Department Vision and the Reflecting, Brainstorming and Imagining Worksheet

My department recently concluded a self-study that included a visit from two external evaluators. We are now beginning discussions about what to do in light of our self-study and the evaluators' recommendations. This comes at a time of organizational change within the university, since we have relatively new administration, a new strategic plan, and a new financial model.

In preparation for an upcoming departmental meeting, the department chair emailed the faculty a "Reflecting, Brainstorming, Imagining Worksheet" that was provided by the office in charge of institutional assessment. I took some time to write up answers to the five questions on the worksheet, and I am sharing them below. I am not sure that these are my best answers, but I've used up the timebox that I gave this exercise. I'm happy to take any feedback or questions about the responses, as I expect to refine them later.

1. What is the purpose of Computer Science to you? To you, what does Computer Science endeavor to accomplish?

Computer Science is the study of the social and technical processes around computing systems, including their inception, development, and maintenance. It is a "science" in the sense of developing falsifiable theories that are supported by principles and rigor. It is distinct from information technology and information systems, which applies extant systems to problem domains, and computer engineering, which seeks to more efficiently or effectively manufacture hardware. "Software engineering" is a common application of Computer Science.

Computer Science drives us to a better understanding of computing systems which, in turn, leads to the development of improvements in those systems.

2. What is the purpose of BSU Computer Science? What is at the core of our work?

The purpose of the department is, primarily, to educate the next generation of practicing computer scientists. This implies a focus on contemporary methods of software development, as incorporated into the broader goals of a liberal education.

At the core of our work is a shared desire for our students to live a good life: to be successful, to be productive, to contribute to their communities, and to reflect on what is good and beautiful.

3. What are three strengths of the BSU Department of Computer Science? 

• Small class sizes allows students to work closely with faculty.
• Students have significant opportunities for high-impact educational experiences, including the capstone, immersive learning, community-engaged projects, and research.
• Faculty are engaged with research that informs and strengthens the courses they teach.

4. What are three weaknesses of the BSU Department of Computer Science?

• Little shared vision about program outcomes and, hence, course and curriculum design.
• Little sense of community among the faculty, students, and alumni.
• No clear communication channels to reach students or alumni.

5. When students (undergraduate and graduate) graduate from our department, what do we want them to know? What do we want students to be able to do? What do we want students to value?

We want them to know:

• Fundamental concepts of programming, including: sequencing, selection, and iteration; data structures such as lists and hash tables, with an intuition for their implications on performance; integration of systems such as clients, networks, and databases
• How to work effectively on a team, including: articulating measurable goals; giving status reports; and suggesting improvements.

We want them to be able to:

• Think critically
• Act respectfully
• Ask clear questions
• Engage in reflective practice
• Learn to use new programming languages, computing systems, or APIs
• Work on a team to design, develop, improve, or maintain computing systems.

We want them to value:

• The responsibility they have to their team, their employer, and their community
• The dignity of the individual
• Lifetime learning