Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What level of prior knowledge/experience should participants have?

A.This retreat is best suited to English departments or programs in the early stages of implementing assessment. The primary focus is on assessing the English major.

Q. How many people does it take to make a "team"? Are two enough?

A. Yes, two or more people qualify as a "team." We encourage you to send key stakeholders with interest in your team project, including a student, if possible. Depending on the project, a dean, IR staff, or other administrator may also be appropriate, in addition to English faculty.

Q. Can an individual come NOT as part of a team?

A. No. This workshop is specifically designed for institutional teams made up of two or more persons. We therefore cannot accept individuals who are not part of a campus team.

Q. What information should be included in the project description?

A. Your project sheet should provide answers to the following questions:

i. What is the project you would like to work on? Please describe.

ii. How would you describe the current state of assessment efforts in English relative to this project? (To help you decide whether your efforts are "initial,""emerging," "developed," or "highly developed" you may want to download the rubric located here:
https://sites.google.com/a/wascsenior.org/assessing-the-english-major/

iii. In which areas would your team like guidance?

iv. Who are your team members? Please list team members who will attend the retreat,including titles and the rationale for team selection. Also be sure to include the team leader's name, email address, and phone number.

 

Q. What if the team doesn't have a "project" and just wants to come to learn?

A. That's OK, space permitting, but keep in mind that that is not really what the workshop is designed for, so team members may be disappointed.

Q. Does the project have to be about formal academics? Can it be about out-of-classroom learning and come from Student Affairs?

A.Yes, but only if there is a direct connection to the English major. For
example, a team might want to assess improvement in students' writing or
information literacy as a result of serving as volunteer tutors.

Q. What is the schedule for each day of the seminar?

A.The schedule is as follows: Thursday from 2:00pm - 9:00pm; Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Q. What meals are included in the registration fees?

A. The following meals will be provided: Thursday evening dinner; breakfast and lunch on Friday.

Q. Is there any funding to support graduate students or institutions on tight budgets?

A.No, unfortunately, not at this time. Suggestions for grant funding are most welcome!

Have More Questions? Contact: Julie Kotovsky at jkotovskywascsenior.org">jkotovskywascsenior.org or (510) 995-3167