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Glossary of Terms


Administrative and Educational Support (AES) Units:  Administrative units provide services which maintain the institution and are essential to the operation, but do not impact directly the instructional programs. Examples of such units include the Accounting Office, Office of the Registrar, Physical Plant, and the Financial Aid Office. Educational support units are those while not primarily instructional in nature contribute directly to student learning or instruction. Examples include the Academic Advising Center, Library, and the Academic Skills Center.

Assessment:  The systematic collection, review, and use of information about academic programs, and the administrative and educational support (AES) units, undertaken for the purpose of improving both learning and AES services.

Assessment Cycle:  The complete process for the assessment record from the establishment of the unit's mission statement to the implementation, analysis, and interpretation of the entire record.

Assessment Plan:  Consists of the unit's mission statement as related to the institution's mission statement, the unit's intended objectives, and at least two (2) means of assessment and criteria for success.

Assessment Record:  The final product of a unit's program or services assessment from formulation of the plan to the use of the results phase.

Assessment Timeline:  Established guidelines for the submission of various portions of the assessment record. NOTE: Timelines vary somewhat between Academic and Administrative and Educational Support (AES) Services records and are displayed on those pages specific to their units.

Assessment Unit:  General term for any group of employees who are doing assessment and includes academic departments and programs, learning units, and college services; the individual faculty member is also an assessment unit.

Closing the Loop:  The demonstration of use of assessment results to improve the academic program or service.

Criteria for Success:  A specified point or standard (cut-score) of a performance measurement considered in evaluating the performance identified in the means of assessment. These criteria are most often stated in terms of percentages, percentiles, averages, or other quantitative measures. For AES units, this means identifying a reasonable level of service improvement to expect given the resources and personnel the unit has available.

Documentation:  "If it isn't written down, it didn't happen."

Implementing Assessment Plans:  Refers to conducting the means of assessment, analyzing, and documenting the collected data and document the use of the results to bring about improvement.

Institutional Mission:  A broad statement of institutional philosophy, role and scope.

Goals:  Used to express intended results in general terms.

Levels of Assessment:

  • Classroom Assessment:  An exercise or activity selected or designed by the individual instructor to discover what students are learning or if students are learning what was intended in a single class meetings or a small number of consecutive class meetings. The instructor evaluates the results to decide if changes are needed in future class meetings. The typical question addressed by the assessment is, Did students learn what I intended them to learn today?
  • Course Assessment:  Activities selected by faculty members who teach a course to discover if students are learning what those faculty members intend as a result of taking that given course. Those instructors - occasionally that would mean an entire department - decide if the results require changes in the course to improve student learning. The typical questions addressed by course assessment are, Do students taking the course learn what we, the faculty who teach it, intend them to learn and acquire the skills, attitudes, and competencies which we intend for them to have at the end of the course?
  • Program Assessment:  Activity identified by faculty members of a program and staff members of a college service, to measure two or more of the many outcomes (goals, objectives) intended by that program or service. The typical questions addressed by assessment of career programs are, Can most of our graduates find employment in the field? Are employers satisfied with the graduates' knowledge, skills, and attitudes? The typical question addressed by assessment of developmental programs is, Are most students who are successful in a given developmental course successful in the following course for which that course was a prerequisite?
  • Institutional Effectiveness:   The accrediting agency term for the collective effect of all these measures as an assessment of the whole college. Typical question for this level is, Does the college fulfill its stated mission?

    Means of Assessment:  the mechanism by which student achievement of the outcome is ascertained. Examples include surveys, interviews, standardized tests, portfolios, juried performances, research data from outside sources, peer review, etc.

    Objectives:  Used to express intended results in precise terms. They include a description of the work that will be done; generally results-oriented statements. Support services' objectives are specific statements of what will be accomplished or what "clients" would think, know, or do.

    Outcomes:  Statements describing what the academic departments intend for students to know (cognitive), think(attitudinal), or be able to do (skills) after they have completed the program.

    Rubric:  The demonstration of use of assessment results to improve the academic program or service.

