.
• ENVS372-NaturalHazardsPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS374–LandUseRegulationandTechnicalWriting–Appliedstudiesinadministrativeplanning
andimplementationtools,evaluatinganddraftinglandusecodes.
• ENVS457-EnvironmentalDisputeResolution-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS461-LandUseLaw-SeedescriptionaboveProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A2c)QuantitativeandQualitativeMethods:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A2c)QuantitativeandQualitativeMethodscriteria:
• ENVS372-NaturalHazardsPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS320–GISI:IntroductiontoGIS-AnintroductiontoGeographicInformationScienceconceptsandGeographicInformationSystems(GIS)technology.Lectureswillfocusonthenatureofspatialdata,spatialdatasources,andtheinput,manipulation,analysis,anddisplayofspatialdata.PracticalexperienceinGISapplicationsthroughlabassignments.
• ENVS321-Cartography-Maplayout,designandproductionusingcomputertechniques.
Methodsandlimitationsofgraphiccommunicationareemphasized.
• ENVS322–AnalysisofSpatialData-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS372–NaturalHazardsPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS442–RegionalEnvironmentalandEconomicModeling-Spatialresourceassessmentandplanningmodels,includingqualityoflife,shift-share,input-outputandlinearprogrammingunderresourceconstraints,anddemographicprojections.
• ENVS419–ApplicationsinGIS-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS420–GISII:AnalysisandModeling-TheuseofGeographicInformationSystems
technologyforanalysisandmodelingofspatialdataandprocesses.Focusonthecollection,storage,analysis,anddisplayofspatialdata.Introductiontotheuseofmodelstoautomate
geoprocessingtasks.PracticalexperienceinGISapplicationthroughlabassignments.
• ENVS421–GISIV:AdvancedGISApplications-AnalysisandvisualizationofgeospatialdatausingadvancedcartographicmethodsandGeographicInformationSystemstechniques.PracticalexperienceinGISapplicationsthroughlabassignments.
• ENVS422-AdvancedSpatialAnalysis-Advancedtechniquesfortheanalysisandvisualizationof
spatialdata.Focusonstatisticalmethodsandcomputertoolsforidentifyingspatialpatternsandprocesses,effectivecommunicationofresults,andprofessionaldevelopmentforgeospatialanalysts.Introductiontoopensourceanalyticalandcartographicsoftwareoptions,includingthedevelopmentofwebmapsandonlineprofessionalportfolios.Studentswillcompeteanextensiveoriginalresearchproject.
• ENVS474–CommunityDevelopmentandParticipatoryMethods.Thiscourseintroduces
studentstoconceptsofcommunitydevelopmentinthecontextofurbanchangeintheUnitedStates.Itexplorescommunitydevelopmentgoals,organizations,strategies,tools,andplanningprocesses.Thetheoryandpracticeofurbandevelopment,neighborhoodchange,andcommunityorganizingwillbediscussed,withaparticularfocusonaffordablehousingandindustrialfacilitysiting.Social,economic,andenvironmentaljusticeconsiderationsandcommunityempowermentisemphasizedinthiscourse.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A2d)PlanCreationandImplementation:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A2d)PlanCreationandImplementationcriteria:
• ENVS437P–SustainableIthaca-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS470-PlanningStudioI:Methods-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS471-CampusSustainabilityPlanningStudio-Introductiontocampussustainability
planningasappliedtotheWWUcampuscommunity.Project-basedlearningandresearchinvolvingstakeholdersacrosscampus.SelectedresearchtopicsrelativetoWestern’smasterplanningprocesspursuitofsustainability.
• ENVS472-PlanningStudioII:PlanDevelopment-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS473-PlanningStudioIII:PlanImplementation-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS474-PlanningforSustainableCommunities-Synthesisandapplicationofprinciples,
practicesandpoliciesinsustainabledevelopmentandthedesignofprojects,processes,andproductsusingasystemsapproachtopromotesocial,economicandenvironmentalsustainability.Studentsapplysustainabledesigntechniquestolocalregionalandinternationalcommunityproblems.
• ENVS476-DisasterReductionStudio-Thecourseprovidesstudentswithanopportunityto
applytheirknowledgeandskillsindisasterreductionandemergencyplanning,withanemphasisoncommunity-basedapproaches.Studentswillworkingroupswithaclient(orclients)onaquarter-longprojectofpracticalsignificance.Studentswillbeexposedtobestpracticesthroughcasestudiesacrossdisasterreductionandemergencyplanning.Project
management,clientinteractions,reportwriting,andcommunicatingtechnicalinformationtodiverseaudienceswillbeemphasized.
• ENVS493-EnvironmentalImpactAssessment-EnvironmentalImpactAssessmentrequiresa
rangeofprofessionalqualificationsandinvolvesawidespectrumofdisciplinesandmethodologies.Thisinterdisciplinarycapstonecourseinvolvesclasspreparationofanimpactassessmentofalocalproject,summarizingphysical,biologicalandsocialaspectsofastudyarea.ReviewofpertinentlawsandEISdocuments.AlsoofferedasESCI436.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A2e)PlanningProcessMethods:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A2e)PlanningProcessMethodscriteria:
• ENVS360-PlanGraphics-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS372-NaturalHazardsPlanning-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS470-PlanningStudioI:Methods-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS472-PlanningStudioII:PlanDevelopment-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS473-PlanningStudioIII:PlanImplement-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS474-PlanningforSustainableCommunities-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS475–CommunityDevelopmentandParticipatoryMethods-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS476-DisasterReductionStudio-Seedescriptionabove
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A2f)Leadership:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A2f)Leadershipcriteria:
• ENVS305-EnvironmentalHistoryandEthics-NatureandnationareinextricablyconnectedinAmericanhistory,butAmericanidentificationwithnaturehasoftenledinsurprisingdirections.Thiscoursereviewshowvarioushumanactivitieshavehistoricallydependedonandinteractedwiththenaturalworld.Ittraceshowtheseinteractionshavechangedplaces,people,animalsandinstitutionsoverthelastfivehundredyearsinwhatisnowtheUnitedStates.Thefocuswillbeonhowculture,science,andpoliticshavemixedinAmericanenvironmentalhistory.
• ENVS456–EnvironmentalGovernance-Howdo/shouldsocietiesbringaboutchangeto
improvesocialandenvironmentalconditions?Thiscoursetreatsenvironmentalgovernanceascomprisingthestructureandactivitiesofthesocial,political,andeconomicinstitutionsthatdefineourinteractionswiththeenvironment.Studentswillexamineseveralcompetingapproachestoenvironmentalgovernance,andreadingswillexposestudentstobothlaudatoryandcriticalperspectivesofeach.
