Articulating Institutional Learning Outcomes as GE + Pursuing meaningful assessment across multiple disciplines. A case study. SLOA Co-coordinators San Luis Obispo, CA Greg Baxley, Chemistry Sally Demarest, English 1

THE CHALLENGE Define and assess comprehensive learning outcomes, as described in Standard II.A.3 Do this on a diminishing budget with looming deadlines 2

DEFINING ILOs ILOs vs. GEs? First attempts Collaboration Drafting Process Approval Process 3

CUESTA COLLEGE ILOs 4

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CHOOSING AN ASSESSMENT METHOD CHALLENGES: No central database system of course SLO assessment results Desire for meaningful evidence across the disciplines from a single cohort Desire for student feedback and direct assessment SOLUTIONS: Distribute an assessment tool electronically to all degree earners Assess all of the ILO categories in a single term Assess learning and engagement through both self-report and direct assessment 6

DEVELOPING THE TOOL Proposed the project to the Senate SLOA Co-coordinators drafted the tool Consultation and Input: – SLOA Committee – Director of Institutional Research – Discipline Specialists – Liberal Arts/GE Committee 7

THE NATURE OF THE TOOL: Student Feedback and Student Performance Student Feedback: Example 8

THE NATURE OF THE TOOL: Student Feedback and Student Performance Student Performance: Example 9

IMPLEMENTATION Distribution Who: All degree and certificate earners Spring 2012 (780) How: Electronic ( ) and paper (graduation rehearsal) Tailored by Degree: Arts and Humanties, Math and Science, Social and Behavior Sciences, Business Response Rate: 25% Incentives? I just read your , and was literally jumping around, and I cannot wipe this huge smile on my face! I am so excited! Thank you for such a gift, it means the world to me 10

ASSESSMENT RESULTS 11

ASSESSMENT RESULTS 12

ASSESSMENT RESULTS 13

DIALOGUE ABOUT RESULTS AND IMPROVEMENT IEC Assessment Review Fall Opening Day Presentation to all faculty and staff Review and Recommendations by the Institutional Effectiveness Committee 14

Closing the Loop 15

RESULTS: PART 2 CAMPUS CULTURE 16

THE BONUS: Student Comments I feel that the science department at Cuesta is phenomenal. I transferred to Sac State and got into the nursing program there and I feel confident that I will do well with the preparation I received at Cuesta. Cuesta College gave me an opportunity to achieve new goals. I am a married father starting a new career and couldn't have done it without them. 17

THE BONUS: Student Comments I feel I have received a quality education at Cuesta, and that any success I have, or skills and abilities I may have developed have been due in large part to Cuesta and the knowledge and abilities of its instructors and staff. I feel this survey is a fairly accurate measure of my opinion or experience. The most challenging and best course I have ever taken is my BUS218 course with Gary Rubin. He pushed us as students because he believed in our capabilities, that we didn't know existed. It was a challenging course, but the most practical and fun class! 18

Photo Courtesy of Anthony Halderman, ESL Instructor at Cuesta College: