Institutional Learning Outcomes Assessment

Purpose

Assessment at this level measures whether degree-seeking students leave with some level of mastery of the Institutional Learning Outcomes:

Through their respective disciplines, CGCC students who earn a degree can:

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)
2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)
3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)
4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)
5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

Course and degree, certificate and program outcomes map up to Institutional Learning Outcomes. Assessment of Institutional Learning Outcomes has a broader scope than assessment of course, degree, certificate and program outcomes, assessing whether students, regardless of which degree they earn at CGCC, achieve the skills and knowledge that are at the foundation of CGCC's General Education program.

Analysis of the assessment results guides the General Education departments in making informed adjustments and improvements to the General Education program.

Assessment of the Institutional Learning Outcomes is a crucial piece of what CGCC must submit to our accrediting agency, NWCCU.

Process

Each year, one Institutional Learning Outcome will be assessed by faculty, with the analysis completed by the Institutional Learning Outcome Assessment Committee.

Instructors who teach courses that students would be taking towards the end of their degree (upper or 200-level courses) will be asked to assess student achievement of the Institutional Learning Outcome. Courses that indicate either a major or minor designation or a course outcome related to the ILO per the CCOG will be selected to be a part of the assessment process.