College of Arts & Sciences Master of Science in International Relations
Contents Overview Purpose Courses and Students Availability Faculty Faculty Committee Faculty Committee Meeting Alabama and Global Campuses ecampus Recent Improvements Expected Outcomes and Results Plans for Further Improvements Recent Improvements Expected Outcomes and Results Plans for Further Improvements Comparison of Student In-Class and Online Performance
Purpose The Master of Science in International Relations (MSIR) program offers graduates with diversified backgrounds and undergraduate programs the opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of international political and economic trends and activities The MSIR program also provides an international scope to Troy University s multiple programs and services; it promotes discovery and a life-long learning process
Courses and Students Approximately 45 courses are offered by the MSIR program each term, with about half of them through ecampus Enrollment is over 600 students with over 150 graduates each year The MSIR program provides graduate-level instruction in international relations to a wide variety of civilian and military students
Availability Alabama Campuses Troy Dothan Global Campus ecampus Ft. Bragg/Fayetteville, NC Ft. Belvoir, VA Ft. Benning/Columbus, GA Tampa Bay, FL Ft. Carson/Colorado Springs, CO Ft. Lewis, WA Davis-Monthan AFB/Tucson, AZ Malmstrom AFB, MT San Antonio, TX Kadena AFB, Japan Misawa AFB, Japan Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea Worldwide President Barack Obama conversing with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller, and Israeli President Shimon Peres at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, Dec 19, 2009 (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Full-Time Faculty MSIR full-time faculty are located at several Troy University locations Troy Campus 4 Dothan Campus 4 Fayetteville 2 Ft Belvoir 0 (Hiring in progress) Columbus 0 (Hiring in progress) Ft. Walton FL 1 Ft. Lewis 1 Colorado Springs 1 Kadena 2 (Replacement of 1 hiring in progress) Yongsan 0 (Hiring in progress) Total 15 (18 after spring hiring)
MSIR Site Faculty Representation MSIR Program Director Charles Krupnick Troy Campus Steven Taylor Dothan Campus Robert Saunders Fayetteville David Hayes Ft. Belvoir Faculty hiring in progress (David Hayes represents) Columbus Faculty hiring in progress (Charles Krupnick represents) Tampa Bay Columbus new faculty (Charles Krupnick represents) Ft. Lewis Jonathan Harrington Colorado Springs Michael Fiedler Malmstrom AFB Jonathan Harrington (non-resident) Tucson Michael Fiedler (non-resident) Kadena Andrew Bosworth Misawa Andrew Bosworth (non-resident) Yongsan Faculty hiring in progress (Andrew Bosworth represents)
MSIR Faculty Meeting The MSIR faculty met April 9-11, 2010 in Troy, Alabama All locations teaching the MSIR program were represented except the Pacific Region; representatives in the Pacific Region were kept advised of issues discussed and participated in future action decisions Among the issues discussed were MSIR status among other masters-level IR programs, programs to improve quality, general trend away from military bases, further emphasis on regional studies, and ways to enhance recruitment and retention Program assessment review including differences in outcomes between in-class and online instruction MSIR comprehensive examination content and methodology MSIR concentration and course change proposals, including new courses on Globalization and Environmental Security and Governance, addition of IR 6656 International Power and Influence as an option for the National Security Affairs concentration, establishment of Middle East and Africa as a group under the Regional Affairs concentration, and International Political Economy as a new concentration
MSIR Faculty Meeting (cont.) MSIR faculty governance and distribution of duties IR 6601 Research Methods in International Relations course content and objectives, including a proposal to remove the substantial research paper requirement and to emphasize methods of analysis Student research assessment and consideration of replacing the substantial research paper with another means of assessment IR 5551 Survey of International Relations and IR 6652 Theory and Ideology of International Relations course content and objectives comparison Proposed addition of History courses relevant to the MSIR program, including offerings on Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Latin American ABC countries University-wide initiatives and organizational issues such as the new fiveyear strategic plan, current financial challenges, the importance of assessment and documentation issues, and faculty changes in view of Global Campus reorganization
