MSCHE Self Study April 2021

Description of Programs in Official Publications Substantial amounts of data are publicly available on Factbook , a web ‐ based compendium of key indicators employed by the College to monitor the effectiveness of its programs ( PDF of the Factbook Webpage ). Student learning outcomes are published on Factbook , including the completion and attrition rates for recent graduating classes and first ‐ time and ultimate NBEO pass rates. Certain of these data are also available through the Student Consumer Information page ( PDF of Student Consumer Information Webpage ), which is accessible from the College’s homepage (under About ). Policies and information of particular relevance to students can be found in the Student Handbook , Graduate Policy Document , Course Catalog and Manual of Procedures for Residency Programs . Relevant program administrators regularly review all program publications, written policies, advertisements and student recruitment material for accuracy and update them as needed. Published student recruitment materials include the Admissions Guide , College’s Fact Sheet and View Book . Academic policies and procedures, including those on academic and professional standards, grading, attendance, disciplinary actions, retention, dismissal and reinstatement, nondiscrimination, due process and honors, are published in the Student Handbook . The Academic Calendar , information on tuition and fees and scholarships and awards ( Financial Aid and Housing Guide ) and the University’s Refund Policy are posted on the College’s website. Assessment of Effectiveness of Programs The College’s comprehensive Assessment Plan describes the periodic assessment of effectiveness for all programs providing student ‐ learning opportunities. Details and analysis may be found in Standard V. Conclusions: Strengths, Challenges and Opportunities Clear learning outcomes, derivative of the College’s mission and program goals, have been established for all educational programs. These serve as the basis for educational effectiveness assessment, a key component of the Colleges Assessment Plan (Standard V). The College’s faculty are sufficient in number and well qualified by training and experience. The research program is robust and well ‐ funded, particularly considering the College’s comparatively small size. The expanding scope of optometric licensure requires the College to continuously review and revise its curriculum. In support of the strategic priorities cited at the beginning of this standard (which are goals in the Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023 ), progress is well underway to develop clinical micro ‐ credentials and innovative teaching technologies to increase educational effectiveness. Academic Affairs has recently created several educational initiatives for the optometry program. Micro ‐ credential Concentrations: A micro ‐ credential program was developed to create a path to sub ‐ specialization and stepping ‐ stone to advanced residency training. The micro ‐ credential program allows students to apply for additional didactic and clinical training in several areas of concentration study (cornea and contact lenses, glaucoma, ocular disease and low vision, and

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