Review Assessment Report
Part 1: Contact & Program Identification
| Report Year and Contact Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | Modified By | Date Modified |
| 2020-2021 | rbarelagutierr@cnm.edu | 2021-11-13T15:57:49.934Z |
| School | Name of Program | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| HWPS | Post Degree Paralegal Studies Certificate | BUSA 1115,PL 2140,BCIS 2220,PL 1140,PL 2098,PL 2120,PL 1130,PL 2130,PL 2240,PL 1120,PL 1110 |
Part 2: Program Summary
| Provide a high level review of the program to include highlights, successes, challenges, significant changes, and significant resources needed to support the program |
|---|
Program is scheduled for sunset at Fall 2022. This decision was made due to low graduation rates in the program. This does not have a significant impact upon course offerings as many of the Certificate courses are required for the AA Paralegal degree. Additionally, as program sunsets, students will move to the AA degree which will assist in graduation rate of the degree. |
Part 3: Data Review
| 2018-2019 | 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual number of graduate awards is greater than 10 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Number of declared majors | 23 | 23 | 28 |
| Average Class Size | 17.3 | 16 | 14.3 |
| Annual Average Class withdrawal rate is 30% or below (SAGE 35%) | 12% | 17% | 16% |
| Annual C-Pass rate for coursework is 60% or above | 77% | 73% | 72% |
| Average class fill rate at 60% or above capacity within a term or over a year | 64% | 61% | 52% |
| Graduate Transfer to 4-year Schools | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Full-time Faculty Coverage by Section | 80% | 77% | 73% |
| Summarize how your program met or did not meet the target measures based on the data above |
|---|
Average class fill rate at 60% or above capacity: Below target at 52%. There are no courses that are specifically required for the Certificate that are not required for the Paralegal AA degree. Thus, we do not offer courses in which only for certificate students. Thus this measure may be misleading. However, this program is scheduled for sunset Fall 2022.
Annual retention rate is 70% or above (SAGE 65%): Above target at 84%.
Annual C-pass rate for coursework is 60% or above: Above target at 72%
Annual number of graduates is greater than 10 (for degree and certificate programs only): Below target at 7. This has been a consistent challenge for this program. This is one reason that the decision to sunset the program has been made. Sunset is Fall 2022. |
Part 4: Program Learning Outcome Analysis
| Learning Outcome | Population or Course(s) Assessed | Description | Summary of Assessment Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate proficiency in using technology, including legal research skills. | PL1140 Legal R/W 1;PL2140 Legal R/W 2;PL2240 Computer Applications in the Law |
| Students are able to demonstrate their knowledge of technology and legal research in the courses above. Learning outcomes remain focused on the use of technology and assessment tools measure the skill. |
| Have knowledge of the ethical responsibilities affecting paralegals and attorneys with emphasis on the prohibitions against unauthorized practice of law | PL1120 Intro to PL StudiesPL2098 Internship |
| Ethical skills are assessed in the internship (practicum) by the internship evaluator. Results show students have the necessary ethical decision making skills. |
| Master effective communication skills: oral, interpersonal, and written. | PL1140 Legal R/W 1;PL2140 Legal R/W 2;PL2098 Internship |
| Communication skills are assessed in the internship (practicum) by the internship evaluator. Results show students have the necessary communication skills. |
| Interpretation of Assessment findings |
|---|
Course material meets the needs of the industry in the important areas of ethical decision making, technology, and communication. Internship partners are satisfied with the student skill level and ability to work within a law office. |
Part 5: Additional Action Plan in Support of Student Learning (If Appropriate)
| Upcoming Year | Changes Planned for the upcoming year | Data Motivating this change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | Program is scheduled for sunset in Fall 2022. | Decision was made one year ago (Fall 2020) due to low graduation rates, low enrollment rates.
This is the right decision for the program as the data over time has demonstrated that there is not community interest in this program. Additionally, students are able to take the same courses through the AA degree so no courses are directly affected. |
| 2021-2022 | ||
| 2021-2022 |