MSIR Faculty Meeting (cont.) Emerging online learning technology and methods, such as the introduction of Blackboard 9.1 and effective use of Wimba, the bureaucratic and technical difficulties of constructing a dedicated MSIR website, plus the challenges of social networking in education and addressing the skills and attitudes of the generation of digital natives Student issues included assignment of advisors, use of directed queries, and methodologies for advising students online Agreement to conduct the next MSIR faculty meeting at the International Studies Association (ISA) 2011 annual conference to be held March 16-19, 2011 in Montreal, Canada; the ISA conference is approximately one year away, and most in faculty agreed that it would be a useful way to continue evaluation and upgrade of the MSIR program while providing an opportunity to present research papers and learn from other IR scholars
Alabama and Global Campuses Recent Improvements Expected Outcomes and Results Plans for Further Improvements Troy Alabama Campus Global Campus Misawa Japan
Program Recent Improvements Dr. David Hayes has taken over advising direction in the Southeast as well as Atlantic Region pending arrival of new faculty assets in the Southeast Region General J. Gary Cooper former US Ambassador to Jamaica is Troy University Ambassador in Residence for 2009-2010; he participated in events at the Troy and Montgomery campuses A summer study abroad program to be held at the University of Padova, Italy was fully organized; it will not be conducted, however, because an insufficient number of students were able to commit to the program although the program was modestly priced for what it offered, it remained prohibitively expensive for many Troy students
Troy Campus Recent Improvements Dr. Steven L. Taylor was selected for promotion to Professor Dr. Charles Krupnick was selected for promotion to Associate Professor Course IR 6660 Military Strategy and International Relations had a successful field trip to Columbus, GA, visiting the US National Infantry Museum, the Civil War Naval Museum, and Ft. Benning Courses IR 5524 and IR 6644 had a successful field trip to the US Army Air Museum at Ft. Rucker, AL A ceiling LCD projector and screen were permanently installed in Room 330 MSCX, the primary MSIR seminar room A lighted display case was installed near the Department of Political Science Office to highlight the Graduate and Undergraduate Students of the Year and the Troy University Ambassador in Residence
Dothan Campus Recent Improvements Dr. Michael Holmes was added to the MSIR faculty to teach European/Asian history and foreign relations Redesigned the online versions of HIS 5504 Military History and HIS 5523 US Foreign Policy Updated room Adams 407 with new audio/video equipment, a new computer, and a ceiling LCD projector Purchased several new wall map series for the Asian history offerings Initiated qualified MSIR students into Phi Alpha Theta Developed student remediation programs for IR 6601 Research Methods Experienced steady enrollment increase
Ft. Bragg/Fayetteville, NC Recent Improvements Dr. George Poteat retired as a full-time member of the faculty but will continue service to the MSIR program as an adjunct instructor Wimba Live Classroom has been used as the video teleconferencing technology in two courses in Terms 1 and 2; this allowed sections in Fayetteville and Ft. Belvoir to be combined The MSIR program received North Carolina state licensure allowing it to be taught off post and offered to civilians
Ft. Belvoir, VA Recent Improvements A new MSIR adjunct instructor (Dr. Switzer) began teaching at Ft. Belvoir The use of Wimba Live Classroom avoided cancellation of one section during Term 2
Ft. Benning/Columbus, GA Recent Improvements Most administrative support functions for the MSIR program have been moved from Ft. Benning to the Columbus GA Southeast Region (SER) Headquarters location; teaching has been centered in the SER location for several years Significant improvement has been made to MSIR student administration at Ft. Benning and Columbus with the stabilization of personnel and greater coordination with the Troy Campus MSIR student enrollment from the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) remains steady at about 10 students; additional students from the local area have created class sizes of around 15 students A new MSIR instructor is being hired
Tampa Bay, FL Recent Improvements Because of relatively low student demand for in-class instruction, the Tampa Bay site has supported only one MSIR course most terms though interest often emerges for a second course The to-be-named Columbus, GA, MSIR instructor will provide active support to the Tampa Bay program
Ft. Carson/Colorado Springs, CO Recent Improvements The recently occupied academic facility is much better than the previous spaces, though work continues; the facility is close to the Troy administrative offices in Colorado Springs Dr. John Becker is a newly certified MSIR adjunct faculty instructor
Ft. Lewis, WA Recent Improvements Dr. Jonathan Harrington attended the Copenhagen Climate Conference and participated in many of the activities associated with the event Ft. Lewis had a successful MIVER visit (Military Installation Voluntary Education Review), receiving four commendations and no recommendations; all other Ft. Lewis supporting schools received recommendations