• ENVS457-EnvironmentalDisputeResolution-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS472-PlanningStudioII:PlanDevelopment-Seedescriptionabove
A.3.Valuesandethics: Valuesinformethicalandnormativeprinciplesusedtoguideplanninginademocraticsociety.TheProgramshall incorporatevaluesandethicsintorequiredcoursesofthecurriculum,including:
a)ProfessionalEthicsandResponsibility :keyissuesofplanningethicsandrelatedquestionsoftheethicsofpublicdecision-making,research,andclientrepresentation(includingtheprovisionsoftheAICPCodeofEthicsandProfessionalConduct,andAPA’sEthicalPrinciplesinPlanning).b)Equity,DiversityandSocialJustice : keyissuesinequity,diversity,andsocialjusticethatemphasizeplanners’roleinexpandingchoiceandopportunityforall persons,planfortheneedsofthedisadvantaged,reduceinequitiesthroughcriticalexaminationofpastandcurrentsystemsanddisparities,andpromoteracialandeconomicintegration.c)GovernanceandParticipation:therolesofofficials,stakeholders,andcommunitymembersinplannedchange.d)SustainabilityandEnvironmentalQuality:environmental,economic,andsocial/politicalfactorsthatcontributetosustainablecommunities,andthecreationofsustainablefutures.e)GrowthandDevelopment: economic,infrastructure,social,andculturalfactorsinurbanandregionalgrowthandchange.f)HealthandBuiltEnvironment:planning’simplicationsonindividualandcommunityhealthintheplaceswherepeoplelive,work,playandlearn.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A3.ValuesandEthics:
Thefollowinglistofrequiredandelectivecoursesemphasizesthevalues,ethics,andnormativeprinciplesguidingplanning,withanemphasisinunderstandingissuesofdiversityandjustice.Thecurriculumrevisionsadoptedin2018includeacourserequirementinthecategoryofPlanningandDiversity.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A3a)ProfessionalEthicsandResponsibility:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A3a)ProfessionalEthicsandResponsibilitycriteria:
• ENVS305-EnvironmentalHistoryandEthics-Natureandnationareinextricablyconnectedin
Americanhistory,butAmericanidentificationwithnaturehasoftenledinsurprisingdirections.Thiscoursereviewshowvarioushumanactivitieshavehistoricallydependedonandinteractedwiththenaturalworld.Ittraceshowtheseinteractionshavechangedplaces,people,animalsandinstitutionsoverthelastfivehundredyearsinwhatisnowtheUnitedStates.Thefocuswillbeonhowculture,science,andpoliticshavemixedinAmericanenvironmentalhistory.o ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning-Seedescriptionaboveo ENVS443–UrbanEnvironmentandtheJustCity-Seedescriptionabove
o ENVS462-PlanningTheory-Seedescriptionabove
o ENVS475–CommunityDevelopmentandParticipatoryMethods-Seedescriptionabove
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A3b)Equity,Diversity,andSocialJustice:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesandelectivespecializationcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A3b)Equity,Diversity,andSocialJusticecriteria:
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS370–HistoryofPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS457-EnvironmentalDisputeResolution-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS462-PlanningTheory-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS414-Environmentalandfoodjustice–Anoverviewofjusticeissuessurroundingtheproduction,
distribution,andconsumptionoffoodintheUnitedStates.
• ENVS443–UrbanEnvironmentandtheJustCity-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS463-NativeAmericanPlanningandNaturalResourcesPolicy-Surveyofpoliticalandjurisdictionalconsiderations,treatyrights,andsocialandenvironmentalconditionsfacingtribalcommunitiesintheirpursuitofself-governanceandsustainability.HistoricfederalIndianpolicy,courtrulingsandtheconsiderationofoff-reservationtreatyrightsinregionalplanning.
• ENVS475–CommunityDevelopmentandParticipatoryMethods-Seedescriptionabove
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A3c)GovernanceandParticipation:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesandelectivespecializationcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A3c)GovernanceandParticipationcriteria:
• ENVS305-EnvironmentalHistoryandEthics-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS362–U.S.DisasterPolicy-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS370–HistoryofPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS450-UnitedStatesEnvironmentalPolicy-Analysisandassessmentofenvironmentalpolicy
politics,primarilyintheUnitedStates.Studentsexaminetheactors,institutions,andprocessesinvolvedinenvironmentalpolicymakinganddevelopasolidfoundationforunderstandinghowweaddressourmostpressingenvironmentalconcerns.Thecoursecovers:(1)themajorenvironmentalpoliciesandinstitutions;(2)multipleperspectivesthatdescribeandexplaintheintersectionsofenvironmentalscienceandpolitics;and(3)specificenvironmentalchallenges.Thecourseemphasizessocietalvaluesandethicalresponsibilityassociatedwithpublicenvironmentalpolicy.
• ENVS465–DisasterRiskReduction-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS456-U.S.andWashingtonStateEnvironmentalRegulations-Thiscourseprovidesasurveyand
applicationsofmajorU.S.andWashingtonstateenvironmentalregulations.Studentssurveythecomplexlayersofenvironmentalregulation,peelthemapart,andthenprovideacriticalnarrationofthosethatapplytoamajorregionalenvironmentalissue.Thecourse’sdualfocusoncontentandprocessisaccomplishedbydividingtheclasssessionsroughlyequallybetweenthestudyofthereadings(whichisprimarilylecturebased)andtheexaminationofthecasestudiesandimportantresearchinthefieldofregulation(whichismostlydiscussionbased).
• ENVS461-LandUseLaw-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS463–NativeAmericanPlanningandNaturalResourcesPolicy-Surveyofpoliticalandjurisdictionalconsiderations,treatyrights,andsocialandenvironmentalconditionsfacingtribalcommunitiesintheirpursuitofself-governanceandsustainability.HistoricfederalIndianpolicy,courtrulingsandtheconsiderationofoff-reservationtreatyrightsinregionalplanning.Approachestointergovernmentalcooperationforsustainablenaturalresourcesmanagement.
• ENVS476-DisasterReductionStudio–Seedescriptionabove
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A3d)SustainabilityandEnvironmentalQuality:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesandelectivespecializationcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A3d)SustainabilityandEnvironmentalQualitycriteria:Asthenationsoldestenvironmentalstudiescollege,environmentalqualityandsustainabilityisacommonthreadweavedthroughouttheurbanplanningandHuxleyenvironmentalstudiescurriculumandisreflectedinmostcoursescontainedintheurbanplanningcurriculum.Planningmajorsarerequiredtoselect2environmentalscienceclassesfromtheESCIlistingbelow.• ENVS303–IntroductiontoEnvironmentalStudiesI:HumanEcologyandEthics-Seeabove• ENVS305-IntroductiontoEnvironmentalStudiesII:HistoryandPolicy-Seedescriptionabove• ENVS450-UnitedStatesEnvironmentalPolicy-Seedescriptionabove• ESCI302-EnvironmentalPollution-Examinationofhuman-inducedenvironmentalperturbationsof
air,landandwateroccurringonlocal,regionalandglobalscales.• ESCI310-EnvironmentalSystems-InteractionofbioticsystemswithEarth’sphysicalsystems;
principlesofecologyandnaturalsystems;ecosystemstructure,functionandmanagement.ShouldnotbetakenbystudentswhohavecompletedorintendtoenrollinESCI325orBIOL325.
• ESCI321–Oceanography-Principlesofoceanography,withemphasisonadescriptionofthemarine
environmentasanentity.Physics,chemistryandbiologyoftheocean.• ESCI325-FundamentalsofEcology-Investigationofthecomplexinteractionsoforganismswith
eachotherandwiththeirphysicalsurroundings,exploredinthecontextofpopulations,communities,ecosystemsandlandscapes.
• ESCI330-NaturalHistoryofthePacificNorthwest-Afield-orientedintroductiontothegeology,
climateandecosystemsofthePacificNorthwest,withafocusonthebiologyandtheecologyofimportantorganisms.
• ESCI333-IntroductiontoEnvironmentalToxicology-Explorethefoundationsofhowenvironmental
pollutantsaffectbiologicalhealth.Topicsincludesourceandexposureroutesofpollutants,basicsofquantitativetoxicology,effectsofexposures,riskperception,andenvironmentalregulationsastheyrelatetotoxicology.
• ESCI361-WaterQuality-Waterqualityprinciples,problems,andissues;standardmethodsof
assessingwaterquality;practicalapproachesinsolvingwater-relatedproblems.Includeslaboratory.• ESCI392-IntroductiontoGlobalChange-Seedescriptionabove• ESCI463-WetlandsforWastewaterTreatment-Thisclasswillbeginwithbriefintroductionsto
conventionalwastewatertreatmentmethods(primary,secondaryandtertiary)andchemistryasitrelatestowetlandsandwastewatertreatment.Throughassignedreadings,wewillthenexaminetheuseofbothnaturalandconstructedwetlandsforthetreatmentofmunicipalwastewater,acidminedrainage,stormwaterrunoff,andagriculturalwastewater.Eachstudentwillalsoberesponsibleforcarryingoutaresearchprojectusingthecampusstormwaterwetlandasastudysite.
