Assessment Plan

Ferris State University
School of Criminal Justice 

2011-2012

The School of Criminal Justice, under the College of Education and Human Services provides the following assessment model for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Mission

 The mission of the College of Education and Human Services is to: 

  • Increase resources for its students and retention of its students;
  • Deliver quality instruction and services in relevant, accessible, effective, and flexible programs; and
  • Graduate students who secure successful careers as knowledgeable, participatory, and collaborative professionals who reflect the core values of Ferris State University.

Vision

To create and maintain an environment in which the faculty, staff and students thrive by:

  • Recognizing that we do important and meaningful work;
  • Promoting excellence;
  • Encouraging personal and professional development; and
  • Supporting positive work experiences. 

Outcomes and Assessments for the College      

Outcomes  

Assessments

Know - Knowledge of career entry
and advancement

Know -  External tests and examinations, portfolios, comprehensive exams, capstone projects

Do- Skills and strategies for career entry
and advancement

Do - Internships, student teaching, field placement, studies related to the workplace

Be like - Disposition and behaviors for career entry and advancement

Be like – Internships, etc., problem solving, ethics classes,  capstone seminars     

Mission of the School

The School of Criminal Justice at Ferris State University, through partnerships with agencies within and related to the criminal justice field, creates the fundamental preparation for successful careers and responsible citizenship.  The academic pursuit of excellence for both students and faculty is provided in a learning environment that combines the theoretical knowledge with the practical application.  

Vision of the School

Our vision is to uphold the high quality of graduates produced by the School. Continue to educate both undergraduates and graduate students for acquiring and sustaining positions within the criminal justice field. Maintain the leader position held by the School within the criminal justice education realm within the State of Michigan and expand its reputation to nation-wide recognition.  Moreover, maintain the admiration of our peers, graduates, practitioners, citizens and our students by continuing the excellence in education we strive for.

We value:

  • Education and academic excellence in learning and teaching with a student-focused foundation.
  • Problem-based learning and critical thinking.
  • Ethical and professional services for our diverse communities in which we serve.
  • An atmosphere of collegiality and collaboration
  • Diversity, opportunity and persistence in providing education to aspiring students.
  • Knowledgeable, empowered, skilled graduates to pursue careers in the Criminal Justice profession.

This model acts as our plan of assessment to ensure our graduates are acquiring the necessary skills to excel in the criminal justice field.  These outcomes and assessments of the same are created for ease of collection and measurement of data.  They coincide with the goals of the College and Ferris State University.  Specifically it is designed to track student development, improve planning, improve instructor pedagogy, inform curriculum planning and course sequencing and promote timely completion of the program.

Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

Mission

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration provides high quality education to criminal justice professionals, administrators and traditional students.  The program develops the theoretical and analytical knowledge of students to prepare them for advancement in their field or preparation for law school or doctoral studies.

Bachelor of Science, Law Enforcement

Mission

The mission of the law enforcement program is to increase the professional capabilities of law enforcement officers by developing students who are capable of addressing Michigan’s public safety needs for the 21st century. The foundation of the law enforcement program instruction is based upon a student centered learning pedagogy which emphasizes the core values of courage commitment, honor, character and the pursuit of excellence. These ideals are paramount to our commitment to build collaborative community partnerships where increased levels of trust and respect create a safe environment while protecting individual liberties.

Program Values

  • The law enforcement officer is perceived as a manager, of various critical situations, who is called upon to gather information and make immediate decisions leading to resolution of conflict in emergency conditions.
  • It is recognized that the public must be treated fairly, equitably, and in a courteous, impartial manner by a law enforcement officer who demonstrates a professional bearing.
  •  It is important to recognize the dynamic nature of basic training, if it is to reflect the changing needs of society as evidenced by emerging research and technology, as well as cultural changes.
  • It is recognized that a professionally trained law enforcement officer is the cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and is critical to ensuring public trust and providing public safety in a changing contemporary society. 

Therefore:

The faculty has an obligation to ensure that individuals are properly trained and certified to effectively perform the law enforcement officer function; failure to meet the obligation could jeopardize the safety and efficient operation of the state’s law enforcement agencies; and

The faculty must ensure that the education process can be justified to actual job functions of the entry level law enforcement officer and the requirements of fair employment dictate; and

The faculty must insure that the curriculum imparts positive attitudes in graduates toward the law enforcement officer job; and that graduates are able to respond to the public in time of need and stress.           

Goals of the Law Enforcement Program

Within the context of the Michigan Commission On Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) mandated basic training program, it is the mission of the Ferris State University Law Enforcement Program to prepare students to perform those law enforcement officer functions which occur in the initial years on the job.  Students will be prepared to perform job tasks that include six major areas: (1) Patrol Procedures, (2) Investigation, (3) Detention and Prosecution, (4) Police Skills, (5) Traffic, and (6) Special Operations.

  • Law Enforcement Program graduates will perform the job tasks in each of the six major job operational areas adequately and consistently to meet professional ethical and legal standards.
  • The Law Enforcement Program will ensure the job-relatedness of their education in light of the changing needs of society.
  • The Law Enforcement Program will ensure that the educational content, instructional strategies and testing procedures are consistent with the performance requirements for the job of entry level law enforcement officer and do not present artificial barriers to employment.
  • The Law Enforcement Program will ensure that within the educational program students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to manage critical and stressful situations.
  • The Law Enforcement Program will provide and maintain students, within the educational program, a quality academic experience which will stimulate interest and motivation for the job.


Bachelor of Science, Generalist

Mission

The mission of the generalist track in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is to prepare the students to enter a field within criminal justice.  Students in this track will have a well rounded education in the criminal justice professions and understand the intertwined nature of these professions. Students will be prepared to enter the field as critical thinkers skilled in writing and knowledgeable in the history, current events and the various critical issues facing them as they enter the field.
Goals

  • The generalists program will provide for a critical understanding of the historical, philosophical and development of criminal justice as a field, and the legal and correctional processes within.
  • The generalist program will create an environment and program conducive to educating students for a wide array of career opportunities in criminal justice.
  • The generalist program will provide students with ancillary courses to strengthen their understanding of human behavior.
  • The generalist program will foster curriculum which maintains academic integrity yet responds to contemporary demands.
  • The generalist program will foster the understanding of the global community aspect for criminal justice professionals
  • The generalist program will develop and prepare students to work with clients and consumers of different demographic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • The generalist program students will be able to understand and critically analyze intervention strategies, human development and behavior patterns, and causations and explanations for crime.

Bachelor of Science, Corrections

Mission

The mission of the corrections track in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is to prepare the students for a career with the correctional field of criminal justice.  Students will be exposed to the history, current events and critical issues facing the corrections profession. Students will be able to understand and demonstrate knowledge of the various facets of corrections, punishment, deterrence and rehabilitation as it relates to contemporary issues in corrections in the United States.
Goals

  • The corrections track will provide for a critical understanding of the historical, philosophical and development of corrections, and the legal and correctional processes.
  • The corrections track will develop critical thinking with regards to the management, organization, safety and security and the future of correctional institutions.
  • The corrections track will develop and prepare students to work with clients and consumers of different demographic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • The corrections track students will be able to understand and critically analyze intervention strategies, human development and behavior patterns, and causations and explanations for crime.
  • The attached assessment plan worksheets shall be our guide to measure the achievement of the above goals and subsequent support of our mission.