Malmstrom AFB, MT Recent Improvements The site continued to maintain effective records of the administration of the Western Region MSIR comprehensive examination
Davis-Monthan AFB/Tucson, AZ Recent Improvements The new Site Director, John Parsons has created an IR speakers series to increase visibility of the program in the Tucson area
Kadena AFB, Japan Recent Improvements One student completed a thesis as the final requirement of his MSIR program Dr. Andrew Bosworth will be leaving Kadena in summer 2010 but will remain associated with Troy University as an MSIR adjunct instructor A new MSIR instructor is being hired to replace Dr. Bosworth
Misawa AFB, Japan Recent Improvements Dr. Andrew Bosworth will be leaving the Troy Pacific Region in summer 2010 but will remain associated with Troy University as an MSIR adjunct instructor Two new MSIR instructors are being hired in the Pacific Region and will help support the Misawa MSIR program
Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea Recent Improvements A new MSIR instructor is being hired to be based in Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul, Korea Yongsan expects to support MSIR instruction at Osan AFB (about an hour south of Seoul) beginning in late-2010
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results The effectiveness of Troy University s MSIR Program is measured by the following Expected Outcomes and Results; 1-3 are Program Outcomes; 4-6 are Student Outcomes 1. Number of MSIR students 2. Number of MSIR graduates 3. Percentage of MSIR courses taught by full-time faculty 4. Percentage of MSIR students who passed the Comprehensive Examination the first time 5. Percentage of MSIR Students who received an A in their research project in IR 6601 Research Method 6. Percentage of MSIR graduating students satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program
Alabama and Global Campuses Curriculum Map Expected Outcome and Result Supporting Courses Assessment Method 1. Number of MSIR Students NA DB (Database) 2. Number of MSIR Graduates NA DB 3. Percentage of MSIR course taught by full-time faculty NA DB 4. An understanding of international relations theory and international political economy and their application to historical and contemporary circumstance IR 5551 Survey of IR IR 6620 International Political Economy IR 6652 Theory and Ideology of International Relations FE (Final Examination MSIR Comprehensive Examination) 5. Percentage of MSIR Students receiving an A on IR 6601research projects IR 6601 Research Methods in International Relations RP (Research Project) 6. Percentage of MSIR Graduates satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program All courses and support S (Survey)
Expected Outcomes and Results Expected Outcome 4 focuses on student learning. Students in the Master of Science in International Relations program are expected to demonstrate the following through completion of their final exam: Explain major theories of International Relations. Summarize the contributions of prominent authors in International Relations. Compare and contrast differing explanations of international events. Criticize theoretical explanations of international events. Recommend international policies.
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 1 Number of MSIR Students (Note: AC/GC means Alabama and Global Campuses) Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average # Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 220 235 345 368 316 Exceeds Troy 25 10 17 24 17 Not Met Dothan 13 07 11 14 11 Not Met Fayetteville 25 27 25 26 26 Exceeds Ft. Belvoir 25 36 26 21 28 Exceeds Columbus 12 11 11 19 14 Exceeds Tampa Bay 12 04 09 11 08 Not Met
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 1 Colorado Springs Number of MSIR Students Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average # Not Met / Met / Exceeds 10 07 03 01 04 Not Met Ft. Lewis 12 15 16 15 15 Exceeds Malmstrom AFB 10 19 14 10 14 Exceeds Tucson 10 10 07 05 07 Exceeds Kadena 30 26 125 140 97 Exceeds Misawa 30 32 38 40 37 Exceeds Yongsan 30 31 43 42 39 Exceeds
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 2 Number of MSIR Graduates (Note: AC/GC means Alabama and Global Campuses) Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average # Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 90 67 88 44 88 Not Met Troy 12 06 03 04 06 Not Met Dothan 07 01 03 00 02 Not Met Fayetteville 06 05 09 05 07 Not Met Ft. Belvoir 04 05 12 05 10 Met Columbus 10 03 12 02 08 Not Met Tampa Bay 04 01 08 02 05 Met Note: Fall 2009 normalized to one year for Average calculation
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 2 Colorado Springs Number of MSIR Graduates Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average # Not Met / Met / Exceeds 04 02 02 01 02 Not Met Ft. Lewis 05 09 04 03 07 Met Malmstrom AFB 04 07 06 01 05 Met Tucson 04 00 02 02 02 Not Met Kadena 10 13 12 12 15 Met Misawa 10 07 08 03 07 Not Met Yongsan 10 08 07 04 07 Not Met Note: Fall 2009 normalized to one year for Average calculation
