Department of Chemistry
Assessment Plan
Phoebe K. Dea, Chair
August 3, 2000

The mission of the Chemistry Department at Occidental College is to provide the student with a sound and comprehensive grasp of the principles of chemistry, including the laboratory experience necessary for basic research, teaching, and industrial research and development. The sequence of courses builds to the junior year when each student is expected to participate in a research program.

We have identified the following specific goals based upon the Department's mission:

1. The students will explore the depth and breadth of the principles of chemistry.

2. Through laboratory courses, the students will learn the practical chemistry skills for basic research, teaching as well as industrial research and development.

3. The students will engage in a minimum of one year of Directed Undergraduate Research experience.

4. The students will participate in a year-long Senior Chemistry Comprehensive that allows the student to select an area of current research in the field of chemistry.

5. The graduates will demonstrate an achievement of at least 50% rank on standardized tests developed by the American Chemical Society for Chemistry Examination.

6. The students will prepare themselves for diverse careers including the sciences, medicine, engineering or related professions.

These specific goals are to be assessed as follows:

1. Students are routinely encouraged by their academic advisors to take more than the minimum requirements required for graduation. Each year, the Department files a report with the American Chemical Society (ACS) on how many graduates in that year meet the ACS accreditation, which has more stringent requirements than the College graduation requirements.

2. Review of the syllabus of required laboratory courses to determine the currency and breadth of techniques covered.

3. Compile a list of presentations and publications by students involved in Directed Undergraduate Research with faculty mentors.

4. Review the topics selected by students in their Senior Chemistry Comprehensive. Determine the breadth of topics presented, and the communication skills demonstrated in the presentations. Determine the depth of understanding in both the presentations and the papers submitted.

5. Review the performance on standardized tests to determine the fraction of students who score at or above the 50% rank on their first attempt in the four different areas of chemistry.

6. Each year, the graduates are assessed for their post-graduation plans. In five-year cycles, chemistry graduates are contacted for volunteer information on their personal updates and professional advancements and achievements.

Assessment results, if relevant, will be brought up during Department meetings with minutes taken, which are usually held weekly. The Department Office will maintain a list of Directed Undergraduate Research presentations and publications and the American Chemical Society standardized test results. The Chemistry library will maintain the Senior Chemistry Comprehensive research papers. The Department Chair will include in the annual Department Report to the Dean of the College the post-graduation plans of the graduating class, as well as the academic and service awards received by the Chemistry majors each year. Significant information from alumni updates will be reported in the "Oxy Orbital", the Chemistry Alumni Newsletter.