Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2006

 

Criminal Justice

University of North Dakota

 

Dept Head: Wendelin Hume, Chairperson

Contact Name: Wendelin Hume
Contact Phone: 701-777-4001
Contact Email: wendelin.hume@und.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The annual report of the Department of Criminal Justice identifies the most salient accomplishments of the Department for AY 2005-06. Five primary types of sources were used in identifying data for this report: the core data set - Annual Summary; October 2006 Academic Record Supplements,  the Criminal Justice Department Strategic Plan, the Criminal Justice Department UndergraduateAssessment Plan, and theCriminal Justice Department Graduate Assessment Plan.

The primary mission of the Department is identified in its teaching function but all five faculty members are also considered responsible for research and service. The Criminal Justice Department serves nearly 300 majors and 50 minors, making us the second largest major in the College of Arts and Sciences and a generator of nearly a full percent of the Universities' student credit hours, though we comparitively have a quite small number of faculty. With a high student to faculty ratio the Department of Criminal Justice is significantly restricted to serving its own majors with average upper division class sizes exceeding 40 students and it struggles to also serve its growing number of Doctoral students which is nearing double digits currently and with nearly 30 prospective student inquiries during the past year although we are also a informal partner with the Sociology Master's program, teach several of the undergraduate Sociology courses that are impacted by our majors, contribute to the relatively new Forensic Science major, are a planned part of the Psychology distance learning Masters, and contribute well to the general education curriculum.  Despite these teaching pressures, members of our faculty were selected for the Getting Started summer program, named "Faculty Star" by the UND Presidential Scholars, and are honorary members of the Golden Key Honor Society.

Members of the Department are also significantly involved in University, and community service with participation on nearly 20 University and college committees as well as advisory responsibility to two student organizations. Members of the department are also involved at the local, State, regional and national levels as may be observed by their memberships in thirteen professional organizations and divisions as well as numerous state and local community organizations, positions, and activities. Members of our faculty were nominated for the Athena Award, received the Arts and Sciences Service Award and made the Who's Who Executive and Professional Registry. Of note also is the implied support and recognition of our efforts by professionals in the field as they accept and speak highly of our numerous student interns who are supervised and placed not only in our region and our state but throughout the country as well. During the AY 05 over thirty interns were placed, contributing over 8600 hours to the field.

 Research is also an important part of Departmental expectations and faculty are active in their participation in University, regional, national, and international conferences and in submission to and/or publication in regional, national, and international journals, books, and encyclopedias. Additionally, several members review  for journals as well.  Several faculty serve on numerousThesis committees and Dissertation committees.  Also, numerous works are in progress which will look good for our next annual report. Members of our faculty were approved Fulbright Senior Specialist Candidate and selected as an expert liason by the F.B.I. Regional Victim Unit. Finally, four grant proposals were submitted this past year and four grants were in progress.

Overall, the productivity of the Department would be assessed as excellent, especially given the very high teaching loads, advising loads of around 70 or more students each, and the subsequent demands placed on the faculty. There are many challenges facing the Department as student enrollments remain very high and subsequently place increasingly costly demands on already stretched resources. With the implementation and growth of the doctoral program in Criminal Justice these demands have become even greater but yet present new and exciting challenges. Overall, the past year for the Department of Criminal Justice appears to have gone well and with the addition of one new faculty member as planned when the Doctoral program was first proposed, the department would be well positioned to meet our current challenges and perhaps create new opportunities as together we work toward the Strategic Initiatives of the University of North Dakota and progress into the year 2007.

 

ORGANIZATION

The Department of Criminal Justice completed its third year as a recently formed (September 2003) academic unit of the College of Arts and Sciences. In its educational function the Department directly serves several groups, undergraduate Criminal Justice Studies majors, minors, and double-majors, students in various Sociology undergraduate courses, Sociology master's program students, and Criminal Justice doctoral students as well (in conjunction with Minot State University). In addition, there is a strong interfacing between the Criminal Justice Studies major and the Forensic major. Faculty also serve as members of the Women Studies program with one faculty member serving as Director of the Women Studies Program. The year under review was the third year of the new Department of Criminal Justice which previously was a Program within the Department of Sociology.

MISSION OF THE UNIT

The mission of the Department of Criminal Justice is broadly subsumed within the three functions of teaching, research and service to achieve the production and dissemination of knowledge guided by the principle of a just system of social regulation and control in the advancement of societal well-being. The goals of the teaching mission are achieved primarily through direct classroom instruction supplemented by experiential learning opportunities grounded in establishing foundations for lifelong learning. The research mission addresses both basic and applied research intended to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the discipline of Criminal Justice as well as operational issues confronting criminal justice agencies and institutions. The Department of Criminal Justice meets its service mission through participation in departmental, college, and university governance, as well as involvement in professional and community activities that contribute to the betterment of the criminal justice discipline, the community and society.

STATE OF THE UNIT

The Criminal Justice Studies Program was established in 1974 with grant support from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice.  At its inception the Program was created as an interdisciplinary program with administrative responsibility housed in the Department of Political Science and courses constituting the major curriculum offered in the departments of Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, and Psychology.  This early structure provided a strong liberal arts foundation for the program but was very difficult to administer.  The position of Director of Criminal Justice Studies was within the Department of Political Science in the College of Business and Public Administration, the B.S. CJS degree was awarded through the College of Human Resources , and the majority of the curriculum was offered in departments of the College of Arts and Sciences.  To address problems created by this structure the position of the Director of Criminal Justice Studies was reallocated to the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences in 1988, thus establishing a single line of administrative decision making. 

From its beginnings in 1976 The Criminal Justice Studies Program experienced significant growth in demand.  In 1984 the program had 90 majors.  By 1992 there were over 300 majors and despite the implementation of admission standards in 1996 which temporarily reduced the number of majors, we are approaching the 300 mark again.  Additionally, approval of the Ph.D. program was granted in 2002 and the number of graduate students in the program is growing rapidly. 

Overall, the state of the Department would be assessed as excellent, especially given the very high teaching loads, advising loads of around 70 or more students each, and the subsequent demands placed on the faculty. There are many challenges facing the Department as student enrollments remain very high and subsequently place increasingly costly demands on already stretched resources. With the implementation and growth of the doctoral program in Criminal Justice these demands have become even greater but yet present new and exciting challenges. Overall, the past year for the Department of Criminal Justice appears to have gone well and with the addition of one new faculty member as planned when the Doctoral program was first proposed, the department would be well positioned to meet our current challenges and perhaps create new opportunities as together we work toward the Strategic Initiatives of the University of North Dakota and progress into the year 2007.

Human Resources

FACULTY:

Michael Meyer, Ph.D. (tenured - Full Professor) 23 yrs at UND, Fulbright Senior Specialist Candidate. 