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 3 Percentage of MSIR courses taught by full-time faculty (Note: AC/GC means Alabama and Global Campuses) Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 50% 66/124 78/120 21/45 57% Exceeds Troy 75% 11/12 13/13 05/05 97% Exceeds Dothan 75% 07/07 09/09 03/03 100% Exceeds Fayetteville 50% 08/12 08/12 03/04 68% Exceeds Ft. Belvoir 50% 04/06 04/04 02/03 77% Exceeds Columbus 50% 05/09 05/08 01/04 52% Exceeds Tampa Bay 50% 06/08 03/07 00/02 53% Exceeds
Percentage of MSIR courses taught by full-time faculty Colorado Springs Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 3 Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds 50% 03/03 03/03 00/01 86% Exceeds Ft. Lewis 50% 04/10 04/09 00/04 38% Not Met Malmstrom AFB 50% 01/10 03/08 01/03 24% Not Met Tucson 50% 01/06 04/06 00/00 42% Not Met Kadena 50% 08/15 10/16 02/06 54% Exceeds Misawa 50% 02/11 06/10 02/04 40% Not Met Yongsan 50% 06/15 06/15 02/06 39% Not Met
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 4 Percentage of MSIR graduating students satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program (Note: AC/GC means Alabama and Global Campuses) Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 90% NA 96% 02/03 82% Not Met Troy 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Dothan 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Fayetteville 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Ft. Belvoir 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Columbus 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Tampa Bay 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA
Colorado Springs Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 4 Percentage of MSIR graduating students satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % 90% NA NA NA NA NA Ft. Lewis 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Not Met / Met / Exceeds Malmstrom AFB 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Tucson 90% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Kadena 90% NA NA NA NA NA Misawa 90% NA NA NA NA NA Yongsan 90% NA NA NA NA NA
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 5 Percentage of MSIR Students who passed the Comprehensive Examination the first time taken (Note: AC/GC means Alabama and Global Campuses) Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 75% 96/109 92/112 24/30 84% Exceeds Troy 75% 05/05 02/03 04/04 92% Exceeds Dothan 75% 04/04 03/03 00/00 100% Exceeds Fayetteville 75% 06/07 21/26 02/04 78% Exceeds Ft. Belvoir 75% 05/06 NA 03/03 89% Exceeds Columbus 75% 04/05 10/12 00/01 78% Exceeds Tampa Bay 75% 01/01 07/08 03/04 85% Exceeds
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 5 Colorado Springs Percentage of MSIR Students who passed the Comprehensive Examination the first time Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds 75% 04/04 01/01 00/00 100% Exceeds Ft. Lewis 75% 16/17 06/07 01/02 88% Exceeds Malmstrom AFB 75% 08/11 07/09 01/01 76% Exceeds Tucson 75% 04/04 03/03 01/01 100% Exceeds Kadena 75% 23/25 16/20 03/04 86% Exceeds Misawa 75% 05/09 10/13 05/05 74% Not Met Yongsan 75% 11/11 06/07 01/01 95% Exceeds
Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 6 Percentage of MSIR students who received an A in their research project in IR 6601 Research Method (Note: AC/GC means Alabama and Global Campuses) Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 50% NA NA 53/75 71% Exceeds Troy 50% NA NA 04/07 58% Exceeds Dothan 50% NA NA 05/14 36% Not Met Fayetteville 50% NA NA 02/02 100% Exceeds Ft. Belvoir 50% NA NA 04/08 50% Met Columbus 50% NA NA 06/14 43% Not Met Tampa Bay 50% NA NA 00/00 NA NA
Colorado Springs Alabama Campuses and Global Campus Expected Outcomes and Results 6 Percentage of MSIR students who received an A in their research project in IR 6601 Research Method Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds 50% NA NA 02/03 67% Exceeds Ft. Lewis 50% NA 02/03 00/00 67% Exceeds Malmstrom AFB 50% NA 03/05 00/00 60% Exceeds Tucson 50% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Kadena 50% NA NA 25/27 93% Exceeds Misawa 50% NA NA 00/00 NA NA Yongsan 50% NA NA 00/00 NA NA
Student Satisfaction Expected Outcomes and Results 2009-2010 Graduate Student Survey It is expected that MSIR students will express 81-90% satisfaction with library resources. Result: Student Satisfaction Survey (n=84) indicates 86% satisfaction. Expectation met. It is expected that MSIR students will express 81-90% satisfaction with instruction in major courses. Result: Student Satisfaction Survey (n=110) indicates 95% satisfaction. Expectation exceeded. It is expected that MSIR students will express 81-90% satisfaction with advising services. Result: Student Satisfaction Survey (n=108) indicates 81% satisfaction. Expectation met. It is expected that MSIR students will express 81-90% satisfaction with faculty s use of educational technology. Result: Student Satisfaction Survey (n=111) indicates 95% satisfaction. Expectation exceeded.