    Staff or Faculty Evaluation:  The process by which employee performance is measured in an institution. Employee evaluations have NO connection with assessment. While it is expected that all employees will participate in assessment activities relevant to their service or program, and may choose to cite these activities as part of their self-evaluation, employee evaluation will be separate from assessment.
  • Assessment is not and should not be associated with faculty evaluation.
  • The object of analysis is the program or service, not the individual student or faculty member.
  • Assessment is about improving learning not judging teaching.

    Use of Results:  Refers to using the data or information collected to make changes or improvements (closing the loop).

 

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College classes coming to Ben Davis

July 22, 2010


VINCENNES, IND. – The public is invited to enroll in college classes that will begin Aug. 30 at Ben Davis University High School in Indianapolis.

In collaboration with Ben Davis, Vincennes University is providing a new program called “Education 4 Every Generation.”  Whether age 18 or 80, this program is designed to provide a starting place for those interested in getting a college degree.

VU will offer introductory classes in English, math, computers, philosophy and speech.  Classes will be scheduled from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. one evening each week at Ben Davis University High School, 1155 S. High School Road, Indianapolis.

To register for classes or to receive more information about the Education 4 Every Generation program, interested persons may call 812-888-5284 or email education4everygeneration@vinu.edu.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional sites such as the Indianapolis International Airport.  VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and, science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 24 other states, and 26 countries.  Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls.  VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States.  William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory.  More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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New VU Fair Pavilion is dedicated


July 20, 2010


100720 VU Fair PavilionVINCENNES, IND. – Citing its newest facility as an example of a community coming together to make progress, Terry Hoke, president of the Knox County Fair Board, welcomed the addition of the Vincennes University Fair Pavilion to the fairgrounds on July 19.

“This building is a testament to what leadership, vision, and community support can achieve,” Hoke told a large audience during the Pavilion’s dedication ceremony. “On behalf of the Knox County Fair Board and Purdue Extension Office, we thank Vincennes University for your vision and support.”

Soon after the dedication, the new 3,520 square-foot pavilion was home to the Knox County Fair Queen Pageant and an evening concert, the first of a variety of events planned for the VU Fair Pavilion during the Knox County Fair. The Pavilion was a collaborative project between VU and the Knox County Fair Board.

In addition to Hoke, VU President Dick Helton spoke at the dedication. Miss VU Katie Donnar opened the ceremony by singing the National Anthem.

“We extend long usage of this facility to the citizens of Knox County and the Fair,” Helton said. “It will provide excellent opportunities for young people and adults alike.”

Citing the partnership between “Indiana’s first college and Indiana’s first county fair,” Helton said that VU is pleased to be part of Knox County and “wishes you much success in this facility.”

Looking to the future, Hoke said the VU Fair Pavilion means that more events are likely to come to the fairgrounds. “It allows us to bring local entertainment in and it also allows us to bring large groups in if we can find local supporters. It allows us to have community events here. It is just a big benefit in more ways than one to have this facility here,” Hoke said.

Both Hoke and Helton thanked local sponsors who supported the Pavilion’s construction. “Vincennes University and its employees and staff have been priceless in helping us build this facility,” Hoke said.

In addition to VU and the Knox County Fair Board, sponsors who contributed to the project include Jones & Son, Inc., Lemon Concrete, Nature by Design, Old National Bank, Homes Plumbing/O’Donnell Supply, Wabash Utilities, Ford Sawmills, Commercial Construction Enterprises, Valley Electric, Jones Builders, Mangin Engineering, and Keith Bosecker Masonry.

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Time to Register For Your Emergency-Text Alert Subscription

Beginning Wednesday, July 28, 2010, new subscriptions and renewals will be accepted for the Emergency-Text Alert System. There is no charge to subscribe to the service and subscriptions are good  for one academic year. (Texting fees may apply based on your carrier plan).  Subscriptions may be cancelled at anytime.

If you were previously enrolled in the E-Text Program, you will need to sign up again.