• ENVS474-PlanningforSustainableCommunities-Seedescriptionabove
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A3e)GrowthandDevelopment:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesandelectivespecializationcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A3e)GrowthandDevelopmentcriteria:• ENVS340-DevelopingWorld-Analysisofselectedgeographicalproblemsofmajorcountriesand
regionsofAfrica,AsiaandLatinAmerica;populationpressure,agriculturalproductivity;resourceappraisalandutilization;urbanindustrialgrowth;urbanandregionalplanning.
• ENVS343-Urbanization:ProcessesandPatterns-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS370–HistoryofPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS443-UrbanEnvironmentandtheJustCity-Comparativepatternsandprocessesofurban-
economicchangeintheindustrialandnon-industrialworld.Emphasisonurbanenvironmentaldevelopmentissuesandconflicts.
• ENVS470–PlanningStudioI:Methods-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS472-PlanningStudioII:PlanDevelopment-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS473-PlanningStudioIII:PlanImplementation-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS474-PlanningforSustainableCommunities-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS476-DisasterReductionStudio-Seedescriptionabove
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeets4A3f)HealthandBuiltEnvironment:
Thefollowingcorerequiredcoursesandelectivespecializationcoursesaredesignedtoaddressthe4A3f)HealthandBuiltEnvironmentcriteria:
• ENVS340-DevelopingWorld-Analysisofselectedgeographicalproblemsofmajorcountriesand
regionsofAfrica,AsiaandLatinAmerica;populationpressure,agriculturalproductivity;resourceappraisalandutilization;urbanindustrialgrowth;urbanandregionalplanning.
• ENVS343-Urbanization:ProcessesandPatterns-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS361-IntroductiontoPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS370–HistoryofPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS443-UrbanEnvironmentandtheJustCity-Comparativepatternsandprocessesofurban-
economicchangeintheindustrialandnon-industrialworld.Emphasisonurbanenvironmentaldevelopmentissuesandconflicts.
• ENVS463–NativeAmericanPlanningandNaturalResourcesPolicy-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS465–DisasterRiskReduction-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS470–PlanningStudioI:Methods-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS472-PlanningStudioII:PlanDevelopment-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS473-PlanningStudioIII:PlanImplementation-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS474-PlanningforSustainableCommunities-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS476-DisasterReductionStudio-Seedescriptionabove
B.AreasofSpecializationandElectives: TheProgramshallhavesufficientdepthinitscurriculumandfacultyinthespecializationareasandelectivesitofferstoassureacredibleandhighqualityoffering.
B.1.Specializations: Whenaprogramincludesspecializationfields,it isassumedthattheyarebuiltontopofthegeneralplanningfoundationandthatcoursesintheareasofspecializationaddsignificantlytothebasicplanningknowledge,skillsandvalues.Programsmustdemonstratethatthereareenoughcoursesintheareasofspecializationthatstudentsgetthedepthandrangeofmaterialstogivethemalevelofexpertise.B.2.Electives: Thecurriculumshallcontainopportunitiesforstudentstoexploreotherareassuchasexposuretootherprofessions,otherspecializations,andemergingtrendsandissues.
ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion4B.AreasofSpecializationandElectives:
Aminimumof3requiredclassesprovideforspecializationaselectivecoursesforUrbanPlanningMajors.StudentsmayselectfromtheapprovedlistofUrbanPlanningspecializations.Studentsmayelecttoconcentratetheirspecializationsingeographicinformationsystems(analyticandskillsfocus)orHazardsPlanning(disasterresilience),whichreflecttoareasofcurriculumdepthofferedwithinourDepartment.Studentsmayalsoelecttofulfilltheirelectivespecializationrequirementbycompletingaminororproposingaspecializationinanothersubfieldofplanning,withapprovalbythefacultyadvisor.Studentselectingtocompleteminorsareadvisedofadditionalcreditrequirementsbeyondthespecializationminimumrequirement.MinorsthatconstitutesubfieldsofplanningofferedinourDepartmentinclude:GIS,DisasterResilience,SustainableDesign,SocialandEnvironmentalJustices,andEnvironmentalPolicy.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion4B1.Specializations:
Therearetwodesignatedfieldsofspecializationsintheplanningmajorthatfulfilltheelectiverequirement.Inadditiontothedesignatedspecializationfields,studentsmayelecttocompleteaminortomeettheirspecializationrequirement,or,alternatively,theymayproposeaself-designedspecializationfromanapprovedelectivecourselistrelatingtooneofplanning’ssubfields.
Option1.SpecializationinSpatialAnalysis-GeographicInformationSciences
• ENVS320–GISI:IntroductiontoGIS-AnintroductiontoGeographicInformationScienceconcepts
andGeographicInformationSystems(GIS)technology.Lectureswillfocusonthenatureofspatialdata,spatialdatasources,andtheinput,manipulation,analysis,anddisplayofspatialdata.PracticalexperienceinGISapplicationsthroughlabassignments.
• ENVS321–GISII:ComputerCartography-Maplayout,designandproductionusingcomputer
techniques.Methodsandlimitationsofgraphiccommunicationareemphasized.
• ENVS419-ApplicationsinGIS*-ApplieduseofGISsoftwaretoexistingdatabasesforanalysisandfinaloutputsasmaps,tablesandcharts.Masteryofthesoftwarewillbeatthebeginner’slevel,masterofGIStechniqueswillbeatthethematicmappinglevel.Datawillbedrawnfromelectronicdatabasesandincludetabular,cartographic,andremotelysensed.
• ENVS420–GISII:AnalysisandModeling-TheuseofGeographicInformationSystemstechnology
foranalysisandmodelingofspatialdataandprocesses.Focusonthecollection,storage,analysis,anddisplayofspatialdata.Introductiontotheuseofmodelstoautomategeoprocessingtasks.PracticalexperienceinGISapplicationthroughlabassignments.
• ENVS422-AdvancedSpatialAnalysis*-Advancedtechniquesfortheanalysisandvisualizationof
spatialdata.Focusonstatisticalmethodsandcomputertoolsforidentifyingspatialpatternsandprocesses,effectivecommunicationofresults,andprofessionaldevelopmentforgeospatialanalysts.Introductiontoopensourceanalyticalandcartographicsoftwareoptions,includingthedevelopmentofwebmapsandonlineprofessionalportfolios.Studentswillcompeteanextensiveoriginalresearchproject.
Option2.SpecializationinHazardsPlanning-DisasterRiskReduction
• ENVS362–U.S.DisasterPolicy
• ENVS465-DisasterRiskReduction-Thiscourseintroducesstudentstotheassessmentofdisasters,focusingprimarilyonthesocialaspectsofdisasters.Thecoursedealswiththequestion‘Whatcausesadisaster?’
• ENVS372-NaturalHazardsPlanning-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS476-DisasterReductionStudio-Thecourseprovidesstudentswithanopportunityto
applytheirknowledgeandskillsindisasterreductionandemergencyplanning,withanemphasisoncommunity-basedapproaches.Studentswillworkingroupswithaclient(orclients)onaquarter-longprojectofpracticalsignificance.Studentswillbeexposedtobest
practicesthroughcasestudiesacrossdisasterreductionandemergencyplanning.Projectmanagement,clientinteractions,reportwriting,andcommunicatingtechnicalinformationtodiverseaudienceswillbeemphasized.
Provideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetssub-criterion4B2.Electives:
Note:Thefollowinglistisnotexhaustive;rather,itisintendedtobeillustrativeofthebreadthofelectivecoursesavailabletoourUrbanPlanningMajorstosubstitutefortheirspecializationcreditrequirements.Studentselectingthisoptionarerequiredtoidentifyandpropose300and400levelcoursestoserveastheirspecialization,withprogramadvisorapproval.
• ENVS331-Canada:SocietyandEnvironment-Thiscourseexploresrelationshipsbetween
peopleandtheenvironmentintheterritorythathascometobeknownasCanada;emphasisisplaceduponthehistoryofsuchrelationships.Topicsinclude:physicalgeography,Aboriginalgeographies,Native-Newcomerinteractions,evolvingandcontestedpoliticalboundaries,resourceuseandecologicalcrisis,andurbandevelopment.