Program Plans for Further Improvement The April 9-11, 2010, faculty meeting discussed a number of issues and agreed on the following action items for MSIR program improvement Enhancing program quality, recruitment, and retention Discussion: MSIR faculty agreed that the Troy University MSIR program provides a high quality product to a diverse though often military predominant constituency; the program has unmatched flexibility of instruction and an impressive faculty; its advantages are not necessarily well understood by faculty and administrative personnel, nor are all administrative procedures optimum Action: Ensure all instructors and administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages (Krupnick) Action: Create an easy-to-use document to evaluate PME (military education) transfer credit (Krupnick) Action: Renew emphasis on a dedicated MSIR website (Taylor) Action: Increase efforts at undergraduate recruitment both within the Troy system and statewide (Krupnick) Action: Improve mid-program advisement to increase retention rates (Hayes)
Program Plans for Further Improvement Resolve differences in outcomes between in-class and online students Discussion: Students associated with in-class instruction at Alabama and Global Campus sites have a persistent 20% greater success rate at passing the MSIR comprehensive examination the first time than do students associated with on-line instruction through ecampus, 85% vs. 65%; the current written guidance on comprehensive examinations provided to ecampus students was useful but had not affected exam success rates Discussion: It was believed that some of the difference in success rate was almost unavoidable because of the greater contact with in-class faculty as well as the dedicated academic environment experienced by many in-class students many if not most ecampus students work full-time; some of the difference, however, was undoubtedly caused by inadequate preparation for the comprehensive examination by ecampus students as a result of lack of faculty contact and unfamiliarity with the standards expected Action: Ensure all instructors, particularly those teaching ecampus courses, are aware of their roles as mentors and advisors. (Krupnick) Action: Develop new means of ensuring ecampus students are fully prepared for their comprehensive examinations. (Fiedler)
Program Plans for Further Improvement Clarification and possible alteration of MSIR comprehensive examination methodology Discussion: The MSIR comprehensive examination has four sections that are effectively covered by required core courses; the nomenclature and alignment of tested material to required courses could be improved, however Discussion: Research methods is not evaluated during the comprehensive examination even though IR 6601 Research Methods is a required core course Action: No action required at this time; faculty committees are being formed to evaluate research assessment needs and the content of IR 5551 Survey of International Relations a core course considered key to current comprehensive examination preparation; once these studies are completed, faculty attention will return to the comprehensive examination and its utility in assessing student learning
Program Plans for Further Improvement MSIR Comprehensive Examination Administration Discussion: p. 33 of the Graduate Catalog under 1. Comprehensive Examination has the statement Students choosing this option must successfully complete a six-hour comprehensive examination, typically after all course work is completed or during the last term that they are registered for course work; students and administrators sometimes use the word typically to argue that students be allowed to take the comprehensive examination earlier than the last term of classes, which is not the intent of the statement Action: Create a change proposal for the Graduate Catalog that removes the word typically for the above cited statement (Fiedler)
Program Plans for Further Improvement Graduate Catalog MSIR Admission to Candidacy procedures Discussion: p. 31 of the Graduate Catalog under Requirements for Admission to Candidacy has the statement If the student makes a D or F in a core course, the course must be retaken; if the student makes a D or F in an elective course, the course may be retaken or another elective taken in its place Discussion: The placement of the above statement in the Graduate Catalog confuses students and administrators on the requirements for admission to candidacy Action: Create a change proposal for the Graduate Catalog that moves the statement in question to the next section of p. 31, i.e., Degree Requirements (Fiedler)
Program Plans for Further Improvement MSIR course and concentration change proposals; because of the complexity and interrelationship of some proposals, further study by faculty committee may be required Discussion: Globalization has been specifically taught as an IR 6629 Seminar in International Relations course on ecampus; there may be a need and market to continue teaching the subject matter of the course Action: Evaluate the desirability and feasibility of a permanent MSIR course on the topic of globalization; create a change proposal to add the course to the Graduate Catalog if appropriate (Course and Concentration Committee) Discussion: The interest in and impact of environmental and resource issues on international relations has grown because of population and economic pressures and increased public awareness Action: Offer a temporary course titled IR 6630 Environmental Security and Governance in Term 1/2010; create a change proposal to add the course to the Graduate Catalog if the temporary course is successful (Harrington)
Program Plans for Further Improvement MSIR course and concentration change proposals (continued) Discussion: IR 6656 International Power and Influence covers material relevant to the National Security Affairs concentration Action: Create a change proposal for the Graduate Catalog that adds IR 6656 to the list of course options available for the National Security Affairs concentration (Hayes) Discussion: The Middle East and Africa are regions of substantial contemporary interest in international relations; the MSIR program has a Region Affairs concentrations with Latin America, Europe, and Asia groups but does not have a Middle East or Africa group Action: Investigate the desirability and feasibility of establishing a Regional Concentration group on the Middle East and Africa; submit a Graduate Catalog change proposal if appropriate (Course and Concentration Committee)
Program Plans for Further Improvement MSIR course and concentration change proposals (continued) Discussion: Courses IR 6647 Western Europe in World Affairs and IR 6642 Russia and Eastern Europe in World Affairs do not reflect the geopolitical changes since the end of the Cold War; i.e., most of the countries in what is considered Central and Eastern Europe are now members of NATO and the European Union, organizations that must be considered as part of Western Europe in course IR 6647; a possible realignment would be to rename IR 6647 Europe in World Affairs and consider primarily the member countries of NATO and the European Union; IR 6642 could be re-titled Eurasia in World Affairs and would focus on Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia Discussion: Changes to IR 6642 may affect Asian countries covered by IR 6645 Asia in World Affairs Action: Consider restructuring courses IR 6647 Western Europe in World Affairs, IR 6642 Russia and Eastern Europe in World Affairs, and IR 6645 Asia in World Affairs; submit Graduate Catalog change proposal if appropriate (Course and Concentration Committee)
