University Studies Program

ESSENTIAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

In 2007, UW Oshkosh’s Liberal Education Reform Team (LERT) adapted the American Association of Colleges & Universities’ list of essential learning outcomes for college students to suit the specific strengths of UW Oshkosh.  These UW Oshkosh essential learning outcomes underpin general education on this campus.  They are what every UW Oshkosh graduate will have competency in for life.

Quest III students at Oshkosh Senior Center

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

• 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 Members of Communities

• Knowledge of Sustainability and Its Applications
• Civic Learning—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

Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies demonstrated through the application of knowledge, skills and responsibilities to new settings and complex problems

Click here to see the AAC&U essential learning outcomes.

Click here for a handout on the UW Oshkosh essential learning outcomes.