• ENVS340-DevelopingWorld-Analysisofselectedgeographicalproblemsofmajorcountries
andregionsofAfrica,AsiaandLatinAmerica;populationpressure,agriculturalproductivity;resourceappraisalandutilization;urbanindustrialgrowth;urbanandregionalplanning.
• ENVS368-ExploringGreatCities-Fieldmethodscourseexamininggreatcities.Conceptsand
themesinhumangeographyandurbanplanningprovideaframeworkfortheanalysisofthehumanenvironmentsandtheforcesandeffortsthatshapethem.Courseisrepeatableupto8credits;coursemayonlybetakenonceforeachdestination.
• ENVS430–Borderlands-Investigationofthegeographyandissuesassociatedwiththegrowing
importanceoftheUnitedStates’borderregions,especiallyournorthernborderwithCanada;selectedtrans-borderenvironmental,sustainability,economic,andurbantopics.
• ENVS437P–SustainableIthaca:Internationalprograminsustainablecommunitydevelopment.
Ithaca,Greece.Summerprogram.
• PLSC353-StateandLocalPolitics-Politicsofstates,urbanregionsandsuburbs.Inter-jurisdictionalconflictovergrowthordevelopment.Federalrelations,directdemocracyandstatepolicymaking.
• ENVS466-GreeningBusinessApplications-Thiscourseisanexperientialcapstonecombining
facultyandstudentteamsfromtheCollegeofBusinessandEconomicsandHuxleyCollegeoftheEnvironment.StudentgroupsprepareaGreenBusinessAssessmentforacommunityorcampusorganizationandcompile,distribute,andpresentafinalreporttothecampusandtheclientorganizations.CoursealsoofferedasMGMT466.
• ESCI470-EcologicalRestoration-Investigatesthetheoryandpracticeofecologicalrestoration,
includingmethodsforevaluatingthesuccessofrestorationprojects.Incorporatesphysicalandecologicalaswellaseconomicandculturalconsiderations.Studentsworkingroupsonactualrestorationprojects.
• ENVS471-CampusSustainabilityPlanningStudio--Introductiontocampussustainability
planningasappliedtotheWWUcampuscommunity.Project-basedlearningandresearch
involvingstakeholdersacrosscampus.SelectedresearchtopicsrelativetoWestern'smasterplanningprocesspursuitofsustainability.
• Astudiocourseemphasizingtheapplicationofsustainabilityprinciplesincampusplanning,developmentandoperations.
• ENVS474-PlanningforSustainableCommunities-Seedescriptionabove
• ENVS493-EnvironmentalImpactAssessment-EnvironmentalImpactAssessmentrequiresa
rangeofprofessionalqualificationsandinvolvesawidespectrumofdisciplinesandmethodologies.Thisinterdisciplinarycapstonecourseinvolvesclasspreparationofanimpactassessmentofalocalproject,summarizingphysical,biologicalandsocialaspectsofastudyarea.ReviewofpertinentlawsandEISdocuments.AlsoofferedasESCI436.
• ENVS496-EnvironmentalStewardship-Afield-orientedcapstonecourseforenvironmental
studiesmajorsnearinggraduation.Studentsworkininterdisciplinaryteamstoapplytheirknowledgeandskillstosolvecomplexproblemsinrealworldsituations.
C.InstructionalDeliveryandScheduling: Coursesshallbetaughtbyqualifiedfaculty,andappropriateinstructorsshallbeassignedforrequired,specializedandelectivecourses.Ingeneral,mostrequiredcourseswill betaughtbyfulltimeplanningfaculty.Coursesshallbeofferedinformatsandtimestoassureappropriatestudentaccesstothemandtimelycompletionofprogramrequirements.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion4C:
QualifiedfacultymembersteachallofourcoreUrbanPlanningandEnvironmentalPolicycourses.Themajorityofcoreplanningcoursesaretaughtbyfulltime,tenuredandtenuretrack,andnon-tenuretrackplanningfaculty.Themajorityofenvironmentalcorecoursesaretaughtbytenuredandtenuretrackandnon-tenuretrackfacultyfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies.SeveralfacultyfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalSciencesteachseveralofthecoreenvironmentalcoreandfoundationclasses.TheschedulingsequenceofallrequiredcoursesintheUrbanPlanningprogramarereviewedannuallytoovercomebarrierstostudents’timelycompletionofprogramrequirements.AprogramsequencingofcoursesisprovidedontheProgramwebsiteandthroughstudentadvisementtohelpguidestudentselectionofcoursesoverthetwoyearcurriculumperiod.
D.Facilities:Students,facultyandstaffshallhaveaccesstosufficientphysicalresourcesandfacilitiestoachievetheProgram’smissionandobjectives.Thefacilitiesshallbeappropriateforthelevelandnatureofrequiredclassrooms,studioworkspace,andoffices.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion4D:
TheProgramprovidessuitablefacilitiestosupporttheProgram’smission.AllfacultyareprovidedanofficewithintheHuxleyCollegefacilities,housedintheEnvironmentalStudiesCenterBuildingandArntzenHall,whichareusedforfacultyresearchandadvisingsessionswithstudents.Adedicatedplanningstudioclassroom(ESC318)providessufficientspaceforcurrentenrolledstudentsandmostofourstudio-basedclassesutilizethisspace.Thefacilityisequippedwithcomputers,software,printers,andprojectionfacilitiestosupportthecurriculum.AdditionalcomputeraidedtechnologyisavailableintheCollege’sspatialanalysislabwhichsupportsGISinstructionandothersoftwareandisavailablefor
usebyurbanplanningmajors.TheWesterncampusprovidesavastvarietyoffacilitiessupportingtheprogram.AttimeswemayschedulegeneralUniversitycomputerlaboratoriestoaugmentclasseswhenenrollmentsexceedthecapacityintheplanningstudio.
E.InformationandTechnology: Students,facultyandstaffshallhaveaccesstosufficientinformationsystemsandtechnology,andtechnicalsupport,technicalequipmentandtrainingthereontoachievetheProgram’smissionandobjectives.Informationandtechnologyinclude,butarenotlimitedto,maintainedcomputerhardware,softwareandaccess,l ibraryresourcesandcollections.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion4E:
TheprogramissupportedbyoutstandingUniversityandDepartmentsupportforstudenttechnology–computerlabsfeaturingPCsandMacs,laptopsandvideoproductionequipment,wirelessaccessacrosscampus,aHelpDeskandaStudentTechnologyCentertoprovidetrainingandsupport,high-endmultimediaclassrooms,studentemailandfilestorage,andawiderangeofotherservicesandtools.Awidevarietyofequipmentisavailableoncampusforstudentcheckout.Therearemorethan200laptopcomputersavailableatavarietyoflocationsacrosscampus.TheClassroomServicesloandeskhasvideoanddigitalstillcamerasplusauxiliarytripods,microphonesandlightingkits,andaudio/visualgearsupportingstudentpublicpresentations.Theuniversity’slibraryoffersextensiveinhouseandinterlibraryloanresources.ComputerLabs–Over2,100labcomputersareavailableforstudentuseoncampusincludingapproximately1,600PCs,320Macintoshand185laptops.About2/3ofthesecomputersarelocatedinspecializedDepartmentallabs.Theothersareingeneraluselabsopen24hoursperdayandequippedwithawidevarietyofacademicsoftwareforcomposition,presentations,webdevelopment,dataanalysis,graphics,andvideoproduction.Scanningandprintingarealsoavailableinmostlabs.SoftwareisupdatedregularlyandincludesthelatestreleasesofMicrosoftOffice,AdobeDesignPremium,AppleFinalCutPro,IBMSPSSStatistics,ESRIGISDesktop,A.D.A.M.InteractiveAnatomy,andCADprograms.UrbanPlanningstudentscandrop-inattheTechCentertoaskforhelponsoftwareapplicationsandotheradvancedtechnologies.TheCenteroffersscanning,colorandposterprinting,videoproduction,editingandconversiontoolsaswellasonlinetutorialsandmanuals.
