Other SOA Assessment Processes

Student Evaluations of Teaching

A primary method for gathering feedback on individual courses is the student evaluation of teaching (SET).  

The SET process is administered in each course, each semester.  Numeric scaling and narrative responses provide a significant data base for monitoring and guiding teaching activities, with the goal of continually improving learning outcomes and student satisfaction.

External Course Review

The SOA periodically engages accounting practitioners, largely through the Advisory Board, to review syllabi, pedagogy, exams, and other course materials for core accounting courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. The SOA has an External Course Review form that is occasionally used to gather input on the syllabus, course content and delivery, and exams and assignments.

Peer Review and Mentoring

SOA faculty members conduct peer-teaching evaluations of each other’s courses that examine the syllabus, the content and organization, and the delivery and student interaction. The peer evaluation provides an opportunity for faculty members to observe the teaching techniques of their peers, provide constructive criticism, and share best practices on teaching.  New faculty members are assigned a teaching mentor who is charged with providing first-year feedback and commentary on methods for improvement.

Student Advisory Group and Student Exit Interviews

Periodically, the SOA forms a Student Advisory Council from a diverse group of students, at both the masters and bachelors level. This enables the SOA to obtain candid insights into our programs from a student perspective. Students provide feedback about program strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.  More frequently, the SOA relies on selected exit interviews with individual students who are encouraged to provide program feedback.