2016_SUNY_Optometry_PRR

 As a result of the steep learning curve reported by new vision therapy and head trauma residents, one of the prior year’s residents remains for an additional two months to ease the transistion. Examples of Use of Assessment to Improve Student Learning in the PhD Program  Review of applicant data has pointed to the need to increase the quantity and quality of applicants. Several steps have been taken to address this situation (which have resulted in keener competition for openings) 9 including: o Increased attendance of program representatives at student forums hosted by undergraduate institutions with strong science programs o Development and mailing of a program flyer to promising students selected based on GRE performance o Engagement with Rockefeller University and Weill Cornell Medical College to develop courses that can be taken by students at all three institutions o Increased annual stipend for pre ‐ doctoral students (from $30,000 to $33,000) o Establishment of a combined PhD and residency program to facilitate more clinical research and the development of OD ‐ PhD clinician scientists.  Based on feedback from students and faculty, additional instruction in molecular and cellular biology of vision has been included in the proseminar course.  Based on feedback from students and faculty, an annual seminar day where students present their research to faculty members, graduate students and post ‐ doctoral fellows has been established. Examples of Use of Assessment to Improve Student Learning in the OD ‐ MS Program  An analysis of the quality of some of the MS projects and the relatively high non ‐ completion rate led to: o A change from an essentially open ‐ admissions policy to a more competitive application and mentor matching process effectively reducing the number of applicants accepted each year (now 6) o Students being accepted into the MS program in the spring semester of the first year, rather than at matriculation into the OD program, so that student performance in the OD program can be assessed prior to admission to the MS program and a more considered matching process can be held. o Development of a required seminar (Research Survival Skills) to provide basic skills for students designing, conducting, and presenting research in optometry and vision science. o Requirement that faculty who supervise students undergo requalification on a regular basis o Development of clearly defined responsibilities for faculty supervising students o Engagement with Rockefeller University and Weill Cornell Medical College to develop a T ‐ 32 training grant to support pre ‐ and post ‐ doctoral students at all three institutions

9 In 2015, there were 13 applicants for 2 openings.

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