OnlineLearningviaCanvas,StudentWebsitesandEmails-MostfacultymakecoursematerialsavailableonlinethroughCanvasLearningManagementSystem.Accessonlinematerialsincludingclassdiscussions,assignmentsandexamsbysigningintomyWestern.Eachstudentisprovidedspaceontheuniversitywebserverstocreateapersonalwebsite.ProfessionalsoftwaretoolssuchasAdobeDesignPremium,includingPhotoshop,Fireworks,andDreamweaver,areavailableinthecomputerlabstohelpcreatewebsites.TheStudentTechnologyCenterteacheswebdesignclassestohelpstudentsgetstartedandtoadvancetheirwebsiteskills.TheUniversity’swirelessnetworkoffersexcellentcoveragethroughoutcampus.Manybuildingshavestrongsignals,andmorecoverageareasarebeingcontinuallyadded.Additionally,studentscanenjoythiswidespreadwirelessnetworkcoveragebycheckingoutlaptopsfortwohourperiods.EachregisteredstudentreceivesamyWesterncomputeraccount,whichincludesastudentWeb-basede-mail(hostedbyMicrosoftLiveaccount)with10GBofspace.Inadditiontoprovidingtheirstudentemailaccount,italsoprovidesaccesstoMicrosoftWebAppsand25GBofonlinestorageontheirMicrosoft-hostedSkyDrive.Anadditional500MBofnetworkstorageisprovidedbytheUniversity.
HuxleyDedicatedFacilities-FivespecializedinstitutesaffiliatedwithHuxleyCollegeofferourstudents'additionalresearchsupportandacademicopportunities.Eachinstitutemaintainsfacilitiesthatprovide
traininginexperimentmethodologyandtheuseofadvancedlaboratoryequipment.Incollaborationwithoutsideinstitutionsandcommunityorganizations,theseinstitutesalsoofferHuxleystudentsaccesstoreal-worldresearchprojectsviaavarietyofpaidandunpaidinternshipopportunities.TheSpatialInstituteisaninterdisciplinarycenterforspatialresearchinEnvironmentalSciences,EnvironmentalStudies,Geography,Resilience,urbanplanning,andrelatedfields.HousedwithinHuxleyCollege,theInstituteprovidesopportunitiesforcollaborationwithinHuxleyCollege,acrossWesternWashingtonUniversity,andwiththebroadercommunity.TheSpatialInstitutesupportsbothundergraduateandgraduatelevelresearchandinstruction.RecentandcurrentresearchprojectsincludeGIS,RemoteSensing,GPS,Cartography,andDisasterResponse.Inadditiontoaffiliatedfacultyandresearchprojects,theSpatialInstitutemaintainsspatialdataserversprovidingdatabothoncampusandonlineaswellastheSpatialAnalysisLabandrelatedwebsitewhichprovidestudents,facultyandthelargeracademiccommunitywithinformationregardingspatialdataresources,toolsandotherassistance.TheWWUMapCollection(aNationalMapRepository)isconsideredamajorcollectionintheUnitedStatesandhousesover250,000mapsand1,000atlases.
STANDARD5–GOVERNANCE
TheProgramshallmakeadministrativedecisionsthroughagovernanceprocessthatexhibitsahighdegreeoftransparency,inclusiveness,andautonomy.TheProgramshallbelocatedwithinanidentifiableanddistinctacademicunit,suchasadepartmentorschoolofplanning,andtheProgram’sfacultyshallbeclearlyidentifiableassuch.TheProgramshallinvolvefacultyandstudents,asappropriate,inadministrativedecisionsthataffectthemandshalldemonstratethatthosedecisionsservetoimplementtheProgram’sstrategicplan.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsStandard5:Governance:
HuxleyCollege’sUrbanPlanningprogram’ssuccessinmaintainingitsinterdisciplinaryresearchandteachingliesintheautonomyithasasadistinctprogramwithintheCollege,allowingittobenimbleandresponsivetorapidlychangingneedsandpriorities.WesternhassupportedHuxleyCollege’sinterdisciplinarycurricularinnovationbygrantingtheCollegeexceptionalcurricularautonomy.WesternhasallowedHuxleyCollege,anditsUrbanPlanningprograminparticular,todevelopcurriculumthroughafour-stepprocessbeginningwitha)programmaticdevelopmentofthecurriculumbythecoreurbanplanningfacultycommittee(consistingofcoreplanningfacultyandstudentrepresentation),b)aninterdisciplinarydepartmentreviewbody,c)aCollegeCurriculumCommitteereviewbody,andd)aUniversitycurriculumreview(suchuniversity-widecurriculumreviewisrequiredforalluniversityclasses).ThefreedomfromtheconstraintsofaUniversity-widecurriculumhasgiventheUrbanPlanningprogramandtheCollegetheabilitytoexperimentinteachingandlearning.Ithasalsoallowedtheprogramtorespondrapidlytooutsideneeds.HuxleyCollege’splanningprogramhasbeensuccessfulbecauseitcaninnovateinterdisciplinaryinquiryapproaches.WesternhasalsofacilitatedHuxleyCollege’sinterdisciplinaryresearchachievementsbysupportingitscriticalmassasaCollege.ThesmallsizeanddemocraticandinclusivestructureoftheCollegefosterscommunicationandcollaborationinanatmosphereofappreciationandrespectforthewiderangeofintellectualpursuits.Collegefaculty,staff,andstudentsinteractfrequentlyandcongenially,fosteringastrongsenseofcommunityandsharedvalues.Huxley’sUrbanPlanningProgramisconstitutedasoneoffivedistinctmajorsintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies.Itsprogramorganization,curriculum,strategicplanningandoperationsareconductedwithahighdegreeoftransparency,inclusiveness,andrelativeautonomyofthecore-
planningfacultywhoareassociatedwiththeprogram.Theprogramfacultyhasrelativeautonomyinmattersrelatingtocurriculumdesign,evaluationandassessment.TheDepartment’spoliciesprovidetheauthorityfortheUrbanPlanningprogramtoprimarilymanagetheplanningandoperationalaffairsoftheprogram.