 Wendelin Hume, Ph.D. (tenured - Associate Professor) 16 yrs at UND, Chairperson of Criminal Justice, Director of Women Studies, selected for Who's Who Executive and Professional Registry, nominated for Who's Who of American Women, Athena Award nominee, recipient of the Arts and Sciences Service Award, selected as UND campus and area expert liason by the F.B.I. Regional Victim Unit.

 Bruce DiChristina, Ph.D.(tenured  - Associate Professor) 6 yrs at UND.

 Martin Gottschalk, Ph.D.(tenure track - Assistant Professor) 5 yrs at UND, named "Faculty Star" by the UND Presidential Scholars, Honorary Member of the Golden Key Honor Society, chosen as Welcome Weekend Faculty Advisor.

 Roni Mayzer, Ph.D. (tenure track - Assistant Professor) 3 years at UND, chosen as Welcome Weekend Faculty Advisor.

REOCCURING ADJUNCT:

Kristi Pettit, J.D. (Law for the Criminal Justice System)

Mike Kirby, Captain (Police Administration)

 STAFF:

 Dorothy Jerik (Administrative Secretary) 26 years at UND, honored for 25 years of service.

 

In AY 2006 Criminal Justice Department personnel consisted of one Full Professor (male), two Associate Professors (one female, one male), and two Assistant Professors (one female, one male). Some other diversity of Department personnel is also reflected in the range of ages, the different religious backgrounds, the racial/ethnic composition of the Department with one faculty being Native American, and in the fact that one faculty member is handicapped. All faculty have obtained their Ph.D.'s.

All faculty teach primarily in Criminal Justice although because of previous overlap between Sociology and Criminal Justice, instruction in some courses meets dual program requirements. Three courses are also cross-listed with Women Studies. We have the good fortune to receive the assistance provided by one Administrative Secretary.

To offer needed courses and expertise for the PhD program as well as lighten the teaching and very heavy advising load of current faculty to allow more time for interaction with students as well as time for research and grant writing another faculty position is desperately needed. A request for a new faculty line was submitted and approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences so it is now at the Vice-Presidential level.  As several of the faculty members are relatively new it is important to support them and not overburden them as they work through the tenure process and solidify  their professional efforts. It is also important to acknowledge and reward the contributions of the senior faculty so they will not accept one of the rather lucrative offers from other institutions but instead continue their noteworthy involvement with UND.

Those We Serve
The University:

Overall:  Members of the Department of Criminal Justice were highly active across a broad spectrum of service to the University, to students, and to external constituents and other stakeholders in AY 2006. A detailed enumeration of these activities is beyond the scope of this report. Members of the Department were highly involved in providing service to the University through participation in departmental activities and committees as well as serving on a broad array of college and University committees and providing a variety of services to the students. Examples of the range of service are provided below.

Department of Criminal Justice:   Comprehensive Exam Committee, Annual Review/Reappointment Committee, Merit Review Committee, Program Assessment Committee, Graduate Program Curriculum Development Committee

 University:

Campus Committee for Human Rights

College of Arts and Sciences Council Member

College of Arts and Sciences Salaries Committee

College of Arts and Sciences Tenure, Reappointment and Promotion Committee

Faculty Instructional Development Committee

Getting Started Freshman Advising Program

Graduate Faculty

Healthy UND Coalition

Maternity Leave Task Force

McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

Native American Programs

Native Americans Into Criminal Justice Studies Initiative Director

Office of Enrollment Services - Outreach Assistance

Office of Enrollment Services - Open House

President's Advisory Committee on Women, Chair

UND Welcome Weekend Faculty Ambassador

Upward Bound Career Mentor

UND General Education Review Committee, Past Chair 

UND Senate 

University Bookstore Advisory Committee 

University Compensation Committee

Women Studies Director

Women Studies Executive Committee Member

Women Studies Faculty

 

Members of the Department were also highly active in work with student organizations as demonstrated by the following:

Advisor, Criminal Justice Association;

Advisor, Native Americans into Criminal Justice Association

Students:

Service to students occurs through a wide variety of means. The most obvious and direct means are through the classroom teaching function, through directing independent research, through field internship placemets as well as in the context of faculty scholarship as this translates into the level and quality of the knowledge and preparedness of the faculty.

 Scholarship and creative activity among the Criminal Justice faculty was good this past year with a wide array of published and presented works. Faculty made presentations of research at regional, national, and international forums. Numerous undergrate students assisted with research or served as teaching assistants.  All of the graduate students on the UND campus served as teaching assistants and presented scholarly work in at least one forum and one of the graduate students published and received a national award for his research about gangs. 

 The Department continued to maintain its heavy teaching responsibility in 2005-06 with all faculty maintaining a 3/2 load as there was no flexibility to allow for release time for administrative or research obligations for any of the faculty including the Chairperson.

 Enrolled undergraduate majors, Fall Semester:

 Criminal Justice. . . . . . . . . . 285

 (compared to 01=228, 02=258, 03=285, 04=292)

 Enrolled Ph.D students, Fall semester:

Criminal Justice . . . . . . . . . .  5

(compared to 03=1; 04=3)

 Student Completions, Year:

 Undergraduate - Criminal Justice. . . . . . . . . . . 56

 Graduate - Criminal Justice. . . . . . . . . . . 0

Student Credit Hours for the fall:

Criminal Justice (total). . . . . . . 3376

 Lower Division. . . . . . . . . 1575

(01=1275, 02=1578, 03=1644, 04=1542)

 Upper Division. . . . . . . . . 1744

(01=1125, 02=1419, 03=1463, 04=1625)

 Graduate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

(02=3, 03=50, 04=50)

 As shown in the high and increasing numbers presented above, the Criminal Justice Department provided 3,376 credit hours of instruction of which over 1,000 SCH were General Education credits (the exact number was not available in the core data set).

 As a proportion of resources committed to direct instruction these numbers are direct indicators of the heavy teaching responsibility undertaken by the Department. This load may be further identified by the average class sizes, especially at the lower division level. The average upper division class size was 44 in contrast to the University average of around 25 students in comparable courses in pasr years.

 Lower division Criminal Justice courses averaged 170 students. For the University as a whole the average class size for lower division courses was around 30. The Department of Criminal Justice continued to provide summer course offerings. The number of courses offered has remained stable, while demand for the courses both from within the major as well as from other majors has increased.

 Overall the numbers present clear evidence of Departmental instructional activity greater than the University average. Additionally, although the enrollments remained fairly stable from the period 1997-98 through 2000-01, there is now indication that the steady success in overall student recruitment at UND is resulting in constant high enrollment demands on the Criminal Justice Department.

