adequate. A program analysis from ABET noted the excellence of our technology infrastructure to support our programs. Equipment Equipment available to our faculty, staff, and students is presently adequate for our program needs, as long as our current replacement patterns prevail so that all faculty, staff, and students have current technology available. Space Present office and classrooms available to the Department are sufficient for our programs. Support Personnel The Department has a full-time administrative assistant and student workers budgeted at 60 hours per week (40 hours per week in support of our operation of 6 computer labs) and 20 hours per week in support of office activities. This direct support, together with the general support from the College of Business, is sufficient for our programs at present. 4. Notable achievements by the department (students, faculty, staff): Students: In Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) student chapter information systems technology competitions, CIS major student achievements include: 2011, Alabama Statewide, a 1st place in Information Management 2012, Alabama Statewide, a 1st place in Database Design & Applications, a 2nd place in Database Design & Applications, a 2nd place in Network Design, and a 3rd place in Database Design & Applications 2012, US National, a 4th place in Database Design & Applications and a 7th place in Database Design & Applications 2013, Alabama Statewide, a 1st place in Project Management 2013, US National, a 7th place in Project Management 2014, Alabama Statewide, a 2nd place in Computer Applications 2015, Alabama Statewide, a 1st place in Networking Concepts and a 2nd place in Computer Applications 2015, US National, an 8th place in Computer Applications CIS Major Thomas Rhodes received the 2014-15 COB Student Dean’s Award Students in the CIS 125 Honors class entered and won the design competition for W. C. Handy Music Festival logo in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Faculty: Professor David Nickels received the COB Faculty Teaching Award for 2010-11 Professor Joan Parris received the COB Faculty Service for 2010-11 Professor David Nickels received a Certificate of Keynote Speaker from the International Society of Management Engineers for 2011 Professor David Nickels received the UNA Eleanor Gaunder Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Teaching Award for 2011-12 Professor John Crabtree received the COB Faculty Teaching Award for 2011-12 Professor Xihui “Paul” Zhang received the COB Faculty Research Award for 2011-12
Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome a: An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline Outcome Coordinator: Robert Bailey Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 225 John Crabtree Java Programs with resultant output All students in course; Feb. 2013 Financial Calculations Programs DIRECT: Correct answer percentage for program results 80% Tabulation of correct answers generated by program 67% Not met 5/3/2013 2) CIS 406 Ron Davis Network- ing Lab Manual files CIS students; Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 Networking Lab Manual DIRECT: Instructor scoring of assignment submissions 80% Average of student scores on Networking Labs 1 - 84% Met 5/9/2013 3) CIS 486 David Nickels Team project Teams; whole semester; Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 IS system design DIRECT: Instructor scoring of IS Project submissions 90% Average of overall scores on completed projects 93% Met 5/6/2013 4) CAAP Exam Math UNA CAAP Exam Objective Questions CAAP Exam Admini- stration; Fall 2012 Mathematics INDIRECT: Automated scoring of exam questions 58.5% (National Score) Average of CIS majors' exam scores 46% Not Met 5/9/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome.
Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome b: An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution Outcome Coordinator: Ron Davis Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 330 Gossett Case problem files All CIS students; End of Spring 2013 Semester Content Criterion on Case Problems DIRECT: Instructor scoring of case content 2.5/4 Assignment Average (4 assignments) Rubric 3.21/4.0 Met 5/9/2013 2) CIS 366 Joan Parris Team Business Case Study Database files All CIS students; End of Spring 2013 Semester Database Business Case Study DIRECT: Percentage of students mastering skill 80% Analysis of Rubric 94% of scored >=80% Met 5/6/2013 3) CIS 486 David Nickels Team project files whole semester; Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 IS Project DIRECT: Instructor scoring of percentage of project scope met 90% Average of scope component scores on Rubric 95% Met 5/6/2013
4) CAAP Exam Crtical Thinking UNA CAAP Exam Objective Questions CAAP Exam Admini- stration; Spring 2012 Critical Thinking INDIRECT: Automated scoring of exam questions 60.6% (National Score) Average of CIS majors' exam scores 61% Met 5/9/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on all four measures. Actions 2013-2014: No actions planned as a result of this assessment. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome c: An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired Outcome Coordinator: Joan Parris Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 225 John Crabtree Test Question requiring writing Java Programs All CIS students; individual work; prepared and submitted in Testing Lab (K233) Exam 4 - 4/30/13 Inheritance hierarchy program DIRECT: Average of scores on Exam program; Instructor evaluation 75% Average of all CIS student scores on the program tabluated by faculty member 93% Met 5/3/2013
3) CIS 486 David Nickels Project Team Peer Evaluations End of semester 5/3/13 Teamwork dynamics INDIRECT: Peer Evaluation 3.25/4.0 Average of student peer evaluations 3.35/4.0 Met 5/6/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on two of the three measures. The data show a progression from lower division students to upper division students on their ability to function in teams. Actions 2013-2014: No actions planned as a result of this assessment. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome e: An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities Outcome Coordinator: David Nickels Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 236 Joan Parris Qualitative assessment of team consensus report on two ethics scenarios Team Reports for the assign- 2/1/13 Assignment on Ethics DIRECT: Instructor scoring of submissions 90% Average of assignment scores 90% Met 5/6/2013
2) CIS 406 Ron Davis 25 Multiple Choice Questions (randomly selected) from Test Bank) Final Exam; Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 Test questions on Security DIRECT: Automated scoring of question responses 80% Average of test question correct responses 79% Not Met 5/6/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: Based on the assessment conducted by the College of Business in 2011-2012, CIS majors demonstrated an understanding of general ethical issues. No actions were inititated on the basis of that assessment. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on one of the two measures. Actions 2013-2014: In Summer 2013, CIS 406 has adopted a new textbook containing two chapters of security materials rather than just the single chapter of the previous text. With this change, the professor to spend more class time covering this topic. Additionally, the professor has developed a laboratory assignment that addresses wireless security in greater detail. To gauge the improvement of students in this area, the professor will continue to place multiple choice questions on an exam to assess CIS student retention of this topic. The objective of 80% will remain in place. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome f: An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences Outcome Coordinator: Yingping Huang Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 236 Joan Parris Rubric; Presenta- tion Evaluation Score Project Presenta- tion Day; Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 Team Project Presenta- DIRECT: Instructor Scoring of Team Presenta- tions 80% Averages of Rubric Results 90% Met 5/9/2013
Actions 2013-2014: The instructors in CIS courses requiring writing assignments will more strongly encourage CIS majors to use the support services provided by the UNA Center for Writing Excellence. In addition, instructors in those courses will be encouraged to provide clear feedback on writing errors in couse writing assignments. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome g: An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society Outcome Coordinator: Carol Gossett Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 236 Joan Parris CIS student team case analysis file Middle of Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters Global Component of Case Analysis DIRECT: Instructor scoring of submissions using rubric established for all sections 75% Average of rubric category scores reported to course coordinator 78% Met 5/9/2013 2) CIS 486 David Nickels Exam Essay Questions Exam 2 in Fall 2012 Knowledge of Virtual Team Operations, including Global aspects DIRECT: Instructor Scoring of Essay Question on Exam 85% Average of Essay Question Scores on Exam 79% Not Met 5/6/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome.
Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on one of the two measures. On the essay question on virtual team operations in CIS 486, the average score of 79% was below the benchmark expectation of 85%. The average was negatively impacted by very low scores on three of the 19 student essay answers. Actions 2013-2014: Because the CIS 236 students' average score was so close to the benchmark, the faculty members teaching the course will provide a greater emphasis on the need for a focus on the global component of the assignment to the students. To address the below benchmark result in CIS 486, an additional class assignment related to this topic followed by an in-class activity designed to strengthen student's knowledge in this area is planned for the 2013-2014 sections of this course. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome h: Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development Outcome Coordinator: Paul Zhang Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 366 Joan Parris Score on MOS Access Certifica- tion Exam End of Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 Semesters Microsoft Office Application Specialist in Access Certification DIRECT: Certifica- tion Exam on Access 90% pass rate of those opting to take Test Reports on certification exam results delivered to faculty member 100% (12 students) Met 5/9/2013 2) CIS 406 Ron Davis Short answer discussion question on Final exam CIS Student answers Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 Knowledge of Importance of Continuing Education DIRECT: Class average on exam question; Instructor Evaluation 80% Analysis of students' responses to exam question 93% Met 5/9/2013
3) CIS 486 Nickels Team Project Files End of Semester - Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 Team Project DIRECT: Instructor Scoring of Project Manage- ment Category of Rubric 90% Average of Project Management Category Scores on Rubric 95% Met 5/6/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on all three measures. Actions 2013-2014: No actions planned as a result of this assessment. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Information Systems Program Outcome j: An understanding of processes that support the delivery and management of information systems within specific application environment Outcome Coordinator: Paul Zhang Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CIS 236 Joan Parris Team Case Project Submission End of Semester - Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 Team Case Project DIRECT: Instructor Scoring of Team Case Projects 80% Average of Overall Rubric Score on Team Case Project 93% Met 5/6/2013
2) CIS 486 David Nickels Team Project Files End of Semester - Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 Team Project DIRECT: Instructor Scoring of Project Manage- ment Category of Rubric 90% Average of Project Management Category Scores on Rubric 95% Met 5/6/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on all three measures. Actions 2013-2014: No actions planned as a result of this assessment.
Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on all three measures. Action Plan 2013-2014: No new actions planned as a result of this assessment. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Science Program Outcome b: An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution Outcome Coordinator: Tom Center Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CS 255 James Jerkins C++ Source Code Programm- ing assignment Feb., March 2013 Identify appropriate data structures to fullfill requirements DIRECT: Project score average 75% Scored by instructor 75% Met 5/8/2013 2) CS 355 Janet Jenkins Test cases Student identified test cases to test project Dec. 2012 Ability to identify and define computing requirements Source Code and Test Cases 75% Scored by instructor 76% Met Week of 4/22/13
3) CAAP Exam-- Critical UNA OIRPA CAAP Exam Objective Questions CAAP Exam Admini- stration; Spring 2013 Abiltiy to analyze a problem INDIRECT: Automated scoring of exam questions 61% Results provided from OIRPA. Benchmark set at National Average 81% Met Spring 2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome. Results 2012- 2013: Benchmark expectations were met on all three measures. Action Plan 2013-2014: No new actions planned as a result of this assessment. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Science Program Outcome c: An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs Outcome Coordinator: James Jerkins Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Evaluation Process ance Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CS 355 Jenkins Test response Question on sorting component based on project Dec. 2012 Ability to evaluate an algorithmic process DIRECT: Average score on test response 75% Scored by instructor 70% Not Met Week 4/22/13
Process 1) CS 155 Tom Center Test response Question regarding ethical decisions 4/22/13 Understand- ing of ethical issues and responsibili- ties DIRECT: Average exam question score 65% Scored by instructor 33% Not met Week of 4/30/13 2) CS 420 Tom Center Writing assignment up security in the design of various operating systems Oct. 2012 An understand- ing of security issues and responsbilit- ies DIRECT: Average Writing assignment score 75% Scored by instructor, reviewed by outcome coordinator 82% Met Jan-12 3) CIS 406 Ron Davis Test responses Questions regarding security Fall 2012 Spring 2013 Understand- ing of security issues and responsibili- ties DIRECT: Average score on test response 80% Scored by instructor 86% Met 5/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: A semester long series of assignments on ethics, legal issues, and social consequences and responsibilites has been implemented in the pilot version of CS 135 and will continue in the new course beginning Fall 2013. Most CS majors will be required to successfully complete this course. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on two of three measures. The benchmark for understanding of ethcial issues and responsibilities was not met.