A.ProgramAutonomy: Inaccordancewithcustomaryuniversityprocedures,theplanningprogramwillnormallybeheadedbyitsownadministrator,whowill reportdirectlytoadeanoranequivalentacademicofficialfaculty.TheProgramshallhaveresponsibilityforthedesignofitscurriculumandshallhaveanindependentvoiceintheappointment,promotion,tenure,andevaluationofitsfaculty,andtheadmissionandevaluationofitsstudents.TheplanningfacultyandstudentsshallbeinvolvedinthedevelopmentoftheProgram’sSelf-StudyReportandshallbemadeawareofthecontentofall submissionsbytheProgramtoPABaswellasreportsanddecisionsbyPABconcerningtheProgram.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion5A:
TheUrbanPlanningProgramhasasufficientdegreeofautonomyregardingthedesignandevaluationoftheplanningcurriculumanditsabilitytoinitiatemodificationsasdeemedopportuneintheinterestsofstudentsandinresponsetotheever-changingneedsfortrainedplanningprofessionals.Planningprogramfacultyareinaleadevaluativepositionwhereitcomestotheappointment,promotion,tenureandevaluationofitsfaculty,however,theprogramfaculty’sroleisnotexclusiveasDepartment-widereviewandapprovalofcurriculum,aswellasfacultytenureandpromotion,aresubjecttoCollegeandUniversitylevelreviewpursuanttotherequirementsoftheCollectiveBargainingAgreement.Appointments,promotion,tenureandevaluationoffaculty,aswellasallcurriculumandProgramadministrativematters,beginattheprogrammaticlevelandtheProgram’srecommendationsareadvancedforCollegeandUniversityreviewasprescribedintheCollectiveBargainingAgreementandCollegepolicies.FinaldecisionsregardingpromotionandtenureultimatelyrestwiththeUniversityProvostandPresident.TheProgramhasbeenformallyestablishedundertheauthorityoftheProvost’sOfficeasauniversityacademicprogramofferingtheBADegreeinUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment.TheUSPDprogramismanagedunderthedirectionofaprogramdirector,appointedbytheDeanandtheProvost,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsintheCollectiveBargainingAgreement.Furthermore,asevidencedintheHuxleyCollegeorganizationalchart,theprogramdirectorpositionfortheUPSDprogramisidentifiedasanadministrativefunctionwithintheCollege’sorganizationalstructure.InaletterfromtheWWUProvostdatedSeptember30,2016,andinaccordancewiththeWWUCollectiveBargainingAgreement,theProvostaffirmsWWU’sdesignationoftheUrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentProgramasaUniversityAcademicProgram,andfurtheraffirmstheProvost’sappointmentoftheUPSDprogramdirector,evidencingtheexistenceoftheProgramasadistinctacademicprogram(AdditionalInformationSection22).AsstatedintheProvost’sletter:“…TheCollectiveBargainingAgreementdelineatestotheadministrationtherighttoplan,establish,modify,reorganize,create,mergeoreliminateprograms,departmentsandcoursesofinstruction,theauthoritytodetermineacademicprogramstobeoffered,”...“andinthecaseofacademicprogramdirectors,determinedutiesandresponsibilitiesofbargainingunitmembers,standardsofperformanceevaluation,assignments,responsibilitiestobeperformed.Giventhisdelineationofauthority,the
collegebylawsareNOTthemechanismweusetoestablishacademicprograms,orappointandevaluateacademicprogramdirectors.Thatrightisheldbymeasprovostandvicepresidentforacademicaffairs.Theofficialwrittenrecordoftheseapprovedacademicprogramsistheuniversitycatalogue.”Further,theProvoststates:“Inthisrole,IassureyouthattheUPSDprogramhasbeenestablishedasafullacademicprogramunitoftheuniversity.”TheDepartmentdulyenactedaGovernancePolicyestablishingProgramgovernancebycreatingtheUPSDProgramCommitteeandoutliningitsdutiesandresponsibilities,whichincludesthelong-termoperationandmaintenanceoftheprogram.Asaself-governingunit,theDepartmentretainstheauthoritytoenactpoliciesregardingthegovernanceofeachofitsacademicprograms.Amongotherprovisions,thepolicyidentifiestherole,composition,andresponsibilitiesoftheUPSDProgramCommittee,thedutiesoftheProgramDirector,andtheestablishmentofaProgramAdvisoryBoardandastudentplanningorganization.EachoftheseentitieshasaparticipatoryroleintheformulationoftheProgram’sMissionandStrategicPlan,curriculumdevelopment,andtheassessmentandevaluationofprogramaccomplishments.AsstatedinSection1oftheUPSDgovernancepolicy(AdditionalInformationSection),itspurposeis:“tooverseetheperformanceofHuxleyCollege’sBAdegreeprograminurbanplanningandsustainabledevelopmentandmaintainingtheprogram’slongtermcompliancewithPABaccreditationstandardsandrequirements.”ThisauthoritygrantstheProgramtheresponsibilityformanagingitslongtermoperation,incompliancewiththePABstandards–whichwerecognizeasthe“goldstandard”foracademicplanningprograms.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudieshasalong-standingpracticeofsupportingtheself-governanceofeachofitsacademicprograms.Eachofouracademicprogramsoperateundertheleadershipofaprogramadministrator(analogoustoaprogramdirector),andtheprogrammaticfacultyineachprogrammajorareresponsibleforthereviewandadmissionofstudentsintotheirmajorsandthedevelopment,maintenance,andassessmentoftheircurriculum.TheUPSDGovernancePolicyexpandsuponthesecustomaryprogramgovernancepracticesbyincludingstudentsandaprofessionaladvisoryboardtoparticipateinprogramplanningandevaluation,andbycreatingaseparateprocedureforUPSDprogramfacultytovoicetheirrecommendationsregardingthetenureandpromotionofitscorefaculty,inaccordancetocustomaryuniversityprocedures.TheUrbanPlanningProgram’sgovernanceauthorityispresentedinitsGovernancePolicyasfollows:UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentAcademicProgramGovernancePolicyDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies,HuxleyCollegeoftheEnvironment,WWUApproved:UPSDCommittee,November5,2018Approved:DepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies,November26,2018.1.UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopment(UPSD)ProgramCommittee.Thereshallbeestablishedan“UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentProgramCommittee,”(hereinafter“UPSDProgramCommittee”)tooverseetheperformanceofHuxleyCollege’sBAdegreeprograminurbanplanningandsustainabledevelopmentandmaintainingtheprogram’scompliancewithPABaccreditationstandardsandrequirements.a.UrbanPlanningProgramCommittee:TheProgramCommitteeshalladvisetheAcademicProgramDirector,theDepartmentChair,and/ortheDeanregardingcurriculumandurbanplanningprogramrelatedmatters.b.ProgramCommitteeComposition:TheProgramCommitteeshallbecomprisedofa)“urbanplanning
corefaculty”(consistingoffacultyteachingaminimumof2requiredcoursesperyearintheurbanplanningcurriculum,andotherfaculty,attheirelection,whoteachintheplanningmajorandapprovedbyhecorefaculty);b)theCollegeDean,anon-votingmemberofthecommittee;andc)twourbanplanningstudentsselectedbytheurbanplanningstudentorganizationtoone(1)yearterms.Thecommittee’scompositionshallbereaffirmedeachfallquartertoreflectanychangestotheurbanplanningfacultycomposition.MembersoftheProgramCommitteeparticipateinallCommitteedeliberations,withtheexceptionofstudentmembersinthereviewofapplicationstothemajor.MattersrelatingtofacultytenureandpromotionreviewarelimitedtotenuredfacultymembersoftheProgramCommittee.c.TheProgramCommittee,oranyadhocsubcommitteesoftheCommitteeappointedbytheProgramDirector,shallhavethefollowingduties:
i.ToreviewandmakerecommendationstotheDepartmentregardingenrollmentandapplicationcriteria,andtoreviewandapprovestudentapplicationstotheurbanplanningmajor;ii.Todevelop,assess,andmaintaintheundergraduateurbanplanningcurriculumconsistentwiththestandardsforaccreditation,andtomakerecommendationsconcerningcurricularrevisionstotheDepartmentforconsideration,pursuanttotheCollegeBylawsandCollectiveBargainingAgreements;iii.UPSDtenuredcorefacultyshallconvenetodiscussapplicationsforappointmentstotenuredandnon-tenuredpositionsrelatingtotheUPSDprogram,aswellastheeDossierapplicationsubmittedbycoreplanningfacultyfortenureand/orpromotion.TheUPSDcorefacultymayelecttoprovidetotheapplicantaninformationalletterregardingtheapplication’smeritstobeincludedinthecandidate’seDossierapplicationfolder.Tenuredfacultymembersprovidetheirindependentevaluationandvoteofcandidatesforappointment,tenure,and/orpromotioninaccordancewiththeWWU/UFWWCollectiveBargainingAgreement.iii.Tomarketandpromotetheurbanplanningandsustainabledevelopmentmajorandtoachievegreaterdiversityinstudentenrollmentandurbanplanningfacultyhiring.Recommendationsregardingtheprogram’smarketingstrategiesandbudgetingrequestsareforwardedtotheChairandtheDeanforconsideration.