  • To enroll, visit your MyVU account and follow the E-Text enrollment instructions.  
  • Only one cell phone per account may be registered.


About E-Text
The VU Emergency-Text Alert System system is one part of a multifaceted communication plan to keep the VU community safe and informed in the event of an emergency. The E-Text alert system is available to students, employees, and members of the VU community who have a MyVU computer web account.  Text messages will include occasional test messages, emergency notifications including weather related information, and class cancellations or delays.

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Walnut Grove historical park dedication is August 21

VINCENNES, Ind. – A bicentennial commemoration of the fateful 1810-11 meetings between Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison in Vincennes will be held on August 21 at Grouseland, Harrison’s presidential home and territorial governor’s mansion.

The Vincennes events will include the dedication of Grouseland’s new commemorative historical park, “Walnut Grove,” at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) and the accompanying “1810 Camp Fire Council at the Grove,” a family-oriented living history experience that will run from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Both events are free and open to the public.

Grouseland is located at the corner of First and Scott streets, adjacent to the Wabash River, VU campus, and the Vincennes State Historic Sites.

Walnut Grove is a small park area that was given to Grouseland through the generosity of VU to commemorate the bicentennial of the meetings between Shawnee leader Tecumseh, and then-territorial governor William Henry Harrison, beginning in August 1810.  The two leaders met again a year later, which ultimately led to the Battle of Tippecanoe, an important precursor to the War of 1812 and a defining moment in the westward expansion of the United States.

The park area is being landscaped with walnut trees and native plant and grass species from Landscapes by Dallas Foster.  In addition to adding much needed green space, Walnut Grove also provides Grouseland with a focal point from which to tell the story of Indiana’s development from a Native American perspective.

The dedication ceremony and “Council at the Grove” educational event will include an encampment of Native American, pioneer, and soldier re-enactors, period music, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations of life in the Indiana Territory.

“We have invited Native American groups, dignitaries, and other historical re-enactors who will be participating in our dedication festivities.  Our mission is to objectively preserve and teach all facets of our history, maintaining mutual respect for the diversity of cultures.  It is our sincere hope that we can promote greater awareness and study of our common history so that we can continue to grow as a community of peace and learn from the lessons that history teaches us.” said Daniel Sarell, executive director of the Grouseland Foundation.

Sarell said the dedication ceremony will include a dramatic reenactment and recitation of Harrison’s and Tecumseh’s famous speeches as well as a fife and drum corps from Illinois.  The evening camp fire event will feature music and stories from that time period, as well as an opportunity to visit with the re-enactors.  The cultural demonstrations will include a Native American trading tent and family household.

“A lot of people in Indiana and Illinois outside of the immediate Vincennes area don’t even know about Grouseland, which is one of only three presidential sites in Indiana.  Grouseland is a beautiful and unique brick home dating to 1804.  And it is a National Historic Landmark, where so much of our early Midwestern history took place.  We hope that Walnut Grove will encourage people to discover for the first time, or rediscover Grouseland and all of historic Vincennes,” Sarell said.

As the home of the territorial governor, Grouseland played a significant role in the governance of the vast Indiana Territory that once included all of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota.

“The scheduling of the events over the course of a whole day is designed to encourage families and visitors to really explore the many treasures in Vincennes, including Grouseland, the territorial capitol, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, Old Cathedral, Indiana Military Museum, our wonderful Main Street architectural tour, and so much more,” Sarell said.

The events are co-sponsored by VU and the Vincennes State Historic Sites and are part of the Vincennes War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.  The commission’s theme is “Harrison and Tecumseh: Final Decision in the Old Northwest.”

###

All inquiries, including requests for interviews, should be directed to:

Daniel Sarell, Executive Director
Grouseland Foundation
Grouseland@sbcglobal.net
812-882-2096

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David Ragland exiting from Trailblazers for ISU assistant coaching position

Vincennes Trailblazers Coach David Ragland has been chosen to complete newly-hired Indiana State Coach Greg Lansing’s basketball staff.
 