Action Plan 2013-2014: In CS 155, students will be held responsible on the exam for the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Additional emphasis and case studies will be place on ethics in CS 255. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Science Program Outcome f: An ability to communicate effectively with a of audiences Outcome Coordinator: Tom Center Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Evaluation Process ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CS 410W Pat Written research paper Research paper on a single programm- ing language Dec. 2012 Ability to communicate effectively through writing DIRECT: Average paper score 75% Scored by Instructor 85% Met Week of 4/22/13 2) CAAP Exam-- Writing skills UNA OIRPA CAAP Exam Objective Questions CAAP Exam Admini- stration; Spring 2013 Ability to communicate effectively through writing INDIRECT: Automated scoring of exam questions 63% Results provided from OIRPA. Benchmark set at National Average 61% Not Met
Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Detail/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Evaluation Process ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CS 410W Pat Roden Test Response Discussion Test Question Fall 2013 Impact of language design choices DIRECT: Test question average score 75% mean score Scored by instructor, sample reevaluated by Jenkins 93% mean score Met Week of 4/22/13 2) CS 420 Tom Center Research mini-paper Writing Discussion Assignment Fall 2012 Impact of operating system choice DIRECT: Average of assignment score 75% mean score Scored by instructor, reevaluated by Jenkins 84% mean Met Jan. 2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on both measures. Action Plan 2013-2014: No actions planned as a result of this assessment. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Science Program Outcome h: Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development Outcome Coordinator: Janet Jenkins Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Evaluation Process ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date
1) CS 310 Pat Test Response Final exam question Spring 2013 Recognition of concepts needed to learn new systems DIRECT: Average on test response 70% Scored by instructor 88% Met Week of 4/22/13 2) CS 310 CS 455 Jenkins Survey Response (20 responses) College learning vs. career learning 4/2013 Recognition for continuing professional development INDIRECT: Average score on response 80% Outcome coordinator surveyed students and evaluated responses 85% Met 4/2013 3) CS 310 CS 455 Janet Jenkins Survey Response (22 responses) Describe learning new technology 4/2013 Ability to engage in professional development INDIRECT: Average score on response 70% Outcome coordinator surveyed students and evaluated responses 65% Not Met 4/2013 4) CIS 406 Ron Davis Short answer discussion question (9 responses) Final exam question for Fall 2012 & Spring 2013 Recognition for continuing professional development DIRECT: Average score on test response 80% Scored by instructor 97% Met 5/2013
2) CS 455 Pat Roden List of CASE tools used Capstone team project CASE tools (3 teams) 4/30/2013 Ability to use tools necessary for computing practice Direct: Minimum number of tools used among teams 4 Tool Count 8 Met 4/30/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: No actions were planned as a result of previous assessments for this outcome. Results 2012-2013: Benchmark expectations were met on both measures. The CS 255 instructor noted that most students either failed to completely grasp the concept of exception handling or failed to implement it properly. Action Plan 2013-2014: Additional assignments will need to be planned in order to hone in on assessing the use of techniques, skills, and tools independently from a larger project. Student Learning Outcome Assessment - Computer Science Program Outcome j: An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and desig of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices Outcome Coordinator: James Jerkins Course Selected for Data Collection Person Collecting Data for evaluation Type of Data Data Collection Details/ Dates Name of Measure Type of Measure Benchmark Expectation Summary of Assessment/ Evaluation Process Perform- ance Level Comparison to benchmark expectation Reporting Date 1) CS 310 Pat Roden Test response Final Exam Question May 3-7, 2013 Relationship of architecture to system design DIRECT: Average Question Score 75% Scored by instructor, reevaluated by outcome coordinator 88% Met 5/9/2013
2) CS 455 Pat Roden SRS Document, Design document, Source Code Semester long Capstone team project 4/30/2013 Ability to design and implement a sizable team project DIRECT: Average scores on project 80% Scored by instructor reevaluated by CS faculty 84.17% Met 5/7/2013 Summary of previous assessment results and actions: CS students under previous catalogs catalogs at UNA were required to take the MFT as a requirement for graduation. That requirement has been dropped. The last assessment using this measure was 2011-2012 when two students took the MFT. The scores met the expected performance benchmark and no action was initiated. Also, already in the pipeline is the newly developed CS0 (CS135) which focuses on algorithm development free from a programming language. Results 2013: Benchmark expectations were met for both measures. However, the benchmark to design algorithms for a project was not surpassed. Action Plan 2013-2014: Algorithm development will be reinforced as assignments to be counted as a portion of the final grade given in CS 155 and CS 255.