 In 1995 the Criminal Justice Studies Program instituted, as part of its admission criteria to the major, an overall GPA of 2.7 in an effort to manage the high student interest in the Program. The number of majors in 1995 exceeded 300. Enrollment figures for Criminal Justice as a first or second major indicate that the admission requirements had the intended effect as enrollments dropped to 228 majors in the Fall Semester, 1998, and to 201 majors in the Spring Semester, 1999. By Fall 2001 enrollments had increased to 228 CJ majors and now our majors are at 285. During this same period, however, the average GPA of CJ majors increased from 2.7 to over2.9.  In fact each year many of our majors are chosen for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges as well as the Golden Key National Honor Society. Thus, the Criminal Justice Studies major has had a mixed experience. Enrollments are remaining constant, however, the quality of performance among these students has risen significantly. This trend in high enrollment is expected to continue as also indicated by the steady high number of prospective students letters sent out by our department 8/00-6/01=120; 07/01-06/02=84; 07/02-06/03=520;  07/03-06/04=551; 07/04-06/05=444; and 07/05-06/06=535.

 The number of student completions also marks the impact of the Criminal Justice Department on the University and the College of Arts and Sciences. fifty six students graduated with a B.S. CJS degree in the 2005-06 AY. This represents over 9 percent of all Bachelor degrees awarded in the College of Arts and Sciences. The number of graduates in Criminal Justice has been increasing each of the last four years, which is a trend that is likely to continue (00-01=40, 01-02=46, 02-03=47, 04-05=51).

External Constituents and Other Stakeholders:
External Constituents and Other Stakeholders:

In addition to the University and student service shared above, service to the larger community (region, state, nation, and international) was a significant part of Departmental activity throughout the year. As these activities were highly varied, and of different degrees of involvement, a listing is being presented rather than an extensive description.

 Of note also is the implied support and recognition or our efforts by professionals in the field as they accept and speak highly of our numerous student interns who are placed and often later hired not only in our region and our state but throughout the country as well. During the AY 05 thirty three interns were placed, contributing over 8600 hours to the field.

 -MEMBERSHIPS AND INVOLVEMENT-

 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

 Women and Minorities Division, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

American Society of Criminology (ASC)

 Division on Critical Criminology, (ASC)

 Division on International Criminology, (ASC)

 Association of American Indian and Alaska Native Professors

 Association of Working-Class Academics

 Drug Policy Alliance

 Feminist Majority Foundation

 International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law

 Midwestern Criminal Justice Association

 National Women Studies Association (NWSA) - Women of Color Caucus (WOCC)

 NWSA Graduate Scholarship Judge

 NWSA WOCC Rep. to the Constitution and Bylaws Revision Committee

 North Dakota Peace Officers Association

 North Dakota Public Employees Association

 North Dakota WEAV Curriculum Infusion Task Force

 

 -COMMUNITY SERVICE AND INVOLVEMENT-

Community Violence Intervention Center

Girl Scouts of America Pine to Prairie Council - Board of Directors for Region 3

Grand Forks Wrestling Club - Assistant Coach

March of Dimes

North Dakota Public Employees Association

Red River Valley Y Wahoos Swim Team - Timer

Programming

The most significant programming development was the third year of the Ph.D. program in Criminal Justice. This program is a partnership with the Department of Criminal Justice at Minot State University and we have been working on adjusting the curriculum to reflect the Master's only admission stipulation which was not what was originally proposed. The revised curriculum focuses on providing a solid background in statistics and research methods as well as classical and contemporary theory while allowing a student to design their area of emphasis as well as choose a few electives.  Curriculum revisions were submitted through the campus committees and are currently up for consideration.  The main barrier for approval has been our stretched department personnel resources and the lack of response from higher administration to our continued request for an additional faculty line which was included in the original proposal.  While offering a joint program has challenges which we are working on, such as which institution gets the tuition dollars yet how it all needs to show up on one transcript, we have had many inquiries by interested students and our enrollment has increased each year. Some challenges such as the loss of Criminal Justice faculty at the Minot institution are not able to be solved at our end though it does place addiutional responsibility on our faculty. During the first three years we have been able to offer doctoral level courses while not weakening the undergraduate program. In order to fully implement the planned course offerings at the Doctoral level, while not neglecting the undergraduate program, we need the second faculty position that was initially requested in the Doctoral program poroposal to be able to be approved in the very near future. While much of the programming effort during the year was directed to the fledgling PhD program, progress also took place regarding assessment and strategic planning which were completed this year.  The ability to retain our current faculty and add an additional faculty member will be crucial to our programming plans as well as our ability to have the time to develop quality on-line and IVN courses. 

Program revisions for the undergraduate program will be submitted during the coming year.  After our initial assessment results and conversations with the Department of Sociology it has been decided to make "Corrections" a Criminal Justice course at the lower division level.  We plan on spliting the Criminal Investigations course into two parts to allow for more thorough coverage and we hope understanding of the material.  We also will change the numbering of the Orientation class for internship placements to minimize confusion during registration as demand for this class grows.  Changes in the couse descriptions of a couple of courses to better reflect actual course content was also proposed.  Otherwise, our courses seem to be giving the students a chance to learn the desired content of our field while also improving their communication and critical thinking skills. 

While enhancing diversity is not one of the main goals of our department it should be noted that we offered the doctoral level Tribal Justice class for the first time, we have informal partnerships with institutions in South Africa and Slovenia, we participate in the cultural diversity tution waiver program, and we continue to have an active Native Americans into Criminal Justice student association.

Fiscal and Physical Resources

Despite the wonderful rennovations in O'Kelly Hall for the new department three years ago, space remains a concern. We have no space available for new Doctoral students and the current students are very cramped even with their attempts to schedule around each other. The departmental library/meeting room has been changed into a small office for the adjunct faculty and we now hold meetings in the lounge/kitchen area.  It has been indicated that we will likely be able to use office space on our floor once it is vacated and we look forward to that.  Arts and Sciences has also been supportive of our technology needs, though the equipment requests process does not allow for support of software needs below the $250 per license level. At the present time however, fiscal resources remain the area of utmost concern. 

The basic operating budget for Criminal Justice has not changed in several years despite the addition of four faculty over the years and we are requesting an additional faculty now, though we did receive a slight increase based on student credit hours generated by our department. With inflationary costs, cost centered accounting within the University, and increased personnel, the lack of increased operating expenses is placing significant stress on the fiscal resources of the Department. In addition to the need of another faculty member, the department has fallen significantly behind in its ability to support faculty in the attendance of regional and national meetings to present research and creative activities. The lack of funding has directly impeded this essential aspect of professional development, as the placement of the primary cost of attending even one meeting on individual faculty members is often prohibitive. As many of our faculty are untenured the ability to financially support their professional development is a great concern to the department. At a recent regional conference in our discipline, when the topic of support for presentations and travel was addressed our department was among the lowest in the room at under $600 a year while several schools offered over $1,500 a year with $1,000 being the average and full support for one national conference being quite common as well. Please note that all the schools were in the midwest region and many did not have a Ph.D. program.