2.AcademicProgramDirector.TheCommitteeshallelectoneofitstenuredcorefacultymemberstoserveastheAcademicProgramDirector,subjecttoapprovalbytheDean,tofacilitatetheperformanceoftasksnecessarytoattainandmaintainprogramaccreditation,andtoserveastheprogram’sadministratorformattersconcerningcurriculum,scheduling,programpromotion,andthecontinuationofeffectiveworkingrelationshipswithprofessionalplanningagenciesandorganizations,theProgramProfessionalAdvisoryBoard,studentplanningorganizations,andthePlanningAccreditationBoard(PAB).TheProgramDirectorshallmanagealltasksassociatedwiththeaccreditationapplicationprocess.TheAcademicProgramDirector’sappointmenttermshallbe2years.3.StudentPlanningOrganization.Studentsintheurbanplanningandsustainabledevelopmentmajorshallbeencouragedtoformandactivelyparticipateinastudent-ledplanningorganizationestablishedthroughtheWWUAssociatedStudentsorothervenuestofostercontinuedplanningeducationandstudentmembershipinprofessionalplanningassociations.Saidstudentplanningorganizationshallbeencouragedtoactivelyparticipateinthereviewandevaluationofcurriculumandtheprogram’sperformance.
1.UrbanPlanningProgramProfessionalAdvisoryBoard.TheDeanandtheProgramDirectorshallestablishanAdvisoryBoardjointly.TheBoardshallbecomprisedofseven(7)tonine(9)membersrepresentingdiverseperspectivesfromalumni,professionalplanners,thegeneralpublic,andrepresentativesoftheWashingtonChapteroftheAmericanPlanningAssociation,andshallassisttheProgramDirectorandProgramCommitteetoassesstheperformanceoftheprogram.TheAdvisoryBoardshallbeappointedtoatermoftwo(2)yearsandshallmeetatleastonceeachyeartoreviewprogramperformance,andshallmakerecommendationstotheCommitteeregardingareasforprogramenhancement.ThefollowingattachmentsareincludedintheAdditionalInformationSection:HuxleyCollegeOrganizationalChart(attachment5)Section18,UFWW,ProgramDirectors(attachment7)Provost’sLetterregardingtheUrbanPlanningProgram’sAutonomy(attachment22)UrbanPlanningandSustainableDevelopmentProgramCommitteeMembership(AY2018-2019)
2015PLANNINGFACULTYMEMBER MEMBERSHIPTYPE VOTING1 Kamel,Nabil PlanningFaculty Yes2 Laninga,Tammi PlanningFaculty Yes3 Melious,Jean PlanningFaculty Yes4 Stangl,Paul PlanningFaculty Yes5 Zaferatos,Nicholas PlanningFaculty/Programdirector Yes6 Hollenhorst,Steve Dean No7 StudentrepresentativeA–NickSchmeck Student Yes*8 StudentrepresentativeB-AndrewGraminsky Student Yes*
*Votingontenureandpromotionoffacultyrestrictedtotenuredplanningfaculty
B.ProgramLeadership: TheadministratorofthedegreeProgramshallbeaplannerwhoseleadershipandmanagementskills,combinedwitheducationandexperienceinplanning,enablestheProgramtoachieveitsgoalsandobjectives.Theadministratorshallbeatenuredfacultymemberwithanacademicrankofassociateprofessororhigher.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion5B:
TheprogramadministratorpositionisheldbyNicholasZaferatos,Ph.D.,AICP,atenuredfacultymemberwiththerankofProfessor.HisqualificationsincludethePhDinurbandesignandplanning,aMastersdegreeinenvironmentalandurbanandregionalplanning,extensivepublicserviceappointmentsthatincludesappointmentstolocalplanningcommissionsandboards,andmorethan30yearsofexecutivelevelprofessionalplanningexperienceinlocalagencies,tribalgovernments,andinternationalplanningorganizations.TheprogramadministratorissupportedbytheDepartmentChair,ProfessorGraceWang,andreportsdirectlytotheCollegeDean,ProfessorSteveHollenhorst,whoalsoservesasamemberoftheurbanplanningprogramcommittee.TheWWU’sProvostsOfficeandtheCollegeDeanprovidefundingtosupporttheprogramadministratorpositionaswellasPABaccreditationexpenses.
C.Communication:TheProgramshalluseavarietyofmediatoprovideeffectivetwo-waycommunicationwithcurrentandprospectivestudents,faculty,alumni,employers,professionalassociations,practitioners,andotherstakeholdersabouttheProgram’sgoalsandobjectivesand
aboutitsprogresstowardachievingthoseaims.TheadministratoroftheProgramshallberegularlyaccessibletothesestakeholders,providingthemwithsuitableopportunitiesforinteraction.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion5C:
Theprogramhasincreasinglyreliedonmediatoimproveitseffectivecommunicationwithcurrentandprospectivestudents,aswellaswithfaculty,alumni,andcommunitypartners.TheCollegeandUniversityhaveexpendedconsiderableresourcestoimproveitswebsiteandinternet-basedplatformswithimprovedaccessibilitytoprograms,degreemajors,events,andprogramachievementsandactivities.Mostrelevantinformationconcerningtheprogram’scurriculumrequirementsareavailableonline,alongwithapplicationmaterials.TheProgram'swebsiteislocatedat:https://huxley.wwu.edu/urban-planning-and-sustainable-development-programTheCollegeandDepartmentmaintainuser-friendlywebsites,andindividualfacultymembersareprovidedwebsitetechnologysupporttoimprovecommunicationswithstudents,colleagues,otherstakeholders,andthepublic.MostcoursesusetheCANVASlearningsystemplatformtofacilitatecurriculumadministrationanddeliveryofcoursematerialtostudents.Weannuallyadministeronlinesurveystomeasurestudentandalumniopinionsregardingstudentlearningoutcomesandachievementsaswellastohelpmeasureprogram’sachievementofitsgoalsandobjectives.Aninformationstatementregardingthecosts,enrollment,retentionratesandrelatedinformationislinkedtotheCollege’smainwebpage.Inadditiontomediacommunications,weencourageinteractivedialogueandin-personmeetingswithprospectiveandcontinuingstudentsandcommunitystakeholders.Weroutinelymeetandcoordinatewithcommunityleadersontopicsofmutualcollaboration.Theprogram’spublicinformationandapplicationprocedureinstructionsarelocatedontheDepartment’swebsiteat:https://huxley.wwu.edu/envs/envs-majors-minors-degrees.AdditionalinformationisprovidedontheprogramwebsitethatincludestheProgram'sstrategicplan,priorstudentstudiopublications,recommendedcoursesequencing,specializationguidance,andotherinformationpertinenttostudentsuccess.Thestudentplanningclub"WesternUrbanPlanners"alsomaintainsanactiveFacebookpageforstudents,alumni,andfacultytocommunicatecurrentevents.TheFacebookpageislocatedat:https://www.facebook.com/groups/wwuplanners/
D.FacultyandStudentParticipation : TheProgramshallprovidefulltimeandadjunctfaculty,individualstudents,studentorganizations,andotherinterestedpartieswithopportunitiestoparticipatefullyandmeaningfullyinadministrativedecisionsthataffectthem.Wheninterestedpartiesraisesubstantiveissues,theProgramshalldemonstratethatithasrespondedappropriatelytothoseissues,andcommunicatedtheoutcomesinsuchafashionthattheinterestedpartiesunderstandhowthedecisionsweremade.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion5D:
Allmeetingsconcerningtheevaluationof,andrevisionsto,HuxleyCollege’surbanplanningmajorandprogramsaresubjecttonotificationtointerestedstakeholderswhoareprovidedanopportunitytofullyandmeaningfullyparticipateinadministrativedecisions.Engagementinvolvesaffectedfaculty,theCollegeDean,students,thestudentplanningorganization,andourcommunitypartners.Theestablishmentoftheprogramcommitteeandprogramadvisoryboardensuresdirectandcontinuousinvolvementoffaculty,students,andprofessionalsintheprogram’sstrategicplan.Votingprivilegesontheprogram’scurriculumandstrategicplanisopentofacultyandstudents,asdefinedintheHuxley
CollegeBylaws.HuxleystudentsareappointedasmemberstomostCollegecommittees,includingtheCollege’scurriculumcommitteeandplanningprogramcommittee,andareaffordedvotingprivileges.Department,program,andCollegemeetingsareopentotheUniversitycommunityandtothegeneralpublicandminutesforeachmeetingarerecordedontheCollege’swebsite.Theprogramadministratorisdesignatedastheresponsiblepersontoensurefaculty,student,andcommunityaccesstoprograminformation.Atthebeginningofeachyear,theUrbanPlanningfacultycommitteehostspublicforumswherestudents,faculty,andstaffintheUrbanPlanningmajorreviewanddiscusstheprogram’smission,strategicobjectives,curriculum,andrelatedaspectsoftheprograminordertoenhanceunderstandingaboutprogramrequirementsandtoencouragefurtherimprovementstotheprogram.Studentsarealsorepresentedbytheirownself-governingurbanplanningorganization(WWUUrbanPlanners)formedasauniversitysupportedWWUAssociatedStudentsClub.Theclubmeetsseveraltimeseachmonthandorganizesspeakers,fieldtrips,andpromotestheattendanceofitsmembershipinplanningconferences,workshopsandpromotesAPAstudentmembership.TheclubparticipatesasmembersoftheUrbanPlanningProgramCommitteeonallprogrammaticmatters.
