Student Learning Outcomes
The University embraces the following definition of liberal education:
Liberal education is a philosophy of education that empowers individuals with broad knowledge and transferable skills, and a strong sense of values, ethics, and civic engagement. These broad goals have been enduring even as the courses and requirements that comprise a liberal education have changed over the years. Characterized by challenging encounters with important and relevant issues today and throughout history, a liberal education prepares graduates both for socially valued work and for civic leadership in their society. It usually includes a general education curriculum that provides broad exposure to multiple disciplines and ways of knowing, along with more in-depth study in at least one field or area of concentration.
Source: Advocacy “What is a liberal education?” at http://www.aacu.org/advocacy/What_is_liberal_education.cfm.
Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World
- Through study in fine and performing arts, humanities, mathematics and science, and social science.
Focused by engagement with big questions, both contemporary and enduring
Skills, both Intellectual and Practical, including
- Identification and objective evaluation of theories and assumptions
- Critical and creative thinking
- Written and oral communication
- Quantitative literacy
- Technology and information literacy
- Teamwork, leadership, and problem solving
Practiced extensively, across the curriculum, in the context of progressively more challenging problems, projects, and standards for performance
Responsibility, as Individuals and Communities, including
- Knowledge of sustainability and its applications
- Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global
- Intercultural knowledge and competence
- Ethical reasoning and action
- Foundations and skills for lifelong learning
Developed through real-world challenges and active involvement with diverse communities
Learning: Integrated, Synthesized, and Advanced, including
- Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies
Demonstrated through the application of knowledge, skills, and responsibilities to new settings and complex problems.
[Note: Learning Outcomes are adapted from AAC&U Report, College Learning for a New Global Century]