Evaluation
Assessment of Accomplishments of YOUR Strategic Plan Goal:
In establishing the departmental strategic goals the previous University strategic initiatives were used as an outline. Based on this outline, the Department developed its first strategic plan September 2000. The plan is revisited at least annually and was most recently revised in 2005. Following is a report on activities and accomplishments in attaining goals set out in this plan and its subsequent revisions. We are currently working on updating our strategic plan to cover revisions in the University strategic plan. Some of the information shared here will also be repeated in the section of the report "Strategic Initiatives", as several of the main categories are similar to the areas we used to develop our plan.

 Curriculum Quality - Criminal Justice:

  •  Goal 1-1: Fill faculty position in Criminal Justice which had been previously requested in conjunction with approval of the Ph.D. program.  The new person should be able to assist at both the graduate and undergraduate levels particularly in the areas of Doctoral level research methodologies and advanced statistical analysis. This person should also be able to help strengthen departmental grant writing and the development of research proposals.

 Action:   The first of two positions requested with the formation of the Doctoral program was filled with the hiring of Roni Mayzer, effective Fall 2003. We are still seeking approval for one additional faculty line. All paperwork for the request has been submitted and received approval by Arts and Sciences, Vice-Presidential approval is pending.

  •   Goal 1-2:  Continue to Assist and contribute resources to the Forensic Science major.

 Action: As previously determined by the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, the Forensic Science Program has been established as a stand-alone program within the College. We continue to work with the Director and Forensic students and several of our courses as well as our advising loads are heavily impacted by these students, many of which are double-majors. As previously determined by the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, the Forensic Science Program has been established as a stand-alone program within the College. We continue to work with Forensic students, several of our courses are impacted by these students and we remain interested in assisting attempts to bring a State Forensic lab to campus though these effortsmay be circumvented by recent availability of funding and other efforts on the NDSU campus.

  •   Goal 1-3: Explore the possibility of a Criminology/Criminal Justice emphasis in the Sociology M.A. program. 

 Action: Due to rapid changes in the environment as Criminal Justice moved out of Sociology and established a Ph.D. program,  this goal has been temporarily put on hold in favor of emphasizing Goal 1-4.

  •  Goal 1-4: Based on follow-up assessments of the original proposal, continue to forge partnership arrangements with the Criminal Justice Department at Minot State University to expand Doctoral level educational opportunities for students in the North Dakota University System. 

 Action:  The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of North Dakota and the Department of Criminal Justice at Minot State University entered into a partnership to provide graduate education at the Ph.D. level beginning Fall 2003. The new Ph.D. program was approved by the North Dakota Board of Higher Education at its January 2002 meeting. We continue to work with Minot in developing course offerings but changes in their faculty and difficulties in the Department of Criminal Justice at Minot have interfered with our efforts. Changes to the curriculum to reflect the Post Master's admission only Doctoral program were made after examining the top programs in the nation. These changes are currently awaiting approval on our campus so they can be reflected in the upcoming catalog. 

  • Goal 1-5: Enhance study abroad opportunities for students and faculty and encourage working with international students in the Doctoral program.

Action: Support the importance of developing contacts and requesting resources such as funding, which is comparable to other Ph.D. granting institutions, for faculty and graduate students who are currently working on these projects.

  • Goal 1-6: Provide financial compensation to faculty and staff that is market equitable, comparable to other Ph.D. granting institutions, and reflects the scope of their experience and duties.

Action: We provided market comparisons to the Dean of Arts and Sciences when merit and other adjustments to salary were recommended.  

 Commitment to Research - Criminal Justice:  

  
  • Goal 2-1: Implement linkages with the North Dakota State Crime Lab and Forensic Science Program to create opportunities for expanding research capabilities of the Lab and increase learning opportunities for Forensic Science majors.

Action: Have assisted the Arts and Sciences Dean in examining the possibilities of working with the North Dakota Attorney General's Office to facilitate the establishment of a branch office of the state crime lab at UND.


  • Goal 2-2: Ensure adequate access to professional journals to support faculty and student research efforts.

Action: Preliminary inventory of criminal justice/criminology journals maintained by the Chester Fritz Library has been completed. Discussion with Library staff to increase Library holdings is ongoing. We were able to increase the book holdings last year and all faculty participated in the selection of materials. The acquisition of journals is a separate process however, so we will continue efforts to increase the holdings necessary to support the Ph.D. program.

  • Goal 2-3: Increase travel allocations to $1,000 per faculty member per year.  Such an increase to be accomplished over the next two years. This travel money would support increased expectations for the dissemination of research at professional meetings and trainings as is the norm of a quality doctoral program.

Action: We continue to seek an appropriate increase in the Departmental budget to support the departmental goals.

  • Goal 2-4: Continue or increase the frequency of core offerings while having the flexibility to establish appropriate faculty teaching loads to provide more time for research.

Action: Recruit and train qualified Graduate Teaching Assistants which may be able to assist with course offerings.  Continue to make needs known and actively seek institutional support for additional faculty Position(s). 

  • Goal 2-5: Obtain the funding and support necessary to obtain and make easily available, software packages (such as Advanced SPSS) for conducting research and educating doctoral students.

Action: Request that the Arts and Sciences Dean provide an allocation to cover the initial costs to provide necessary basic software used during the conduction of doctoral level and above research.  Attempt to obtain an appropriate amount of annual funding to cover annual licensing fees and to be able to respond to unique research needs that arise. Attempts through typical equipment and other requests have not been successful though one grant proposal allowed some liscenses to be purchased.

 Serve the People - Criminal Justice: 

  •  Goal 3-1: Increase involvement with regional tribal justice systems to establish greater ability to work with and serve as a resource to Tribal governments in improving justice systems.

Action: Continued development of Native Americans into Criminal Justice Initiative. Continued development and support of Native Americans into Criminal Justice Association membership and activities.  Tribal Justice research is currently taking place by both faculty and graduate students. Ideas for grant proposals are currently being developed. Information on domestic violence among the Native American population was incorporated into the statewide curriculum module which was published in 2005 and another publication on this topic was submitted as well.

  • Goal 3-2: Continue involvement with international justice systems to establish greater ability to work with and serve as a resource to educational institutions and foreign governments to improve justice systems.

Action: Our department continued exploration of international partnerships with countries such as South Africa and Slovenia . Faculty are continuing international research efforts and several international conferences were attended. We have an international student in the Ph.D. program and faculty continue to work with several students in South Africa.

  Improve Campus Climate - Criminal Justice: 

  • Goal 4-1: Increase scholarship funds available to recognize academic excellence among CJ majors.

Action: We have three sources of schlarship funding at the present time. Increasing funding is an on-going effort. Ideas for securing additional funds from alumni are being developed.

  • Goal 4-2: Establish affiliation with the national Criminal Justice Honor Society, Lambda Alpha Epsilon.

Action: We are exploring possible affiliations and examining what the costs and benefits would be.   

  • Goal 4-3: Develop new Bylaws for the new Department of Criminal Justice with the input of all departmental members.

