Using Questionnaires in a College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

• Published in: Assessment update 2007, Vol.19 (1), p.3
• Main Authors: Slaughter, Richard L, Talley, Susan Ann
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Degree Requirements; Educational Objectives; Institutional Mission; Pharmaceutical Education; Pharmacy; Program Effectiveness; Questionnaires; Self Evaluation (Individuals); Student Attitudes
• ISSN: 1041-6099
• DOI: 10.1002/au.191

In 2004, the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan) was charged by the dean to implement a strategic, comprehensive assessment program within its complex academic environment. The overarching goal of the assessment program was to assess practices in all programs, using common instruments, while allowing customization by individual programs. The administrators' initial objective was to create questionnaires that would be administered to students as they entered the college (the First Professional Year Survey) and upon completion of degree requirements (the Exit Survey). These instruments were designed to permit analysis within programs as well as across programs in the college. The results of these surveys are reviewed annually with the college's Assessment Committee and with the Executive Committee of the college. The results are also reviewed with the dean, the assistant dean for accreditation and assessment, department chairs, and program directors on an annual basis. Each year, the survey instruments are reviewed and refined by the Assessment Committee to increase clarity and specificity. One outcome of this process is that evidence is provided of the ability of the students to demonstrate academic growth through self-assessment against education goals tied to the mission and vision of the college. (Contains 1 table and 1 resource.)