Millikin University
Critical Writing, Reading & Research Program
University Studies Writing Requirement Assessment Plan

Critical Writing, Reading and Research I & II are sequential requirements in the MPSL. All Millikin students fulfill this requirement by taking IN150 & IN151. 

CWRR Program Learning Outcome Goals

Upon completing Critical Writing, Reading and Research I &II requirements, students will be able to:

1. read and critique texts actively, deliberately and carefully;
2. write polished, informed essays for personal, public and/or specialized audiences;
3. conduct research to participate in academic inquiry; and
4. reflect on the uses of reading and writing in their public and personal lives to better understand themselves, their communities and the world.

CWRR Program Snapshot

The full-length assessment report provides a brief overview of types and numbers of courses offered per semester, variety of students served, facilities, faculty & staff, class sizes & faculty loads, partnerships external to the program and programmatic support structures.

The Learning Story

All Millikin students take Critical Writing, Reading and Research I & II where they are given the opportunity to fully explore entry into academic inquiry. The CWRR courses provide students with professional writing, reading and research skills necessary to succeed in the majors.  The full-length assessment report highlights the testimonial of a student successfully completing both courses.

Assessment Methods

1. Faculty Syllabi audit will measure how clearly the learning goals are communicated.
2. Library Entrance and Exit Quizzes will measure effectiveness of research instruction.
3. Student Survey administered through Millikin Office of Institutional Research will measure students’ perceptions of their successful complete of goals.
4. Student Artifacts (Reading Response, Research Paper, Reflection Piece) will provide substantial qualitative data about student performance in each goal area.

Assessment Data

The report will include the data results collected from the syllabi audit, library quizzes, student survey and student artifacts.

Analysis of Assessment Results

The report will analyze the data collected and will evaluate the effectiveness of our courses in helping students meet the CWRR learning goals.

Improvement Plans

The CWRR Assessment Team will present the annual report from the previous academic year at opening CWRR Faculty meeting of the Fall semester.  Based on the results of the report, plans and recommendations for enhancing and improving the delivery of student learning outcome goals for CWRR I & II will be discussed.  CWRR faculty recommendations for improving assessment methods and processes will also be taken at that time.