Academic Competencies at the Department of Geology, University of Dayton

The University of Dayton (UD) Geology Department has focused recent efforts on developing the thinking skills of its graduates in line with Graduation Competencies that were implemented by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) during the 2001-2004 period (see http://academic.udayton.edu/crc/overview/Graduation.htm). The four categories are: Information Literacy, Reading/Writing, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Skills. During 2003-2004 a committee within the Department of Geology developed a set of Academic Competencies that outlined specific goals for geology graduates. These followed the CAS competencies, and included in part: performing literature and database searches, critical evaluation of data and publications, and proficiency in various written forms of scientific communication, oral presentations and group discussions. Skills identified as specific to geology included map interpretation, GIS analysis, remote sensing data interpretation, three-dimensional visualization, field/lab note-taking skills, and conceptualizing geologic processes in space and time.

In support of some of these competencies, especially in information literacy, a one credit Geology seminar course debuted in 2005 and became required for all geology majors with subject matter and assignments varying each semester. However, full implementation of the Academic Competencies and, more importantly, how to evaluate students has not yet been fully discussed and approved by the Geology Department.

Looking forward, the department will revisit the issue of competencies in the context of a CAS mandate to deliver departmental assessment plans. In addition, UD is presently in the process of revising its common academic program, prompting a review of how departmental curricula align with University-wide imperatives. Finally, a third factor influencing self-examination of curricula within Geology is an unfolding University-wide initiative in Sustainability, Energy and Environment (SEE). A departmental retreat scheduled for August will focus on some of these issues, and the results will be discussed at the Fall meeting of GSA.