Increasingly, professional degree programs are faced with a student body who attends school on a part-time basis, often coming to campus only to attend classes. This presents a challenge to school and program officials who strive to involve students in the planning and evaluation that is necessary for program development. The CEPH criterion regarding student involvement in governance states that "students should participate in appropriate aspects of evaluation including assessment of teaching, of research and service opportunities, of field experiences, and of counseling and placement procedures. Administrative mechanisms should permit appropriate student involvement in program policy formation and review. Standing and ad hoc committees, with explainable exceptions, should include student members." Many schools and programs find it difficult to meet this criterion, particularly given their students' many obligations including family and full-time jobs.
This presentation will focus on how the MPH students at San Jose State University take a leadership role in the governance of their program. This program, with the majority of students attending only part-time, has overwhelming student participation in program governance. The presenters will describe the types of program issues that SJSU students are involved in, the extent to which they are involved and how and why it works at SJSU.
Learning Objectives: 1. State the ways in which students participate in program planning and evaluation in the MPH program at SJSU. 2. Describe at least one technique that the program leadership uses to assure regular student participation
Keywords: Accreditation, Professional Preparation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.