All English majors must successfully complete at least one formal course in composition, and students write as a regular and essential part of their coursework throughout the curriculum. In addition, students are required to speak in class discussions, to work in small groups, and in many classes to make formal presentations to the class. I of the Core, which includes courses focusing on verbal and written communication. By requiring English students to complete all required courses with a grade of C or better, we assure that students are competent at problem-solving as demonstrated through their examinations and papers. Developing these skills is integral to courses throughout the curriculum.
Students also demonstrate their abilities during their capstone courses.
Program Assessment Feedback From Current Students Feedback from current students occurs informally but regularly. The department is exploring ways to receive more specific information, perhaps through a survey of graduates, and beginning this spring will be keeping in touch with our graduates through a departmental newsletter. All faculty distribute course evaluations to students each term, both the university's quantitative forms and a departmental narrative. The data are reported to the faculty member, the departmental evaluation committee, and the department chair and become part of the faculty member's annual review. When a faculty member is considered for retention, tenure, or promotion, the department considers the cumulative data, as well as peer reviews, course materials, and evidence of good advising, teaching experimentation, and course development.