Action: An initial outline of Bylaws which allow for democratic participation by all members as well as establish clear expectations and explain evaluation methods has been developed and work on the Bylaws continues. 

  • Goal 4-4: Support the diversity of students.

Action: We continue offering diversity tuition waivers, serving as Mentors for the McNair program, participating in Time-Out week, and supporting the student organizations in Criminal Justice.  We provide a supportive atmosphere for all students regardless of religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, or ethnic affiliations, we also provide needed accommodations to disabled students.

  • Goal 4-5: Support the diversity of faculty.

Action: We continue to provide a department atmosphere of respect and inclusiveness.  We support and reward faculty service efforts which contribute to improving the campus climate.  We also provide needed support and accommodations to disabled faculty. 

  Stabilize Enrollment - Criminal Justice: 

  • Goal 5-1: Develop a consistent method of tracking student progress in the CJ Program to guide advising and disseminate information on major status to students in a timely fashion.

Action: The system for tracking student progress in the major was revised. Notification letters sent to students regarding major status were revised and updated. All student files have been updated and despite the time commitment of this task, continue to be monitored each semester. Students have responded favorably to this monitoring and often call or e-mail the Chair with questions prompted by the letter or seek advising by faculty to address concerns raised in the letter.

  • Goal 5-2: Develop recruitment materials for both the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Action: We regularly updated fact sheets, prospective student response letters, the departmental website and catalog copy.  Once the curriculum revisions are in place we will develop new brochures for the Ph.D. program.

 Optimize Information Tech. - Criminal Justice: 

  • Goal 6-1: Increase available technology needed to support instructional and professional presentations.

Action: This goal was modified in light of the larger institutional goal of increasing the availability of classroom technology. All main classrooms now used by criminal justice faculty are supported by necessary computer and audio-visual capabilities. Plans for assisting professional presentations were developed and the necessary equipment request has been made. A collaboration with the departments of Sociology and Social Work resulted in the approval of a student technology fee proposal to improve the lab in Gillette Hall which has been done.

  • Goal 6-2: Increase student competency in computer applications.

Action: Courses with the potential to include greater instruction and involvement of students in computer technology and applications have been identified and those courses are now including such instruction within their curriculum. The desire for a specific course in computer applications in criminal justice has been identified. However, limitations on funding and personnel resources at this time are prohibitive to establishing a specific course to address this need. Employers in the field have commented favorably on the technological abilities of our interns.

  • Goal 6-3: Offer updated computers and appropriate software programs to faculty and provide several machines for student use within the department.  Relocate older faculty computers for graduate student use.  

Action: We have routinely submited requests for hardware and funding for software to the various avenues on campus.  We have established a regular cycle of computer replacement and were also able to obtain one new computer and printer for graduate student use.

 Resource Development - Criminal Justice: 

  • Goal 7-1: Seek private donations and other fundraising opportunities.  

Action: The department has developed case statements and requests as well as participated in various College of Arts and Sciences fundraising efforts.  The development of an Alumni webpage on the departmental website is being planned.

Support - Criminal Justice: 

  • Goal 8-1: Assist new faculty in their attempts to achieve tenure.

Action: We recognize the importance of mentoring and sharing advise with faculty who are working toward tenure.

  • Goal 8-2: Support senior faculty in their promotion and other career goals.

Action: We acknowledge the importance of keeping the senior faculty enthusiastic about their efforts at UND by supporting their efforts toward promotion and advocating for adjustments to the salary compression they have experienced over the years. Two faculty have been recently promoted. 

  • Goal 8-3: Remodel existing space and obtain new space to serve as office space for expanding numbers of graduate students and potential new faculty member.

Action: Our departmental library was rearranged to serve as temporary office space and the Arts and Sciences Dean and others have been reminded of our space needs as remodeling and reorganization continues in O’Kelly Hall. 

 

 

 

 

 

Undergraduate - Assessment 1:
Part I: Basic Skills Student Learning Goal 1: To be able to think critically and use abstract knowledge to help resolve concrete problems. Student Learning Goal 2: To have basic computer skills necessary to find, communicate, and create information. Student Learning Goal 2: To have basic computer skills necessary to find, communicate, and create information. Part II: Understanding of the Criminal Justice System and Related Theories Student Learning Goal 1: To understand the American criminal justice system. Student Learning Goal 2: To understand criminological theory. Student Learning Goal 3: To understand basic legal concepts and their ethical foundations. Part III: Understanding of Criminal Justice Research Student Learning Goal 1: To understand basic research methodology. Student Learning Goal 2: To understand basic problems of criminal justice research. Part IV: Appreciation for Principles of Justice Student Learning Goal 1: To have an appreciation for principles of justice. Student Learning Goal 2: To have an appreciation for how principles of justice shape criminal justice systems. Part V: Appreciation for Diversity and Good Citizenship Student Learning Goal 1: To have an appreciation for diversity in American society. Student Learning Goal 2: To have an appreciation for efforts to establish a more just society.
Undergraduate - Assessment 2:
PartI: Basic Skills Comparison of Pre and Post Test scores for statistically significant improvement and a median score of at least 75 in the post test. Analysis of oral presentations. Part II: Understanding of the Criminal Justice System and Related Theories Comparison of Pre and Post Test scores for statistically significant improvement and a median score of at least 75 in the post test. Part III: Understanding of Criminal Justice Research Comparison of Pre and Post Test scores for statistically significant improvement and a median score of at least 75 in the post test. Part IV: Appreciation for Principles of Justice Comparison of Pre and Post Test scores for statistically significant improvement and a median score of at least 75 in the post test. Part V: Appreciation for Diversity and Good Citizenship Comparison of Pre and Post Test scores for statistically significant improvement and a median score of at least 75 in the post test. Note: for any of the goals - Other faculty may submit analysis of their course assessment measures as well.
Undergraduate - Assessment 3:
While this has only been our first year of working with assessment data the significant difference between pre and post test scores overall and the analysis of presentations in the capstone course generally affirm the achievement of student learning goals. We wish to strengthen their knowledge of criminal investigation issues and critical thinking. We also would like to strengthen their knowledge of correctional issues. By going over the assessment results all faculty had the opportunity to discuss which goals they were addressing in their courses so the astudents would have the knowledge reinforced at different points throughout the curriculum.
Undergraduate - Assessment 4:
We wish to strengthen their knowledge of criminal investigation issues and critical thinking and so this year we are offering the Criminal Investigations course as a two semester long course. We also will be assuming responsibility for the Corrections course and lowering its level so it will serve as a prerequisite to a higher level course which will emphasize some of the issues in our field which some of the students did not score highly on. By going over the assessment results all faculty had the opportunity to discuss the learning goals and decide how they could better address or emphasize these goals in their individual classes.
Graduate - Assessment 1:
PartI: Analytical and Communication Skills Goal 1: To be able to think critically and use abstract knowledge to help resolve concrete and/or abstract problems. Goal 2: To be able to communicate effectively. (i.e. write and speak effectively) Part II: Understanding Criminological Theories Goal 1: To understand the historical theorists as well as the contexts and development of Criminological theory. Goal 2: To understand contemporary theorists as well as the current contexts and recent developments of Criminological theory. Goal 3: To understand the basic aspects of human nature and how these assumed foundations influence the development of Criminological theory. Goal 4: To demonstrate the ability to integrate various theoretical perspectives. together. Part III: Understanding Statistics and Research Methods Goal 1: To understand and utilize qualitative research designs/ methodologies. Goal 2: To understand and utilize quantitative research designs/ methodologies. Goal 3: To understand, select and explain a variety of appropriate statistical analysis. Goal 4: To understand and describe underlying philosophical assumptions of the scientific methodologies. Part IV: Appreciation for Various Criminal Justice Relevant Concepts Goal 1: To have an appreciation for how principles of justice shape criminal justice systems. Goal 2: To have an appreciation for diversity in American society. Goal 3: To have an appreciation for efforts to establish a more just society.
Graduate - Assessment 2:
PartI: Analytical and Communication Skills Comprehensive Examination pass ratio’s and the number of repeated attempts. Approved written dissertation and successful defense thereof. Part II: Understanding Criminological Theories Data will be collected as each comprehensive exam, and dissertation is completed. Analysis will be completed once a year. Part III: Understanding Statistics and Research Methods Data will be collected as each comprehensive exam, and dissertation is completed. Analysis will be completed once a year. Part IV: Appreciation for Various Criminal Justice Relevant Concepts Data will be collected as each course, comprehensive exam, and dissertation is completed. Analysis will be completed once a year.
Graduate - Assessment 3:
Given that we are a new program, only one set of comprehensive exams has been taken thus far and that was only by a couple of the students, both of which also had courses at other institutions. At this point we know the individual student's strengths and weaknesses and we are dealing with those but we are not comfortable drawing conclusions about the program as a whole at this point.
Graduate - Assessment 4:
As noted above it is too early to decide on any specific program changes but we did develop a reading list and specific descriptions of the comprehensive exam format and rules to guide students in their study efforts. These guidelines were helpful but now we are developing specific study suggestions as well to better prepare students in the future.
Certificate - Assessment 1:
Certificate - Assessment 2:
Certificate - Assessment 3:
Certificate - Assessment 4:
Professional - Assessment 1:
Professional - Assessment 2:
Professional - Assessment 3:
Professional - Assessment 4:
Other Assessment and Evaluation Activities:

