NMC completes first survey on program review process

The Northern Marianas College has completed a survey that determines the effectiveness of its program review process among faculty and personnel, which in turn was submitted to the accrediting commission in its supplemental report.

Based on the findings, 88.8 percent agreed that the purpose of program review at NMC was widely communicated and clearly understood; 86.1 percent acknowledged that the review has introduced a systematic way of using data and evidence to inform decision-making; 62.5 percent say they are familiar with the use of “Nichols and Nichols Five-Column Model” in assessing the programs; while 72.1 percent strongly agree that they know the difference between “Forms 1 and 2.”

The five-column model and the forms were used in reporting student learning outcomes and administrative unit outcomes for academic year 2007-2008, which was successfully completed by Fall 2008.

Saipan Tribune learned that 68.4 percent of the total respondents admitted their active participation in the first-cycle of the program review; 68.3 percent believe that the individuals in the program shared responsibilities for completing the program review documents; while 70.8 percent say there is adequate institutional support for participating in program review.

Meantime, an overwhelming majority of 89.9 percent correctly identified the Program Review Outcomes and Assessment Committee, PROAC, as the primary advisory standing committee of college council responsible for monitoring planning and program review, while 80.8 percent agreed that the budget and finance committee is the primary advisory shared governance body responsible for resource allocation.

The survey was participated by 81 respondents, majority of which are full-time faculty in all instructional sites.

According to Will Castro, director of office of institutional effectiveness, the survey was conducted in a general assembly last Jan. 6. A final report was completed and submitted to the management last Monday, Feb. 3.

The survey covered demographic information, knowledge of assessment and program review purpose and process, participation, shared governance, and overall assessment of the first cycle of the program review.

Castro is the incoming chair for the second cycle of the survey, which will be determined by the college’s management at a later date.

NMC established the PROAC and adopted the student learning outcomes comprehensive implementation program in partial fulfillment of the board of regent policy.

The result of the survey, Castro said, was recommended for use by PROAC, the group that monitors and determines the effectiveness of the methodology being used in the institution’s assessment of the programs.

“This is a clear indication that everyone knows what and why we’re doing the program review process and assessment,” he told Saipan Tribune yesterday, adding that they are elated over the overwhelming result of the first study.

Castro disclosed that WASC initially conveyed the message that it was impressed with the review process because it covered nearly all the programs offered at the institution.

“What’s important to WASC is that we as a college is attempting to determine if what we’re doing is effective …in meeting students need,” he added.

Based on the study’s findings, there were three things that worked well in the first cycle: the use of the five-column model, greater cooperation and communication, and the support and feedback from PROAC.

There were also three most cited recommendations in the study. These include greater participation of additional membership to the PROAC, more programs to evaluate, and establish clear and strict protocols on internal and external communications regarding program review.

“We’re considering all these recommendations in our second cycle which will begin soon,” he said, adding that first meeting of his committee is scheduled for next week.

“We’re targeting to complete the second cycle within this year,” he said.

Castro said, through the management recommendation, program assessment review can be conducted as soon as practical at the institution.