Program Plans for Further Improvement IR 6601 Research Methods in International Relations course requirements Discussion: The course description for IR 6601 requires a substantial research paper, a requirement that takes considerable student and class time and, according to one professor, can preclude adequate instruction of research methodology Discussion: A possible corrective action would be to delete the substantial research paper as a requirement for IR 6601 and to place it elsewhere in the program, perhaps in an entirely new capstone course, or to delete the requirement entirely Action: Evaluate IR 6601 Research Methods in International Relations course requirements including possible removal of the substantial research paper requirement; make recommendations on where the substantial research paper requirement should be placed if removed from IR 6601; create a change proposal for the Graduate Catalog as appropriate; consider creation of an instructor guide specifying what should be covered in the course (Research Requirements Committee)
Program Plans for Further Improvement Evaluate Student Satisfaction Survey Procedures Discussion: Overall student satisfaction with the program by one measure was less than the desired 90% Action: Because the survey had a very small data set, investigate revised or new student survey procedures to achieve greater student participation and more effectively sample students from the various campuses and sites of the MSIR program; pursue other program action items to improve program advising and administrative procedures, increase course and program relevance, and reduced the difference between ecampus and inclass student performance (Krupnick) Evaluate Student Research Assessment procedures Discussion: Assessment of student research is currently accomplished by comparing the number of A s received by students on their IR 6601 research papers to the total number of students submitting the papers; this is an adequate means of evaluation, but further study may determine better ways to assess student research achievement Action: Evaluate the current practice of research assessment and make recommendations for change as appropriate (Research Requirements Committee)
Program Plans for Further Improvement IR 5551 Survey of International Relations timing and requirements Discussion: IR 5551 is intended to be one of the first courses taken by students in order to provide a foundation for the rest of the courses in the MSIR program, yet some students delay taking the course until well into the program Discussion: IR 5551 can be redundant to IR 6652 Theory and Ideology of International Relations because both courses focus substantially on international relations theory Discussion: The IR 5551 course description does not currently contain a methodology component, perhaps contributing to some student papers submitted in other courses that are well short of the procedures and analysis expected of the MSIR program Action: Reemphasize through changes to the Graduate Catalog and other means the importance of completing IR 5551 early in the MSIR program; develop an instructor guide that more specifically describes what must be covered in IR 5551; consider whether an introduction to IR research methodology should be included in IR 5551 course design (Research Requirements Committee)
Troy Campus Plans for Further Improvement Using lessons learned from the 2010 summer study abroad program in Italy, investigate a possible summer abroad program to Central Europe for 2011 or possible return to Italy Establish and budget for at least one graduate assistantships within the Department of Political Science for 2010-2011 The Troy Campus did not meet its enrollment goal of 25 students; to increase the number of students, the campus will Ensure that appropriate Troy Campus instructors and administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Emphasize undergraduate recruitment on the Troy Campus Evaluate and implement, if appropriate, a statewide MSIR recruitment effort Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided The Troy Campus did not meet its annual goal of 12 graduates; to increase the number of students and graduates, the Troy Campus will Provide greater advisor attention to initial student course selection Offer more regimented and detailed mid-program student advisement
Dothan Campus Plans for Further Improvement Continue efforts regarding the IR/POL-prefix issue Continue recruiting efforts to increase the number of MSIR students and graduates Continue to improve coordination and communication with ecampus MSIR offerings Work with the MSIR Faculty Committee to include additional history courses within the MSIR curriculum The Dothan Campus did not meet its enrollment goal of 13 students; to increase the number of students, the campus will Ensure appropriate Dothan Campus instructors and administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Emphasize undergraduate recruitment on the Dothan Campus Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided The Dothan Campus did not meet its annual goal of 7 graduates; to increase the number of students and graduates, the campus will Provide greater advisor attention to initial student course selection Offer more regimented and detailed mid-program student advisement Fewer than 50% of Dothan Campus students received A s on their IR 6601 research projects 50% is not viewed as a quota, but instructors will ensure students are aware of the rigorous nature of the IR 6601 Research Methods course
Ft. Bragg/Fayetteville, NC Plans for Further Improvement Teach MSIR courses at Camp Lejeune using Wimba technology The new Fayetteville site location will have improved classroom technology and compatibility with Wimba Use Wimba as appropriate to combine sections between Fayetteville and Ft. Belvoir, the sites should be able to avoid cancelling classes and thereby offer a larger number of courses each term The Fayetteville site will work to increase enrollment, including efforts to Ensure appropriate site administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided Produce a series of webcasts featuring Troy faculty and alumni discussing international issues to promote the program and enrich student experience
Ft. Belvoir, VA Plans for Further Improvement The Ft. Belvoir site will work to increase enrollment and graduates, including efforts to Ensure appropriate site administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided Increase the use of Wimba online capabilities to appeal to students in the traffic-prone Washington, DC area Complete selection and hiring process for a new full-time MSIR faculty member to teach at Ft. Belvoir and assist in student recruiting and advising efforts in the Washington, DC area Produce a series of webcasts featuring Troy faculty and alumni discussing international issues to promote the program and enrich students experiences By using Wimba to combine sections between Ft. Belvoir and Fayetteville, the sites should be able to avoid cancelling classes and thereby offer a larger number of courses each term
Ft. Benning/Columbus, GA Plans for Further Improvement Continued administrative improvements in processing WHINSEC students through the program (Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation) The Columbus site did not meet its annual goal of 10 graduates; to increase the number of students and graduates, the site will Provide greater advisor attention to initial student course selection Offer more regimented and detailed mid-program student advisement Complete selection and hiring process for a new full-time MSIR faculty member to teach at Columbus and assist in student advising and recruiting efforts in the Southeast Region, to include increasing recruitment in the civilian sector Fewer than 50% of Columbus site students received A s on their IR 6601 research projects 50% is not viewed as a quota, but instructors will ensure students are aware of the rigorous nature of IR 6601 Research Methods
Tampa Bay, FL Plans for Further Improvement Program discontinued at MacDill AFB effective August 1, 2009.