The Department of Criminal Justice engaged in five other assessment related activities.  Members of the department were involved in the General Education Longitudinal Study and the General Education Committee.  Points of information learned fron theses service efforts were shared with all department members so their teaching  and assessment methods could be better informed.  The department was also visited by members from the General Education Task Force.  During the meeting with Task Force members, ideas for teaching and assessment were shared with our faculty and opinions about general education and how the goals are addressed throughout the curriculum of the major were communicated to the members.

Our main general education course, Introduction to Criminal Justice, was revalidated.  Given that the pre-test measure for the departmental assessment plan is administered in the course, that same measure was used as part of the revalidation efforts.  Revalidation was received and no significant changes are planned in the course.  However, even though the goal of "understanding other cultures" is not one of the goals purposively addressed in the class, the instructor will make special efforts to deconstruct stereotypes regarding race and crime as that is picked up more readily by students than previously assumed.

 A professional association in our field (Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences) is in the final stages of developing guidelines and suggested standards for educational programs.  We will be monitoring their development of the guidelines and plan to compare our program to the guidelines in the future.  Based on that comparison changes in the program may be considered.  At the present time our program seems to be comparing favorably with the exception of student-to-faculty ratios which we are trying to address with the request for another faculty line.

 

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND PLANNING

Priority Action A: Provide a Quality Curriculum

Curriculum Quality (overview):

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of North Dakota and the Department of Criminal Justice at Minot State University  entered into a partnership to provide graduate education at the Ph.D. level beginning Fall 2003. The new Ph.D. program was approved by the North Dakota Board of Higher Education at its January 2002 meeting.  To assist the quality development of the new Ph.D. program without compromising the strengths of the undergraduate program one of two needed faculty positions was filled with the hiring of Roni Mayzer, effective Fall 2003. We are still in need of the second position.

Our initial course "Introduction to Criminal Justice" is a required course for all majors,it is an important part of the general education program at the University of North Dakota, and was recently revalidated as such. In addition to our actual general education course we consider basic skills to be one of the key learning areas which we address and assess. Within that area of "basic skills" we assess specifically the ability to think critically, the ability to use abstract knowledge to help resolve concrete problems, the ability to have basic computer skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally. Several of the courses in our curriculum address all of the skills while the remainder address at least a minimum of one of the skills.

Experiential learning is not required of our majors as given the sensitive nature of our line of work this could be unethical in certain circumstances and it is not recommended by our national organizations. However, experiential learning is strongly encouraged for qualified students and we have a procedure of a required semester long course followed by the field placement which is the envy of many other schools. In fact our "internship program" was used as an example of best practices in a recently published book on internships in criminal justice and it was acknowledged as a model to be shared at our regional discipline conference. During the fiscal year under review 33 individuals were placed and supervised in the field contributing over 8600 hours of service. Additionally, many more students did small projects in the community, participated in community fundraising and other activities, or completed volunteer hours on their own typically while being supervised by a faculty member.


In support of the aceademic mission of the University we have a talented and diverse mix of faculty.  For instance, just in the year under review Michael Meyer continued his involvement as a recipient of a Fulbright award which placed him in South Africa and in addtion to working with the international students he is able to bring a global perspective to many of his courses.  One of our faculty, Wendelin Hume,was recognized as a Who's Who of American Women, served on an honor's thesis and served as a McNair mentor.  Another faculy member Martin Gottschalk was named a "Faculty Star" and was chosen to serve as a faculty ambassador.  Roni Mayzer guided numerous students to participate in the Red River Women's Studies Conference and also served as a faculty ambassador.

