Kent State University
Assessment of Student Academic Achievement Plan
Sample Academic Department Plan
Department of Anthropology

This examination comprises three sections of equal size from each of the major subfields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology. Forty multiple choice items are randomly drawn for each of the three subfields from a large computerized bank of objective questions. The bank has been compiled by the entire graduate faculty of the department, and is reviewed and modified at the end of every second academic year. The bank reflects those aspects of anthropology which the faculty deems essential for general undergraduate proficiency, with a view toward students competitiveness for acceptance into traditional graduate programs in anthropology.

One randomized selection toward the end of each semester provides that term's objective exam, which in turn is scheduled to be given once during the second last week of that semester to eligible seniors who have never taken a version of the test before. The senior indicates her/his current grade point average, chosen subfield, duration (in semesters) of her/his tenure in the program, and whether she/he has elected the B.A. or B.S. Degree. The student also lists which upper division anthropology courses were taken while at Kent State University.

Upon completion of the supervised objective portion of the test, students elect from their own subfield two of several essay questions. Their completed (typed) essays are submitted to the departmental secretary within a week of receipt. The essays are brief, and while they certainly indicate student achievement they also serve as a sample of writing style and ability. The faculty understands the importance of communication skills and is interested in a demonstration from all graduating seniors.

At this time the test remains optional; however, any graduating senior who desires a letter of recommendation from one of our faculty is urged to volunteer. Should the department find after several semesters that enrollment is unsatisfactory, it will petition the College Curriculum Committee to accept a new one-hour capstone requirement to be offered every spring semester which will include this examination.