As both the overall WSU and Student Affairs mission statement indicate the desire to offer excellent educational experiences for students attending WSU, the student affairs assessment and research department seeks to create an environment that supports the evaluation and enhancement of student learning and development within the Student Affairs Division.  Thus, the student affairs assessment and research department seeks to foster a collaborative and continuous approach to the assessment of student learning and development.

Student Affairs Assessment and Research Mission Statement

Student Affairs Division Learning Outcomes

The Student Learning Outcomes Task Force (2008) identified the following overarching outcomes by identifying themes in those outcomes articulated by individual departments during the first two years of assessing learning outcomes in student affairs.  This list will continue to be updated as more outcomes are developed within the division. 

As a result of participating in programs and activities within the student affairs division, students will have the opportunity to learn and/or develop in the following areas:
               

Civic Engagement reflects a person’s ability to recognize and fulfill responsibilities to self,  community, and society at large. A civically engaged individual demonstrates social consciousness, practices volunteerism, and makes effective contributions in respectful and ethical ways.

Critical Thinking  is reasonable, reflective thinking which involves forming and analyzing beliefs, making decisions, and evaluating actions. Critical thinkers are able to analyze, interpret, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information in the development of appropriate inferences.

Cultural Competence is understanding and appreciating diversity. Individuals who are culturally competent develop an inclusive world view, value differences, and interact with others in culturally appropriate ways which create a climate of mutual respect.

Interpersonal Communication Skills are the ability to interact effectively with others. Individuals with interpersonal communication skills relate to others in courteous, respectful, and professional ways; appropriately resolve conflicts; and maintain positive relationships.

Intrapersonal Competence reflects a person's ability to develop and demonstrate self-understanding, self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. Individuals who are intrapersonally competent have a personal philosophy of life which illustrates their own beliefs and values, and are able to set and achieve goals consistent with this philosophy of life.

Leadership and Management Skills are the abilities to influence the actions of others. Individuals who have leadership and management skills are able to create a common vision, inspire others to accomplish that vision, obtain and utilize appropriate resources, and evaluate outcomes.

Responsibility and Accountability are the abilities to understand and fulfill one's obligations to others. Individuals who demonstrate responsibility and accountability are able to meet the expectations of others in ways consistent with specific policies and procedures and generally accepted behavioral norms.

For listings of previous outcomes as well as what our assessment process originally looked like, visit the following link:  http://www.weber.edu/StudentAffairs/com/SLOTF/default.html

If you have questions or comments regarding this site, please contact: Jessica Hickmott, Assessment Coordinator, at jessicahickmott@weber.edu.