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Northwest Missouri State University

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Portfolio Requirements

Purpose/Focus

The required FCS portfolio serves as a summative assessment tool, both of student competency and the adequacy of the FCS Curriculum to assist the student in developing competency. The artifacts demonstrate competence in the stated KQIs for FCS and for the specialized major, while the written reflections demonstrate student ability to interpret and assess how the selected artifacts, skills and theories contribute to professional competence. Thus, the assessment completed by faculty prior to the student's graduation primarily focuses on the written reflection.

Phases of Portfolio

(All portfolio artifacts should be maintained on computer disks for easy transfer to a Web page or a CD)

Phase 1: Freshman Year

Freshman Seminar, 1st Trimester -- majors' orientation to portfolio requirements. Student takes at least one entry level required course in the major and places a copy of their personal covenant, their four-year plan of coursework, and the print out of the Discover Assignment.

2nd Trimester -- student's advisor continues orientation and clarification of portfolio requirements

The 15-201 teacher is responsible for scoring and signing off on the portfolio at this point.

Phase 2: Sophomore Year

During the sophomore year the student continues collecting and saving appropriate artifacts for the portfolio. The student should check the list of required and suggested portfolio items listed on the portfolio guidelines on p. 12 in the Lifesaver.  Students are encouraged to discuss their portfolios with their academic advisors.

All students are required to apply for a Senior Deficiency Statement prior to the beginning of their Senior Year.

Phase 3: Junior Year

During the junior year the student needs to continue collecting and saving appropriate artifacts for the portfolio. Continue to use the list of required and suggested artifacts included in the portfolio guidelines on p. 12 of the Lifesaver.
Students are encouraged to discuss the portfolio requirement with their academic advisors.

Phase 4: Senior Year

Items will be placed into the portfolio from the student's internship experiences when available prior to the final portfolio check. A reflection paper on the internship experience is required.

The following items will be developed and added as a part of 15-401 class. The 15-401 teacher will be responsible for checking and signing off on these items.

  1. List of volunteer activities and professional networking contacts made.
  2. Personal/Professional Code of Ethics.
  3. Capstone paper and score sheet.
  4. Written statement of professional philosophy/code of ethics.

If the student has been involved in an undergraduate research project, the proposal, Institutional Review Board application (if applicable) and the final report and any documentation of presentations can be placed into the portfolio. The faculty member supervising the research is responsible for checking these items.

All seniors must submit an application for graduation to the Registrar one trimester in advance of the trimester in which graduation is planned.

Phase 5: Final Review

The completed portfolio will be submitted as a course requirement in 15-401. A review panel in each major area will review the completed portfolio and approve for graduation.

For more information contact:

Family and Consumer Sciences
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001
Phone: 660.562.1168
E-mail: shipley@nwmissouri.edu