Mentorship Agreement
Objective
Establish clear expectations and responsibilities between the student and mentor, supporting students in setting and tracking their academic, research, and career development goals.
Assessment Method
The Mentorship Agreement is completed by the student and mentor at the start of the program to outline mutual expectations in areas such as training requirements, time commitment, productivity, and communication. It is reviewed and updated annually with the major advisor to align with the student's progress and evolving research objectives.
Outcome Evaluation
The Mentorship Agreement promotes accountability and helps students take ownership of their development, ensuring alignment between their activities and long-term career goals.
Coursework According to Program of Study
Objective
Ensure students complete coursework relevant to their specialization, including required seminars and core courses.
Assessment Method
Monitor course completion and grades, ensuring students meet the standards outlined in their Program of Study. Grades below “C” must be reported to the Major Professor, and a GPA of 3.0 is required to remain in good standing.
Outcome Evaluation
Course performance verifies students’ foundational knowledge for research, with progress reviewed annually by the Supervisory Committee.
Supervisory Committee Annual Meeting and Progress Report
Objective
Facilitate structured, annual feedback on student progress in coursework, research activities, and professional development. The goal is to support timely degree completion while building necessary scientific and professional skills.
Assessment Tool
Annual Progress Report: Assist students and the committee in evaluating achievements, discussing challenges, and identifying development needs. The student’s self-assessment is paired with the committee’s objective evaluation to provide a comprehensive view of progress. This report reveals:
- Strengths that can be leveraged for continued success,
- Weaknesses requiring targeted training and mentorship, and
- Development areas needing clarification of expectations.
Outcome Evaluation
The progress report and committee feedback guide the student’s future training, align expectations, and ensure academic and research goals are achieved according to program standards.
Graduate Seminar and Presentation at ADVS Student Research Symposia
Objective
Develop presentation and communication skills through mandatory participation in seminars, such as ADVS 6800, and research symposia, as outlined in the ADVS Graduate Student Handbook and the MOU.
Assessment Method
Evaluate seminar presentations based on content clarity, scholarly quality, and audience engagement.
Outcome Evaluation
Faculty and peer feedback gauge presentation skills and readiness to communicate complex research, both essential to professional development.
Doctoral Candidacy Exams (PhD Only)
Objective
Assess the candidate’s comprehensive knowledge and critical thinking, ensuring readiness for independent research.
Assessment Method
Written and oral exams, with an evaluation form completed by each committee member according to a standardized rubric, cover the student’s specialization and key foundational areas, assessing depth and breadth of knowledge.
Outcome Evaluation
Successful completion of these exams confirms research readiness, while feedback helps address gaps before dissertation work.
PhD Final Dissertation, Presentation, and Committee Evaluation
Objective
Evaluate the student’s ability to complete and present a comprehensive research project, defend their findings, and demonstrate mastery in their field of study.
Assessment Tool
Final Dissertation and Defense Rubric: This rubric assesses the quality of the dissertation document, the presentation of research findings, and the student’s ability to respond to questions and defend their work.
Assessment Method
The final defense includes three components, each assessed using the rubric:
- Dissertation: Evaluation of the written dissertation for quality of scholarship, originality, contribution to the field, and adherence to academic standards.
- Defense Presentation: Public presentation of research findings, assessing clarity, organization, professionalism, and effectiveness in communicating complex ideas.
- Committee Evaluation: Closed-door session with the supervisory committee, evaluating the student’s critical thinking, depth of knowledge, and response to questions.
Outcome Evaluation
Successful completion of all components signifies readiness for graduation and the capacity for independent research. Faculty feedback ensures the dissertation meets departmental and academic standards.
MS Plan A Final Thesis, Presentation, and Committee Evaluation
Objective
Assess the MS Plan A student’s ability to complete a thesis that contributes to their field, effectively present their findings, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of their research area.
Assessment Tool
Final Thesis and Defense Rubric: This rubric evaluates the quality of the written thesis, the effectiveness of the defense presentation, and the student’s ability to respond to committee questions, demonstrating readiness for graduation.
Assessment Method
The final evaluation consists of three steps, each evaluated with the rubric:
- Thesis: The written thesis is assessed for clarity, methodological rigor, contribution to the field, and adherence to USU’s Publication Guide for Graduate Students.
- Defense Presentation: The student presents their research findings publicly, evaluated on presentation quality, organization, and communication effectiveness.
- Committee Evaluation: In a closed session, the supervisory committee assesses the student’s responses to questions, critical thinking skills, and depth of understanding related to the thesis topic.
Outcome Evaluation
Passing each component of the evaluation confirms the student’s preparedness to graduate with an MS degree, with faculty feedback ensuring the thesis and defense meet departmental and academic expectations.
Conference Presentations by Students
Objective
Encourage professional engagement through presentation of research at academic conferences.
Assessment Method
Track students’ conference participation.
Outcome Evaluation
Enhanced presentation and networking skills in professional settings indicate preparedness for future academic and research roles.
Publications Resulting from Research Activities
Objective
Promote contributions to the field and scholarly impact through publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Assessment Method
Track publication metrics, including quality and quantity, with input from the Major Professor and Supervisory Committee on the research’s relevance.
Outcome Evaluation
Publications validate research rigor and indicate readiness for academic or industry careers requiring high-level research skills.
Career Placement of Graduates
Objective
Measure program success in preparing students for relevant careers, whether in academia, industry, or public service.
Assessment Method
Conduct surveys and gather data on alumni career paths, placements, and the applicability of graduate training in professional roles.
Outcome Evaluation
High placement rates in roles relevant to the program’s goals demonstrate alignment between training and career demands.