Ft. Carson/Colorado Springs, CO Plans for Further Improvement Dr. Michael Fiedler has created a speaker series focusing on terrorism; it was recently offered at Ft. Carson and will be offered at other Colorado locations during AY 2009-10 Complete outfitting the recently occupied new teaching facility, including installation of a wide screen television, overhead projector and retracting screen, and laptop computer The Colorado Springs site did not meet its enrollment goal of 10 students; to increase the number of students, the site will Ensure potential students are aware of the improved learning facilities of the Colorado Springs site Ensure that site administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided Continue efforts by the Site Director and Dr. Fiedler to offer the MSIR program on Peterson AFB The Colorado Springs site did not meet its annual goal of 4 graduates; in addition to increasing recruitment efforts, the site will Provide greater advisor attention to initial student course selection Offer more regimented and detailed mid-program student advisement
Ft. Lewis, WA Plans for Further Improvement Dr. Jonathan Harrington is serving on an ESO appointed committee to improve the environmental performance of the Stone Education Center The Ft. Lewis site will work to increase enrollment and graduates, including efforts to Ensure appropriate site administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided The Ft. Lewis site did not meet its goal of 50% of MSIR classes taught by full-time faculty The addition of Dr. Michael Fiedler as a full-time faculty member to the Western Region and potential use of Wimba technology for on-site classes at different sites will move the site toward the 50% goal
Malmstrom AFB, MT Plans for Further Improvement Implement procedures to reduce the time needed to process MSIR comprehensive examinations The Great Falls site will work to increase enrollment, including efforts to Ensure appropriate site administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided The Great Falls site did not meet its goal of 50% of MSIR classes taught by full-time faculty The addition of Dr. Michael Fiedler as a full-time faculty member to the Western Region and potential use of Wimba technology for on-site classes will move the site toward the 50% goal
Davis-Monthan AFB/Tucson, AZ Plans for Further Improvement A new Site Director has been hired The Tucson site did not meet its enrollment goal of 10 students; to increase the number of students, the site will Ensure that Tucson site administrative personnel are aware of MSIR program requirements and advantages Ensure advisors make appropriate use of the PME (military education) transfer credit guide, when provided Implement improved MSIR marketing efforts under the direction of the new Site Director The Tucson site did not meet its annual goal of 4 graduates; in addition to increasing recruitment efforts, the site will Provide greater advisor attention to initial student course selection Offer more regimented and detailed mid-program student advisement
Kadena AFB, Japan Plans for Further Improvement With the exceptionally large increase in student population over the past two years, carefully evaluate the Kadena MSIR program to ensure a sufficient number of courses are being offered and that adequate faculty are available to meet the challenge The Pacific Region of which Kadena is a part, is completing the selection and hiring process for two new full-time MSIR faculty members (one a replacement) to teach and assist in student recruiting and advising efforts at Kadena and elsewhere in the region
Misawa AFB, Japan Plans for Further Improvement The Misawa site did not meet its annual goal of 10 graduates; in addition to increasing recruitment efforts, the site will Offer more regimented and detailed mid-program student advisement Fewer that 50% of the MSIR courses at the Misawa site were taught by full-time faculty The Pacific Region of which Misawa is a part, is completing the selection and hiring process for two new full-time MSIR faculty members (one a replacement) to teach and assist in student recruiting and advising efforts at Misawa and elsewhere in the region The Misawa site did not meet the goal of 75% of students passing the MSIR comprehensive examination the first time taken Faculty and staff at the Misawa site will ensure that students taking the MSIR comprehensive examination have been provided with the latest guidance from the MSIR Program Director and local MSIR instructors on preparing for the examination
Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea Plans for Further Improvement With the likelihood of extending the MSIR program to Osan AFB in Korea, carefully evaluate course offerings and instructor availability to ensure assets are adequate to accomplish the task The Yongsan site did not meet its annual goal of 10 graduates; in addition to increasing recruitment efforts, the site will Offer more regimented and detailed mid-program student advisement Fewer than 50% of the MSIR courses at the Yongsan site were taught by full-time faculty The Pacific Region of which Yongsan is a part, is completing the selection and hiring process for two new full-time MSIR faculty members (one a replacement) to teach and assist in student recruiting and advising efforts at Yongsan and elsewhere in the region
