Guidelines for Student Evaluation
in
UAS Public Administration Courses
The following guidelines are intended to provide students with clearly defined expectations regarding course performance, and to provide potential evaluators (graduate schools, employers, etc) with a basis for interpreting student grades in graduate public administration courses at the University of Alaska Southeast. These guidelines apply to the grading of exams, the evaluation of papers, projects, oral presentations, on-line discussions or other assignments. Grading guidelines are written with UAS Graduate Programs Competencies kept in mind. While no single course will cover all three Competency areas, they will be embedded into course objectives at different points in the curricula to assure that all MPA students learn and demonstrate mastery of these objectives.
University of Alaska SE Graduate Programs Competency Objectives
Communication
1.1 Candidates possess effective professional writing skills appropriate in their fields
1.2 Candidates are effective in presentations and professional discourse
1.3 Candidates use substantial comprehension skills in reading and listening
1.4 Candidates understand the role of technology and effectively use it for professional communication
Professional Behavior
1.1 Candidates recognize ethical and professional responsibilities
1.2 Candidates can work effectively in various roles with diverse individuals an groups to achieve common goals
1.3 Candidates can assume a leadership role, when necessary
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
1.1 Candidates identify, analyze and conceptualize problems in tier field
1.2 Candidates evaluate and synthesize data, considering multiple perspectives
1.3 Candidates understand the holistic and systemic nature of issues in relation to various environments
1.4 Candidates understand the role of technology in analysis and decision-makingF
1.5 Candidates exercise judgment in decision-making
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GUIDELINES FOR THE GRADE OF "A"
The grade of "A" represents the highest level of performance in a course. It indicates the student understands virtually all concepts and data, and applies these concepts to new situations. An "A" grade indicates a student went beyond the expected and developed new insights (for the student) into the material. It also indicates the student has demonstrated the highest levels of professional behavior. It is expected that an "A" assignment will be virtually flawless in organization, grammar, style and presentation. A grade of "A" generally indicates the student is performing at a level above most other students in the class.
GUIDELINES FOR THE GRADE OF "A-"
The grade of "A-" represents work that is VERY GOOD, but not exceptional. It indicates the student fully understands the concepts and data of the course and is able to integrate them into a meaningful whole. It is expected that an "A-" assignment will be organized in a manner that is both sound and clear, with few, if any, stylistic, grammatical or presentation flaws. Consistent performance at the "A-" level reflects the ability to achieve a thorough mastery of the subject matter.
GUIDELINES FOR THE GRADE OF "B+"
A grade of "B+" represents the level of work expected of the average student in a graduate program. It indicates a student understands the basic concepts and implications of course material and is able to apply them in professional situations. It is expected that a B+ assignment is clearly organized, although some grammatical, stylistic or presentation flaws may interfere with communication. A "B+" grade indicates a professional attitude toward class and full participation in all aspects.
GUIDELINES FOR THE GRADE OF "B"
A grade of "B" indicates work that is acceptable for graduate level study. It indicates a student understands the concepts presented in the course, although they may have difficulty in applying concepts to situations not directly addressed in the course material. A grade of "B" indicates all assignment requirements have been completed in an acceptable, manner, although there may be organizational and stylistic flaws. A grade of "B" indicates a professional attitude toward class and full participation.
GUIDELINES FOR THE GRADE OF "B-"
The grade of "B-" indicates a student, while completing an assignment, has not shown full understanding of the issues and concepts involved. Student participation may be minimal. Improvement needs to be made for performance to be acceptable at a graduate level.
GUIDELINES FOR THE GRADE OF "C"
The grade of "C" represents an unacceptable level of performance for graduate studies. It indicates either a student has not understood the basic concepts of the assignment, or has not participated at an acceptable level. Assignments may be marred by poor style, grammatical errors, ineffective or poor organization. A course grade of "C" may indicate some assignments have not been completed to minimum standards.
GUIDELINES FOR THE GRADE OF "D"
The grade of "D" represents a general failure to understand and apply the most basic concepts of the course. It may also indicate many assignments have not been completed to minimum standards.
THE GRADE OF "F"
An "F" represents a failure to participate in the course requirements. An "F" will also be given for plagiarism or dishonesty.