Established Benchmarks

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Direct measures – Various benchmarks for outcomes assessment measures are used. Results from direct measures of outcomes assessment within courses are evaluated by faculty instructors. On a program level, department student learning outcomes that are identified as being a moderate or major focus on the course (2 or 3 score on the outcome rating report form) are to have related outcome statements included within the listing of course outcomes on the syllabus.

Indirect measures – The benchmark for indicating areas needing improvement when assessing results from survey responses of senior-level students and alumni, is having greater than 30% of respondents indicating “preparation was inadequate” or “not confident; do not feel prepared.” Placement rates of graduates are also used as benchmarks for evaluating student learning and preparation for entry-level positions or internships. The benchmark of dietetic internship placement rate of graduates in the dietetics major is set at greater than 65%. Dietetic internship placement rates over the past five years indicate an average of 75% of Iowa State University students who apply are placed in dietetic internships.

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