Ragland submitted his official notice of resignation to VU on Tuesday. Assistant Provost for Student Affairs Lynn White said the university will advertise nationally for candidates to fill the coaching slot.
 
Ragland will wrap up his duties with the Trailblazers, effective Friday. He joins an ISU coaching staff that includes Associate Head Coach Lou Gudino and Assistant Coach Deryl Cunningham.
 
“I’m obviously really looking forward to it,” Ragland said. “It’s a true opportunity to learn and even be humbled as a coach. You feel a lot of times like you’re ready for the next stage in life and your career but you never fully know until you take that step.
 
“Here at VU we try to run things with as much class as possible – as much like a Division I program as it can be, actually – but I realize there will be a learning curve for me,” he added. “I’m really excited, though. It’s a good time to be joining the staff at ISU because they’re headed in the right direction…People are really excited about Greg Lansing as the coach, and they won 17 ballgames last year, with a lot of injuries that left them with key parts of their team out at points throughout the year.”
 
VU Athletic Director Harry Meeks praised and thanked Ragland for putting his stamp on the Trailblazers program, but said the VU family will enjoy watching Ragland’s contributions to the Sycamore program.
 
“David has done a tremendous job with the VU men’s basketball program, both in keeping the brand of basketball at a highly competitive level and in being a fine example to the young men who have played for him,” Meeks said. “We’re extremely appreciative of the dedication and work he has put into basketball and we will certainly miss having him here at VU, but we’re also proud and excited for him to have the opportunity at Indiana State.”
 
White added, “We certainly appreciate the foundation that David has established for the program, but also the way he has stressed the importance of academics to student-athletes. On behalf of the institution, we wish him and his family the very best.” 
 
VU was 44-19 in Ragland’s two seasons at the Trailblazers’ helm. The 2009-10 team (22-10) reached the NJCAA district tournament finals. The loss in the district championship game left VU a win short of its 28th appearance in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, KS. Still, the 22 wins garnered the program’s 29th consecutive 20-victory season.
 
Three 2009-10 sophomores – Ryan Allen (Milwaukee-Wisconsin), Fred Ford (Youngstown State) and Donald Stewart (Northwest Missouri State) – will move on to four-year programs. Another 2008-09 recruit, J.P. Olukemi, played his freshman season for VU, then red-shirted for the fall of last season before transferring to Oklahoma State. He will begin playing for the Cowboys this season.
 
Following Ragland’s first head coaching campaign, Trailblazers John Freeman (Southern Illinois) and Devon Archie (Iowa) joined Division I programs.
 
ISU capped off the 2009-10 season by accepting an invitation to the College Basketball Invitational, which was the Sycamores’ first post-season appearance since the 2001 NCAA Tournament. The Sycamores secured the No. 6 seed at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament after finishing in a tie for fifth place in the league. Many of Ragland’s responsibilities on the ISU staff will be recruiting-related, he said. Lansing has told Ragland that his relationship-building attributes will not only be utilized on the recruiting trail, but also internally with the players already on the Sycamore roster – especially the crop of veteran backcourt players.
 
Ragland will also contribute to ISU’s academic compliance efforts, a role he focused heavily on during his VU assistant coaching tenure.
 
Prior to being named the Trailblazers’ head coach, Ragland was an assistant to former VU Coach Everick Sullivan for three seasons and helped the program compile a 79-20 record during that span. Before arriving at VU, Ragland spent one season at Frank Phillips College in Borger, TX, and that program put together a school record 25-5 season.
 
Ragland and his wife, Annie, have two children, Ava and Joshua.

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VU Health Watch Wednesday Continues

 VU Health Watch Wednesday began with two e-text messages that provided H1N1 wellness tips and reminded subscribers to visit the VU Health Office web page

Vincennes University students and employees seeking an H1N1 vaccination should go to the Knox County Immunization Clinic at 701 Dubois Street in Vincennes.   Visit their website for more information.

Updates will be posted each Wednesday (or sooner if the situation warrants).  The webpage includes links to the Center for Disease Control flu pages, preventative tips, and campus information. 

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