Program or Department Assessment Plan. Page 1 of 4

Graduate School/Ph.D. in Engineering & Applied SciencesStudent Learning Assessment Plan

Question: Specify how the institutional and program-level student learning outcomes will be assessed

ANSWER: The following section provides the student learning outcomes assessment plan for the prescribedcourse of study.

DepartmentGraduate School

Program Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Sciences

Deanship/School Mission Statement.

The mission of the Graduate School (GS) is to promote and encourage excellence in graduate education for the students.To accomplish this mission, the GS values integrity, collaboration, efficiency, innovation, and inclusiveness in all that itdoes. These values are central to the GS’s role in encouraging a creative environment for scholarship and research,teaching and learning. The GS develops new concepts and best practices for graduate education, and supports otherschools within the Institution in their graduate initiatives and emerging programs. It aims to guarantee that all graduatestudents regardless of ethnicity, gender, or other individual characteristics are afforded the opportunity to achieve their fullpotential as professionals.

Program or Department Assessment Plan. Page 2 of 4

Educational Objectives

Graduate Ph.D. students are expected to attain the following essential skills & competencies:

1. Apply scientific and mathematical reasoning with adequate use of fundamental principles in the field of study.2. Express ideas in oral, written and graphic mode and attain comprehensive communication and organization skills.3. Apply and Conduct Research, Interpret data, Engage in Effective/Efficient Analytical/Critical Thinking, Problem

Solving & adequate use of technology tools.4. Contribute to achieve team goals being aware of ethical, professional and social responsibilities.5. Foster Professional Growth, Leadership, Career Advancement in the field of study.

Student Learning Outcomes (SOs).

Effective Communication: Express ideas in oral written and graphic mode.Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning: Apply scientific and mathematical reasoning to the solution of problems.Critical Thinking: Interpret and question evidence, statements and graphics, in order to draw justified, educated,reasonable and truthful conclusions.Technological Competence: Use technology and tools to gather, process and analyze information required to solveproblems in the field of study.Information Literacy: Acknowledge, locate and evaluate the information needed to accomplish a specific purpose.Lifelong Learning: Recognize the need to engage in lifelong learning.Ethical and Social Responsibility: Be aware of ethical, professional and social responsibilities.Teamwork: Contribute to achieve team goals.

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Student Learning Assessment Process.

The following general process will be pursued to measure, analyze and improve student learning within the Ph.D. inEngineering & Applied Sciences:

I. Measure & Analyze Stage:MEASURE ANALYSIS FREQUENCY

ComprehensiveExamination

Direct Measurement Tool to measureperformance against eduactional objectives andstudent learning outcomes. A matrix will bedeveloped to correlate comprehensive examrequirements and performance vs. establishedstudent learning outcomes.

Students will take Comprehensive Examinations once coursework is completed.100% sample population of students from each academic yearwill be obtained. Data will be collected and analyzed after theSpring Trimester every year. Data will be documented inComprehensive Exam Matrix & Performance Form. This datagathering process will be aligned with the GS5 Formadministrative requirement.

Oral DoctoralThesis/DissertationDefense Presentation

Direct Measurement Tool to measureperformance against eduactional objectives andstudent learning outcomes. A matrix and rubricwill be developed to correlate oral defenseperformance requirements vs. establishedstudent learning outcomes. [Peer reviewedrequirement by more than one (1) Professor withPhD degree]

Students will proceed to oral dissertation defense uponcompletion of the required research work and dissertationcredits.100% sample population of students from each academic yearwill be obtained. Data will be collected and analyzed after theSpring Trimester every year. Data will be documented in OralDefense Matrix & Performance Form. This data gatheringprocess will be aligned with the GS7 & GS8 Formadministrative requirements.

Thesis/DissertationDocument Submission

Direct Measurement Tool to measureperformance against eduactional objectives andstudent learning outcomes. A matrix and rubricwill be developed to correlate written dissertationdocument requirements vs. established studentlearning outcomes. [Peer reviewed requirementby more than one (1) Professor with PhDdegree]

Students will proceed to submit their dissertation documentafter dissertation presentation.100% sample population of students from each academic yearwill be obtained. Data will be collected and analyzed after theSpring Trimester every year. Data will be documented inDissertation Document Matrix & Performance Form. This datagathering process will be aligned with the GS9 Formadministrative requirement.

Peer reviewed JournalPublications andParticipation inProfessional Conferences

Optional Direct Measurement Tool to measureperformance against eduactional objectives andstudent learning outcomes.

Available sample population of students from each academicyear will be obtained. Data will be collected and analyzed afterthe Spring Trimester every year. This data gathering processwill be aligned with the GS15 Form administrative requirement.

Student LearningOutcomes Survey

Indirect Measurement Tool to measureperformance against eduactional objectives andstudent learning outcomes. A matrix will bedeveloped to correlate survey questions vs.established student learning outcomes.

100% sample population of students from each academic yearwill be obtained. Data will be collected and analyzed after theSpring Trimester every year. This data gathering process willbe aligned with the GS15 Form administrative requirement.

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II. Improve Stage:

The following is the reporting structure and how results will be summarized for improvement efforts:

• Report Yearly:• Formal report to Graduate School Dean and Departmental Directors at the end of every Spring

trimester (May of every year)• Action Plans will need to be submitted every Winter trimester.• Three Year Plan for cycles of refinement of each outcome.

Data and improvement efforts will be summarized and monitored using the following format:

Use of assessment result for improvement.

Student learning outcomesDirect and indirect

measures usedSummary of Results

Possible reason orhypothesis

Action taken to improve

Distribution and Communication. We will distribute or publish these items in the following ways:

Distribution and Communication plan

PUPR CatalogWebsite

Program AnnualReports

Course Syllabi

Audiencesimpact (Dean,

Faculty,Administrator,

COOP, etc)

Bulletinboard

DepartmentMeetings