Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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State University of New York State College of Optometry

and ophthalmologists in the state of New York).

The College has strategic goals that link to each component of the mission. For example, there are specific strategic goals within the teaching and learning mission that address how the institution will develop outstanding optometrists and vision scientists. Articulated goals also cover education (student learning), research, patient care, and public service. Each goal has key indicators, i.e., outcome and assessment measures, that document progress. Progress is actively tracked, and modifications to plans or actions are made as the result of their analyses. The College has taken the initial steps to develop annual institutional goals that are clearly and closely tied to the strategic plan. We encourage the College to continue this effort, but there are so many goals, that we suggest they ensure that annual institutional priorities are well understood by the entire college community.

Strengths, significant accomplishments, significant progress, or exemplary/innovative practices

• The Mission Statement, Goals, and multiple Objectives are the result of a consultative and collaborative effort between the administration and constituencies of the College and provide a strategic plan to guide the College for the next several years. • Institutional Goals for the coming year are developed by each major division of the College and the outcomes for them are reported annually to the College administration and community at large.

Non ‐ binding Findings for Improvement (“Suggestions”)

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Middle States Standard 7 Institutional Assessment We commend the College for its initial steps to develop annual institutional goals that are clearly and closely tied to the strategic plan. We encourage the College to continue this effort and to ensure that annual institutional priorities are well understood by the entire college community.

Chapter B. Curriculum and Student Learning

This Chapter covers the following standards:

ACOE Standards: Standard II. Curriculum

Middle States Standards: Standard 11.Educational Offerings,

Standard 13.Related Educational Activities, Standard 14.Assessment of Student Learning

ACOE Standard II.Curriculum

The program has a curriculum, which prepares graduates for entry level practice as defined by the program’s document, Expected Competencies and Attributes for Optometrists Graduating from the State College of Optometry, State University of New York. (2.1) The professional program is four academic years in length with summer sessions following the 2nd and 3rd years. (2.2)

As a free standing campus of State University of New York, the College has full authority and responsibility for all educational programs and does not share instruction with any other program. (2.5)

The program monitors its curriculum through student evaluations of all aspects of courses. Additionally, the dean