U.S.U. Political Science Department

Data Based Decisions:

On the whole, the assessment data compiled by the Political Science Department reflect quite favorably on the department. But these data also point to the need to collect more data and different kinds of data than we have been collecting. In particular, the  Political Science exit survey we used from 1999-2007 had a number of deficiencies as an assessment tool. Most of the data it generated pertained to the value of particular courses and the effectiveness of individual faculty members as teachers and advisors, not to the attainment of programmatic objectives or to the overall strengths and weaknesses of our programs. In response to this situation, the department created the newer exit survey reported in the earlier sections.  We will be using these new results along with the analysis of a sample of research papers and designs to determine overall success of the program in meeting our objectives.

The data from our latest exit survey suggests high levels of support for the program as it is currently structured (85-95% positive responses on most questions).  However, we did note a couple of areas where there was a higher level of dissatisfaction.  In particular, almost 45% expressed some concern with advising in the department and approximately one third suggested inadequate preparation of oral communication skills.  In response to these perceived problems, the faculty have initiated more opportunities for presentations and debates in class and the Department Head has expanded the number of potential advisors and extended hours for meeting students to discuss career plans.  We hope that these additional measures will result in improvements in this years exit survey.

In response to student requests for additional career training, we have expanded our careers course to include many career options beyond government which our alumni have pursued.  We will expose our students to 15 of these successful role models in Fall 2009 and will encourage them to network with a broader group of alums for career opportunities.  Alomng these lines, we have expanded our internship programs to additional government arenas as well as not for profits and corporate opportunities.  Students have suggested that these opportunities are one of the most important parts of their Utah State Political Science Career.  We continue to develop contacts Internationally that would allow a larger number of our students interests in International Politics to experience a practical experience.  Unfortunately, the limited financial resources available for such opportunities has made this difficult to expand as quickly as we would like.  We continue to pursue private development efforts and grants to expand these opportunities for our students.