Assessment Process

The objectives of the Stillman School undergraduate assessment are:

1. To ensure that students are developing their mastery of the five competencies as well as their skills in the functional disciplines of business, and
2. To improve the core curriculum continuously on the basis of feedback from the assessment process.

The assessment process consists of four phases.

1. Pre-Assessment
2. Sophomore Assessment Panels
3. Senior Assessment Panels
4. The Final Assessment
   

As a requirement for graduation, students participate in the pre-assessment and the final assessment, and also in one of the two assessment panels. The phases of the assessment are described below and are followed by Guidelines for Integrity and Professionalism at Assessment.

1. Pre-Assessment

All incoming freshmen students complete a vocabulary test where they are required to define key terms in four of the five competencies: change management, communications, teamwork, and technology. The key vocabulary terms were selected from the textbooks used in our undergraduate core courses. In addition, students take English and Math skills tests. These tests are administered during Freshmen Orientation.

2. Sophomore Assessment Panels

Each academic year, approximately half of the sophomore class of business students are randomly selected to participate in the assessment panels. We notify the students who were selected in October. In November, they receive official notices of the specific dates and times of their panels. Generally, the Sophomore Assessment Panels take place in February of the following calendar year. The students selected MUST participate in the assessment panels. Their participation is MANDATORY, not optional, and is also a requirement for graduation.

Approximately two months before the panels, students receive the names and e-mail addresses of fellow students who were assigned to be their team members on the panel (each team will consist of 4 to 6 students). Students also receive the materials for the assessment session, including the case(s) that the teams will be required to present, case questions, and individual exercises. On assessment day, each team presents answers to the case questions before several business practitioners who evaluate its work. During the presentations, students are required to use technology to enhance the delivery of the material presented.

In addition to the team presentations, each student completes two individual assignments. One assignment requires the student to write a short essay and the other assignment requires the student to demonstrate proficiency in a selected business skill via the utilization of technology. Students also prepare a self-evaluation of their individual performances in the teams and evaluate the contributions of fellow team members. The assessment panels last approximately two and a half hours. About six weeks later, students receive feedback about their performances.

3. Senior Assessment Panels

Each year, all Stillman school Seniors who did not participate in the Sophomore Assessment Panels are required to participate in the Senior Assessment Panels. Like in the Sophomore Assessment Panels, these panels include both teamwork and individual assignments.

The seniors required to participate in the Senior Assessment receive notices of the specific dates and times of their assessment panels during the summer prior to the start of their senior year. Because full participation in the process is a requirement for graduation, students who fail to participate in their scheduled Senior Assessment Panels will be unable to graduate on time. Generally, Senior Assessment Panels take place in the month of November.

Approximately two months before the panels, students receive the names and e-mail addresses of fellow students who were assigned to be their team members on the panel (each team will consist of 4 to 6 students). Students also receive the materials for the assessment session, including the case(s) that the teams will be required to present, case questions, and individual exercises. On assessment day, each team presents answers to the case questions before several business practitioners who evaluate its work. During the presentations, students are required to use technology to enhance the delivery of the material presented.
In addition to the team presentations, each student completes two individual assignments. One assignment requires the student to write a short essay and the other assignment requires the student to demonstrate proficiency in a selected business skill via the utilization of technology. Students also prepare a self-evaluation of their individual performances in the teams and evaluate the contributions of fellow team members. The assessment panels last approximately two and a half hours. About six weeks later, students receive feedback about their performances.

4. The Final Assessment

This phase consists of the students' work in two capstone courses - Business Policy and the Global Business Colloquium - where, among other tests, students retake the competency vocabulary test and resubmit writing samples.

5. Guidelines for Integrity and Professionalism at Assessment

The assessment process is a key component of out the undergraduate program at the Stillman School. We expect our students to excel in both the team and individual components of the assessment process and to follow the guidelines below:

• • Work hard to contribute to the work of their teams and master the teamwork competency.
  • Recognize and fulfill their obligations and assigned roles within their teams.
  • On assessment day, put forth clear presentations using concepts learned in class.
  • When making their presentations before business professionals, students must dress, communicate and conduct themselves professionally and in a business-like manner.
  • Observe the highest standards of integrity and honesty in both their teamwork and individual work. That is, not share the team=s work with students outside the team, work individually with no outside assistance when required, and list clearly and accurately the references for any material used.
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