A0106: Natl Awards/Fellowships
Three students were chosen for Who's Who. A number of our students were on the Dean's list and several were on the President's Honor Roll. A number of our students were nominated to join a variety of honor societies as well. We do not know the exact numbers but rather we hear about these achievements when the students stop by to visit or for advising.
A0202: General Education
Our initial course "Introduction to Criminal Justice" is a required course for all majors,it is an important part of the general education program at the University of North Dakota, and was recently revalidated as such. In addition to our actual general education course we consider basic skills to be one of the key learning areas which we address and assess. Within that area of "basic skills" we assess specifically the ability to think critically, the ability to use abstract knowledge to help resolve concrete problems, the ability to have basic computer skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally. Several of the courses in our curriculum address all of the skills while the remainder address at least a minimum of one of the skills.
A0303: Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is not required of our majors as given the sensitive nature of our line of work this could be unethical in certain circumstances and it is not recommended by our national organizations. However, experiential learning is strongly encouraged for qualified students and we have a procedure of a required semester long course followed by the field placement which is the envy of many other schools. In fact our "internship program" was used as an example of best practices in a recently published book on internships in criminal justice and it was acknowledged as a model to be shared at our regional discipline conference. During the fiscal year under review 33 individuals were placed and supervised in the field contributing over 8600 hours of service. Additionally, many more students did small projects in the community, participated in community fundraising and other activities, or completed volunteer hours on their own typically while being supervised by a faculty member.
A0305: International Exchange
Dr. Micheal Meyer - South Africa and Slovenia for conference presentations and as follow-up to the connections established during the Fulbright experience.
A0402: Faculty Nominations
There were no faculty nominations for scholarships or fellowships in the past year. For awards and recognitions please see below.
A0501: Teaching/Research Awards
Fulbright Senior Specialist Cadidate - Michael Meyer Who's Who Executive and Professional Registry - Wendelin Hume Expert Victimology Liason for FBI - Wendelin Hume Grant Proposal Reviewer for NIJ - Martin Gottschalk

Priority Action B: Expand and Strengthen Commitment to Research

Commitment to Research (overview):

In an attempt to financially support and encourage faculty research and presentations of that research,requests for increased allocation to Criminal Justice operating budget was made to the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences. Due to budgetary priorities within the University, operating budgets for departments remained relatively flat. Continued requests to increase the Program operating budget to meet inflationary costs and costs associated with increased personnel and the resources they need to use are continuing.

Inventory of criminal justice/criminology journals maintained by the Chester Fritz Library has been completed. Discussion with Library staff to increase Library holdings is ongoing. All criminal justice faculty contributed to the selection of books needed to improve the holdings at the Library.

Dr. Michael Meyer continued his research which was strengthened by his experiences as a Fulbright lecturer/researcher in the country of South Africa. Wendelin Hume is a research team member for the Bush Longitudinal General Education Study at UND and is involved in Campus Climate research which was supported with an EPSCOR grant. Dr. Wendelin Hume was recognized for her community research with the Girl Scouts - Pine to Prairie Council and she continues as the PI for the Women's Voices: On-Line Living Herstory Project.

Several undergraduate students participated in research while in their internship field placement positions. Their research helped improve practices in relation to victim services, probation, juvenile drug court, and court ordered community service.  The department, the Criminal Justice Student Association, and the Native Americans into Criminal Justice brought in several speakers and guests including a Highway Patrol officer, a U.S Marshall, an FBI agent, a Grand Forks Correctional Officer, a police investigator, a prosecuting attorney, a member of the Wyoming Department of Corrections, and a probation officer.

We are currently working with the Arts and Sciences Dean to iImplement linkages with the North Dakota State Crime Lab and Forensic Science Program to create opportunities for expanding research capabilities of the Lab and increase learning opportunities for Forensic Science majors and others.  We would also like to increase travel allocations to $1,000 per faculty member per year. This travel money would support increased expectations for the dissemination of research at professional meetings and trainings as is the norm of a quality doctoral program.  Ideally, we would also like to continue or increase the frequency of core offerings while having the flexibility to establish appropriate faculty teaching loads to provide more time for research.

B0201: Student in Research
The estimated number of other undergraduate students involved in research activities for FY05 would be six.

Priority Action C: Serve the People

Serve the People (overview):
 

As a department we continue to support the continued development of the Native Americans into Criminal Justice Initiative as well as support the Native Americans into Criminal Justice Association membership and activities.  Tribal Justice research is currently taking place by both faculty and graduate students. Ideas for grant proposals are currently being developed. Information on domestic violence among the Native American population was incorporated into the statewide curriculum module which was published in 2005 and another publication on this topic was submitted as well.

We also are continuing our collaboration with Minot State Universoty in offerimg the Ph.D in Criminal Justice.  While our department did not host any events for elementary/secondary students we did participate in university sponsored Open House events and were very available for advisement of visiting students and their families. Several of our faculty also participated in the freshman orientation Getting Started event.  One of our faculty, Wendelin Hume, was recognized for her service efforts by receiving the Arts and Sciences Service Award and being nominated for the Athena Award. 

As discussed earlier, our department is dedicated to providing quality internship opportunities to all qualified and interested students. Our department helped arrange over a dozen field internship placements in which the students contributed over 3000 hours of service. Numerous classes also guide students to participate in projects or volunteer their time and talents to others in the community. Even our large introductory courses encourage students to get involved in the broader community and contribute to developing over 1500 instances of learning outside the classroom.


C0105: Quality Exhibits
We did not have any exhibits though our department did host an open house when UND invited families to campus and several (3) families either visited the department, attended class or both.
C0107: Visiting Artists
The department, the Criminal Justice Student Association, and the Native Americans into Criminal Justice brought in several(8)speakers and guests including a Highway Patrol officer, a U.S Marshall, an FBI agent, a Grand Forks Correctional Officer, a police investigator, a prosecuting attorney, a member of the Wyoming Department of Corrections, and a probation officer.
C0109: Elem/Sec Student Prog Hosted
We did not offer any such programs.
C0110: Band/Theater/Other
We did not have exhibits or tours.
C0401: Public Service Programs
Our department does not have any prearranged public service programs although many of our students volunteer numerous hours to participate in programs available in the local community. We also have an ongoing departmental drive to gather donated personal care items which are given to the Community Violence Intervention Center. The value of the donated items last year approached $5,000.
C0402: Service Learning Programs
Please see C0403.
C0403: Deg Progs with Service Learning
As discussed earlier, our department which offers the B.S. degree in C.J.S. is dedicated to providing quality internship opportunities to all qualified and interested students. Our department helped arrange over a dozen field internship placements in which the students contributed over 3000 hours of service. Numerous classes also guide students to participate in projects or volunteer their time and talents to others in the community.
C0404: Public Service Partnerships
We have a partnership with Girl Scouts - Pine to Prairie Council primarily for research and grant purposes as well as to assist their delinquency and victimization prevention efforts. While we do not have any formal partnerships with other public service agencies we have a long and successful history of building informal partnerships with agencies across the state, in Minnesota, and across the nation. Many of these partnerships have developed based on networking and organizational involvement by faculty. Additionally, some of our adjunct faculty are from public service agencies. Many other partnerships have developed as internship sites are arranged. Informal partnerships in FY05 in no particular order, include but are not limited to: Grand Forks City Police Department Thief River Falls Police Department Shakopee Police Department Aberdeen Police Department Trail County Sheriff Department Grand Forks County Juvenile Probation Services Cass County Juvenile Probation Services Polk County Probation Services Lutheran Social Services Fraternal Order of Police Community Violence Intervention Center United States District Court, District of Minnesota Nelson County States Attorney Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Grand Forks County Community Service Bureau of Criminal Investigations Minnesota Department of Corrections North Dakota Highway Patrol American Lung Association Girl Scouts of America -- Pine to Prairie Council
C0409: Cultural Experience
While we do not directly provide cultural experiences for the public our faculty and students are heavily involved in numerous events sponsored by the Womens Center, Women Studies, the Law School, and Indian Programs.