ecampus Recent Improvements Curriculum Map Expected Outcomes and Results Plans for Further Improvement Comparison of Student In-Class (Alabama Campuses and Global Campus) and Online (ecampus) performance
ecampus Recent Improvements Updated guidance on preparing for the MSIR comprehensive examination is being distributed to students nearing completion of the program An improved system has been implemented to reduce the time between when students are informed they failed portions of the comprehensive examinations and when they receive feedback on why they failed Regional studies courses in Latin America are being offered more frequently; several potential adjunct professors were contacted who might be able to offer regional affairs courses Many Troy ecampus personnel have relocated to Hawkins Hall on the Troy campus in preparation for a final move to a new off-campus location
ecampus Expected Outcomes and Results The effectiveness of Troy University s MSIR Program is measured by the following Expected Outcomes and Results; 1-3 are Program Outcomes; 4-6 are Student Outcomes 1. Number of MSIR students 2. Number of MSIR graduates 3. Percentage of MSIR courses taught by full-time faculty 4. Percentage of MSIR students who passed the Comprehensive Examination the first time 5. Percentage of MSIR Students who received an A in their research project in IR 6601 Research Method 6. Percentage of MSIR graduating students satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program
ecampus Curriculum Map Expected Outcome and Result Supporting Courses Assessment Method 1. Number of MSIR Students NA DB (Databank) 2. Number of MSIR Graduates NA DB 3. Percentage of MSIR course taught by full-time faculty NA DB 4. An understanding of international relations theory and international political economy and their application to historical and contemporary circumstance IR 5551 Survey of IR IR 6620 International Political Economy IR 6652 Theory and Ideology of International Relations FE (Final Examination MSIR Comprehensive Examination) 5. Percentage of MSIR Students receiving an A on their research projects in IR 6601 IR 6601 Research Methods in International Relations RP (Research Project) 6. Percentage of MSIR Graduating Students satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program All courses and support S (Survey)
ecampus Expected Outcomes and Results 1 Number of MSIR Students Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average # Not Met / Met / Exceeds ecampus 350 350 374 394 372 Exceeds
ecampus Expected Outcomes and Results 2 Number of MSIR Graduates Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average # Not Met / Met / Exceeds ecampus 120 108 89 31 92 Not Met Note: Fall 2009 normalized to one year for Average calculation
ecampus Expected Outcomes and Results 3 Percentage of MSIR courses taught by full-time faculty Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds ecampus 50% 36/120 39/109 21/48 35% Not Met
ecampus Expected Outcomes and Results 4 Percentage of MSIR graduating students satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 90% NA 95% 01/01 100% Exceeds
ecampus Expected Outcomes and Results 5 Percentage of MSIR Students who passed the Comprehensive Examination the first time taken Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds Total AC/GC 75% 72/108 51/79 27/43 65 Not Met
ecampus Expected Outcomes and Results 6 Percentage of MSIR students who received an A in their research project in IR 6601 Research Method Goal 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009 Average % Not Met / Met / Exceeds ecampus (P) 50% NA NA 50/71 70% Exceeds
ecampus Plans for Further Improvement Continue efforts to increase MSIR Regional Affairs Concentration course offerings ecampus did not meet its goal of 120 graduates Dr. Hayes will continue efforts to improve MSIR advisor availability for ecampus students to reduce attrition ecampus did not meet its goal of 50% of courses taught by full-time faculty With the hiring of four new MSIR full-time instructors by mid to late-2010 (one a replacement), the percentage of courses taught by full-time instructors on ecampus should increase ecampus did not meet its goal of 75% of students passing the MSIR comprehensive examination the first time Dr. Hayes will produce a set of instructional videos, and host live online Q&A sessions to assist ecampus students in preparing for the examination Dr. Krupnick will ensure all instructors, particularly those teaching ecampus courses, are aware of their roles as mentors and advisors Dr. Michael Fiedler will develop new means of ensuring ecampus students are fully prepared for their comprehensive examinations
Comparison of Student In-Class and Online Performance In-Class (Alabama and Global Campuses) Online (ecampus) Percentage of MSIR courses taught by full-time faculty Percentage of MSIR Students who passed the Comprehensive Examination the first time taken 57% 35% 84% 65% Percentage of MSIR students who received an A in their research project in IR 6601 Research Method Project 71% 70% Percentage of MSIR graduating students satisfied with the overall quality of the MSIR program 97% 100%