College of Science and Mathematics

Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry participates in the American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification surveys. The Department receives yearly reports and five-year summary reports. The last five-year report revealed some deficiencies in the curriculum offered relative to the ACS certified program. As a result of this assessment CHEM 621 and 621L (Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory) were created and made part of the intensive major program. More inorganic labs were incorporated into several courses.

All teaching duties of both faculty and graduate students are evaluated by students each semester. Students comments about the courses and teaching styles revealed both weaknesses and strengths. The Chair used the relative ranking and student comments in his annual review of faculty performance. The Assistant Chair used the evaluations of graduate students performance to determine the winners of the Bouknight teaching awards. If GIA performance was unsatisfactory counseling and training were instituted.

Advisor Performance Evaluations are completed by students each spring semester. Students identified problems in the advisement process. The Chair used the information summary in his annual faculty evaluations. Outstanding advisors were identified for recognition of an outstanding job.

All seniors are asked to complete a two-page confidential survey and have an interview with the Director of Undergraduate Services. Students were very frank about things that worked for them and things they felt needed to be changed. Because of this assessment, several new courses/programs have been initiated. Some courses have been modified as a result of student input. Addresses after graduation were used to update alumni files. Reports of employment efforts were used to compile placement data.

All faculty undergo peer review of teaching. Most, if not all, of the Chemistry faculty are skilled teachers and have outstanding classroom performance. Where appropriate, faculty use their colleagues comments to improve and modify their lecture presentations.