San Francisco State University
Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Policy On: E-Portfolio Requirement

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E-Portfolio Requirement in Recreation Master's Degree Program
Policy Approved, 3/8/06. In Effect Fall 2006

Presentation of student goals, learning outcomes and accomplishments during the Recreation Graduate Program has historically been accomplished through student resumes and printed portfolios. This static system has many limitations and is not in-line with the emerging digital movement, economy and workforce. Advances in information technology and support at SFSU now enable students to present, and update throughout the duration of their masters program, their accomplishments and learning outcomes in a digital format or "e-portfolio". An e-portfolio permits the student to collect and organize portfolio artifacts in many media types (audio, video, graphics, text).

An e-portfolio uses a database or hypertext links to show clearly the relationship among the program goals, artifacts and reflections. "The student reflections are the rationale that specific artifacts are evidence of achieving the stated standards or goals. An electronic portfolio is not a haphazard collection of artifacts (i.e., a digital scrapbook or a multimedia presentation) but rather a reflective tool that demonstrates growth over time" (John S. Brown, 2000). More employers and professional organizations are demanding e-portfolios, in addition to staff with the ability to prepare these proficiently.

In light of these trends and opportunities, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism has adopted the following policy regarding e-portfolios:

1) Each graduate student will prepare their own e-portfolio, identifying their career and academic goals, using multi-media during RPT 700 in the first year of their graduate program.

2) Each student will incorporate one major project and other materials developed in each of their graduate core and specialization courses that correspond to the learning outcomes of the recreation graduate program and their career and academic goals.

3) A student will revise, update, and present their e-portfolio in RPT 880 to identify their professional and career goals, highlight accomplishments, and demonstrate professional growth and achievement of recreation graduate program learning outcomes during their course of studies.

4) A student is not eligible to complete their culminating experience until their e-portfolio and presentation have been completed in RPT 880. In exceptional circumstances a student can petition to complete their culminating experience without first completing the e-portfolio presentation.

5) Students must present their e-portfolio to graduate faculty and professionals in the field during a RPT 880 class period.