E.PromotionandTenure: TheProgramshallpublishpoliciesandproceduresformakingdecisionsaboutthepromotionandtenureoffaculty,andshallprovidejuniorfacultywiththesupportthattheyneedtoadvanceprofessionallywithintheProgram.TheProgramshallprovidementorshipopportunitiesforall juniorfaculty,includingwomen,racialandethnicminorities,andmembersofotherunder-representedgroups.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion5E:
WithinHuxleyCollege,thetenureandpromotionprocessrewardsinterdisciplinaryapproaches.Facultyarerewardedforconventionalformsofachievement–goodstudentevaluationsofteaching,awell-developedresearchagenda,andscholarlyoutput.However,inadditiontotheseconventionalscholarshipstandards,HuxleyCollege’sUrbanPlanningprogram(andtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudies)alsorewardsfacultyforexploringnewapproachestoteachingaboutinterdisciplinaryproblemsolvingandfortheirappliedresearchandcreativeendeavors.Furthermore,HuxleyCollege’stenureandpromotionprocesschallengesfacultytoexplorehowtheirdiversetrainingsandinterestsmightbebroughttogetherininstructionandresearch.Duringthereviewprocess,Departmentfacultyareexpectedtounderstandandassesstheachievementsoftheircolleagues,usuallybeyondtheirspecialexpertiseandinterest.Theveryprocessrequiresfacultytoexaminenewdisciplinaryperspectivesandmethodsinwaysthateducateandfosterinterdisciplinaryexploration.Theresulthasbeenexceptionalinterdisciplinarycurricularandscholarlyinnovation.UrbanPlanningfacultyareevaluatedpursuanttotheDepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesUnitEvaluationPlan,theCollegeUnitEvaluationPlan,andtheUniversity’sCollectiveBargainingAgreement.ThesepromotionandtenurepolicyandproceduresdocumentsarecontainedintheAdditionalInformationsectionofthisSSR.TheUPSDprogramgovernancepolicy,reviewedabove,providesforUPSDcorefacultytoreviewandprovidecommentsandrecommendationsforUPSDfacultymembersapplyingfortenureandpromotion.TherecommendationsareprovidedtotheDepartmentandbecomepartoftheapplicant'sDossier.AlltenureandpromotiondecisionsaresubjecttotheWWUCollectiveBargainingAgreement.
(SeeAdditionalInformation:UFWWCollectiveBargainingAgreementSection18(7),Section22(8);DepartmentUnitEvaluationPlan,AI-4).
F.GrievanceProcedures: TheProgramshallpublishpoliciesandproceduresforresolvingstudentandfacultygrievances,andshallappropriatelydisseminatesuchpoliciesandprocedurestostudentsandfaculty.TheProgramshallmaintainrecordstodocumentthenumberandkindsofgrievancesithasreceivedandthemannerinwhichithasresolvedthosegrievances.ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion5F:
TheUrbanPlanningprogramadherestogrievanceproceduresandpoliciesasestablishedbytheUniversityandCollege.FacultyrightsofappealwithrespecttopromotionandtenuredecisionsareelaboratedintheFacultyHandbook,theCollegeBylawsandUnitEvaluationPlans,andtheCollectiveBargainingAgreement.FiledappealsprogressfromtheProgramtotheDepartmentandaCollegecommittee,andthentotheProvostandVicePresidentforAcademicAffairsand,finally,totheUniversityPresidentforfinalaction.Studentgrievanceproceduresincludeappealsproceduresthatrelatetogrades,studentstatus,academicdishonesty,discrimination,sexualharassment,andotherissues.AllcoursesyllabiincludereferencetotheUniversitygrievancepolicyandprocedure.ThegrievancepoliciesandproceduresareaccessibleontheCollegeandUniversitywebsites.Theprogrammaintainsarecorddocumentingthenumberandkindsofgrievancesithasreceivedandarecordofresolution.StudentbasedgrievancesaremostoftenfileddirectlywithUniversitydivisions.Studentsareprotectedprotectionagainstarbitraryorcapriciousactionsordecisionsbytheirinstructors.Studentsalsohaveprotectionagainsterroneousactionsordecisionsbyacademicunits.Atthesametime,studentsareresponsibleforachievingandmaintainingthestandardsofacademicperformanceandexcellenceestablishedbytheirinstructors,aswellasforcomplyingwithallrelevantpolicies,standards,rules,andrequirementsformulatedbytheprogram,College,andtheUniversity.Astudentwishingtopursueanacademicgrievanceorappealmustusetheestablishedprocedures.Theemphasisofthegrievancepolicyandproceduresisoninformalresolution.Grievances,whichinvolvehearingsbeforetheStudentAcademicGrievanceBoard,arerare.FortheAcademicGrievanceandAppealPolicyandProcedures,seeAppendixFintheWWUCatalog.Appealofaninstructor'sdecisiononAcademicHonestyisprovidedinAppendixDoftheWWUCatalog(http://catalog.wwu.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=1016).(SeeAdditionalInformation:WWUAcademicGrievancePolicy,AI-20).
G.OnlineIntegrity: TheProgramshallhaveinplaceeffectiveproceduresthroughwhichtoensurethatthestudentwhoregistersinanonlinecourseorprogramisthesamestudentwhoparticipatesinandcompletesthecourseorprogramandreceivestheacademiccredit. TheProgrammakesclearinwritingthattheseprocessesprotectstudentprivacyandnotifiesstudentsatthetimeofregistrationorenrollmentofanyprojectedadditionalcostsassociatedwiththeverificationprocedures.
ProvideanexplanationofhowyourprogrammeetsCriterion5G:
AlloftherequiredcoreUPSDplanningcoursesaredeliveredintheclassroomontheWesternWashingtonUniversitycampus.
ADDITIONALINFORMATION
Thefollowingdocumentsareavailablefordownloadhere.
FacultyAbbreviatedCVs:ProvidethefacultyCVsusingthePABtemplate.AbbreviatedCVsforallfacultymustbeprovidedinalphabeticalorder,organizedbyA(full-timeintheProgram),B(part-timeinProgram/full-timeintheUniversity)andC(adjunct/contract/non-tenuretrack).OnecombinedPDFdocumentshouldbesubmitted.Includeatableofcontentsasacoversheet.CourseSyllabi:Providethecoursesyllabiforallcourses,organizedinincreasingcoursenumericalorder.Separatethecoursesintocoreorrequiredcoursesandelectives.Includeatableofcontentsasacoversheet.OtherEvidence:Provideallotherdocumentationhere.BesuretoreferencethesedocumentsintheSSRnarrative.IncludethesedocumentsinPartII.OtherEvidenceoftheSSREvidencedocument.
Self-StudyReportSignaturePage:TheSignaturePagedemonstratestheinstitution'ssupportfortheProgram'sapplicationforaccreditation.ItalsoprovidescontactinformationforthestudentassociationandthelocalAPAchapter.PABstaffwillcontactbothgroupstosolicitcommentsinadvanceoftheSiteVisit.
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