Priority Action D: Improve the Campus Climate

Improve Campus Climate (overview):

All of our faculty and our staff member try very hard to make our department and our classes stimulating and enjoyable. We are proud of our students and the successes they have had both in the field and in graduate education. Out of our five main departmental goals two of them are particularly pertinent to this initiative. The two most directly related goals are appreciation for principles of justice and appreciation for diversity and good citizenship.

Several of our faculty selflessly volunteer their time in the local community. For instance, our faculty are involved in:

Grand Forks wrestling club - which recognizes and encourages self-esteem and physical prowess of young men

Red River Valley Swim Team - which encourages the physical prowess and mental focus of young swimmers

Girl Scouts of America Pine to Prairie Council - which recognizes and encourages self-esteem, safety consciousness, and leadership abilities of young women

Community Violence Intervention Center - which assists victims of criminal violence

 

Additionally,on-campus our faculty are involved innumerous groups which attempt to improve campus climate such as:

University Senate

College of Arts and Sciences Council

Healthy UND Coalition

Campus Committee for Human Rights

Women's Center

Presidents Advisory Council on Women

Council on Campus Climate

American Indian Services and Programs

 

We continue offering diversity tuition waivers, serving as Mentors for the McNair program, participating in Time-Out week, and supporting the student organizations in Criminal Justice.  We provide a supportive atmosphere for all students regardless of religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, or ethnic affiliations, we also provide needed accommodations to disabled students.  We continue to provide a department atmosphere of respect and inclusiveness.  We support and reward faculty service efforts which contribute to improving the campus climate.  We also provide needed support and accommodations to disabled faculty. 

D0202: Sustained Programs
Our department did not sponsor any cultural, art, or athletic programs though many of our students are involved in these programs and we support their efforts.
D0204: Art/Athletic Events & Participation
Our faculty and staff participated in numerous events on-campus including health events, Women's Center and International Center events, multicultural speakers, Timeout Week events and speakers, theater events, Spotlight on Scholars series, and several of the OID events.
D0303: Campus Attendance/Events
We did not sponsor events but we encourage our staff member to attend events of her choice and often faculty will accompany her which speaks to the cohesiveness of our department and the respectful atmosphere there.
D0305: Endowed Lectureships
We have no endowed lectureships at this time.

Priority Action E: Optimize and Stabilize Enrollment

Optimize and Stabilize Enrollment (overview):

Our departmental system for tracking student progress in the Criminal Justice major has been revised. Notification letters to students regarding major status have been revised and updated. All student files have been updated and despite the time commitment of this task, continue to be monitored each semester. Students have responded favorably to this monitoring and often call or e-mail the Chair with questions prompted by the letter or seek advising by faculty to address concerns raised in the letter. As discussed earlier in this report, our number of majors has continued to remain high despite implementing a minimum GPA requirement and structuring a set of prerequisite courses. The average GPA of our students has increased and our students are well received with numerous employment opportunities available. We encourage the recruitment of minority students and participate in the diversity tuition waiver program. Our faculty currently maintain a high teaching and very high advising load yet they make themselves available for student advising and informal meetings to try to improve the retention rate.

 

E0601: Double the Number of People Served
Our department regularly offers at least one course and several reading and independent study opportunities. Summer is also the typical time many students choose to do their internship field placements so monitoring of the students during the summer is essential though little financial incentive for doing this is available to the internship coordinator. There are also numerous tasks, scheduling and contract issues, and advising that the Chair takes care of even though they are not under contract or paid for these efforts during the summer. We do not host other summer events.

Priority Action F: Optimize the Use of Information Technology

Not only do we encourage our faculty to optimize the use of information technology (when appropriate) to improve student learning but we have a similar goal for our students as well which is "to have basic computer skills necessary to find, communicate, and create information". At the present time most of the classrooms currently being used by criminal justice faculty are supported by necessary computer and audio-visual capabilities. A couple of our faculty use these resources extensively and are quite creative in developing new ways of using the technology to improve their instruction. A couple of our faculty use the technology only occasionally though their familiarity with it is increasing. Some faculty still prefer to engage the students with other methods.

  Courses with the potential to include greater instruction and involvement of students in computer technology and applications have been identified and those courses are now including such instruction within their curriculum. The desire for a specific course in computer applications in criminal justice has been identified. However, limitations on funding and personnel resources at this time are prohibitive to establishing a specific course to address this need.

Priority Action G: Resource Development
The department has developed its own strategic plan and is working with the University administration and others to reach those goals.  Ours is not a field wherein our alumni usually see significant financial compensation but we have developed case statements and requests as well as participated in various College of Arts and Sciences fundraising efforts.  Additionally, the development of an Alumni webpage on the departmental website is being planned.  Our graduates are typically held in high esteem as can be seen in that fact that many of the area practitioners are UND alumni, which certainly helps with internship placement.

Priority Action H: In Support of Faculty and Staff.....

Support (overview):

This is certainly a broad but worthwhile goal. We delight in our new Departmental status, we are proud of our quality undergraduate program which serves the students and our discipline well, and we are enthusiastic and optimistic about the new Ph.D. program. All of our faculty have obtained their Ph.D.'s, two faculty were recently promoted, and all faculty take pride in their quality research and teaching efforts. The faculty currently have very high teaching loads and a great number of advisees. Another faculty member is needed to redistribute the load as well as meet a curriculum and instructional need in the graduate program. We acknowledge the importance of keeping the senior faculty enthusiastic about their efforts at UND by supporting their efforts toward promotion and advocating for adjustments to the salary compression they have experienced over the years. Faculty morale is also decreased because of the little support available for professional research and presentation opportunities. The finances of the department are also stretched as operational budgets have remained relatively constant despite increasing number of students, more instructors over the years, and higher costs of items.

H0203: Space/Equipment Status
Our newly remodeled space in O'Kelly Hall is very nice, handicapped accessible, well-maintained, and highly utilized. As the number of students in the Ph.D. program has increased there is a need for more space. Our departmental library was rearranged to serve as temporary office space and the Arts and Sciences Dean and others have been reminded of our space needs as remodeling and reorganization continues in O’Kelly Hall. As mentioned before, we are currently working on obtaining a second laptop which can be used outside standard classroom settings as well as at professional conferences and meetings. A request for funding to obtain this item has been submitted and is currently under review. We have also instituted a cycle of slow but regular replacement and updating of computer-related equipment. We were able to obtain two new computers and a printer during the period under review which was greatly appreciated and they are definitely being put to good use.