The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University implemented a Student Outcomes Assessment plan in fall 1992. Intended outcomes for B.S. graduates in statistics were summarized as follows. "Students completing the undergraduate degree in statistics should have a broad understanding of the discipline of statistics. They should have a clear comprehension of the theoretical basis of statistical reasoning and should be proficient in the use of modern statistical methods and computing. Such graduates should have the ability to apply and convey statistical concepts and knowledge in oral and written form. They should have the technical background and preparation to assume an entry level statistics position in commerce, government or industry. Academically talented and strongly motivated B.S. graduates should have adequate background to pursue study towards an advanced degree in statistics."

The Department is keeping records of

1. B.S. graduates grades by the categories
   • mathematics and theoretical courses
   • statistical methods courses
   • computer science and statistical computing courses
   • all statistics courses
   • all courses
2. First positions or activities (graduate school) of B.S. graduates
3. Graduate degrees obtained by B.S. graduates
4. Actuarial examination results.

Records under (1) are available for five years and under (2) and (3) since 1980. Recent surveys have been made of both employers of our graduates and of the B.S. graduates in statistics since 1980.

An analysis of the survey of employers of our B.S. graduates indicated the strong emphasis that many employers placed on good oral and written communications skills. For many years the Department has required a speech course and a business or technical writing course at the junior level as a graduation requirement. Recently we have required written projects in several courses, such as Statistics 401, Statistical Methods for Research Workers; Statistics 402, Statistical Design and Analysis of Experiments; and Statistics 451, Applied Time Series. The Department is phasing in a requirement that each B.S. major have a written project graded for English in their departmental folder by time of graduation.

The survey of B.S. graduates showed general high satisfaction with their education at Iowa State. B.S. graduates reported a need for improved background in two topics in statistical computing,-- computer simulation and graphical display and analysis of data. The acquisition of 22 Digital Equipment Corportation (DEC 5100/25) workstations in Snedecor Hall (under an NSF supported Instructional Scientific Equipment Grant) has permitted substantial improvement in teaching computer graphics and simulation in Statistics 480/481, (Statistical Application of Digital Computing/Computer Processing of Statistical Data), core courses in the B.S. program. The Statistics 421 course, Survey Sampling, was the lowest rated of the required courses in the B.S. program on the student survey. A new faculty member, who has the administrative responsibility for the Survey Section of the Statistical Laboratory, has introduced some interactive computer software illustrating techniques of survey sampling into the course. Recent student evaluations indicate a good reception by students. Review of our elective course offerings will continue in 1995-96 in response to changes in both the technological and theoretical aspects of statistics.

A copy of the two survey documents is available by writing to the address below (or via e-mail).

Richard A. Groeneveld
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1210
(515-294-5584)
rgroen@iastate.edu