General Education Assessment

Educational assessment is the systematic collection, analysis, and use of data related to academic programs. The general education assessment package is designed to measure the extent to which students have attained those competencies identified by the university. Data collected will be used for program improvement purposes rather than determination of individual student progression through a program of study. Participation in assessment activities related to general education goals is a requirement for all undergraduate students.

Goals	Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Methods
1. Communication
Students will be able to express themselves – orally, in writing, or in other textual communication – in a clear and effective manner for a variety of audiences and purposes	Context of and purpose for writing Content development Genre and disciplinary conventions Sources of evidence Control of syntax and mechanics Organization Language Delivery Supporting material Central message	Course Level Assessments
2. Teamwork
Students will be able to work collaboratively both in and out of the classroom to navigate team formation, dynamics, and evaluative mechanisms which ensure accountability, self-reflection, and feedback opportunity in group projects.	Contributes to team meetings Facilitates the contributions of team members Individual contributions outside of team meetings Fosters constructive team climate Responds to conflict Course Level Assessments	Course Level Assessments
3. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Students will be able to gather, organize, and evaluate information critically in order to persuade, inform, or to solve problems, individually and collaboratively in teams.	Explanation of issues Evidence Influence of context and assumptions Student’s position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) Conclusions and related outcomes (implications and consequences)	Course Level Assessments

4. Scientific Understanding
Students will be able to identify and describe how the scientific method has been, or could be, used to answer questions and develop scientific theories within and across scientific disciplines.	Topic selection Existing knowledge, research, and/or views Design process Analysis Conclusions Limitations and implications	Course Level Assessments
5. Quantitative & Analytical Reasoning
Students will be able to apply basic mathematical and analytical skills to practical, real-world quantitative information in the context of their discipline, or multiple disciplines, to solve problems and draw conclusions.	Interpretation Representation Calculation Application/Analysis Assumptions Communication	Course Level Assessments
6. Information Literacy & Technological Competence
Students will be able to identify the need for information, locate information resources using a variety of media and technologies, and transfer these skills across academic disciplines while ethically contributing to communities of learning.	Determine the extent of information needed Access the needed information Evaluate information and its sources critically Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose Access and use information ethically and legally	Course Level Assessments
7. Historical, political, and social literacy
Students will be able to recall and explain historical events and trends, as well as major political, social, and economic concepts and be able to research and analyze specific historical, political, social, and economic questions.	Diversity of communities & cultures Analysis of Knowledge Civic identity & commitment Civic communication Civic action and reflection	Course Level Assessments
8. Artistic representations and creative expressions
Students will be able to recognize and describe different types of creative expression, including literature, visual art, music, and film, and be able to analyze and interpret them.	Acquiring competencies Taking risks Solving problems Embracing contradictions Innovative thinking Connecting, synthesizing, transforming	Course Level Assessments
9. Cultural competence, global perspectives
Students will be able to identify and describe cultures outside their own and explain how different cultures interact and influence each other.	Culture of self-awareness Knowledge of cultural worldview frameworks Empathy Verbal and nonverbal communication Curiosity Openness	Course Level Assessments