Health and Human Services Programs Earn Top THEC Scores Results of The Criminal Justice graduate and undergraduate programs, the Human Services Management program and the Legal Assistant Studies program earned top scores and high praise by external evaluation program review site visits conducted this spring. According to Dr. Galen Janeksela, dean, College of Health and Human Services, the academic program review process is one component of THEC's Performance Funding formula, which can account for approximately five percent of the overall state budget appropriation. "The program review outcomes are an indicator of how we are doing, and it gives us information about what areas need improvement. The recommendations are also reviewed as part of the process for determining budget priorities within the university," said Janeksela. The Legal Assistant Studies program received a perfect score and was commended for its quality teaching, high caliber students, and extensive opportunities for students to conduct research. The Human Services Management program was commended for its excellent teaching and involvement of the faculty in activities of local nonprofit organizations, which lends credibility to their class offerings. The Criminal Justice graduate and undergraduate programs both received positive reviews of academic programs and procedures. The assessments were completed as part of THEC performance funding requirements and as part of a peer review using standards developed by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The evaluator noted that UTC is "fortunate to have such a dedicated criminal justice faculty committed to the teaching mission of the University." "We showed that the programs not only meet standards, but are very strong in certain areas. For example, our program is very diversified. It allows students to mix related coursework with their major rather than having only one concentration. We look at the whole justice system rather than a particular facet of it," said Roger Thompson, associate professor of criminal justice. "The social work program, which is also in the School of Social and Community services, achieved full accreditation during 1997-98. The faculty in these four programs have worked very hard this year to achieve these positive outcomes," said Janeksela. UTCnews Archives

Last updated: May 25, 1998.
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