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Learning Analytics and Outcomes Assessment

Office of Undergraduate Studies

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Level 2

Program-Level Learning Outcomes

Degrees & General Education

Program-Level Outcomes (PLOs) define what students will know and be able to do upon completing a degree. They bridge everyday coursework and the university's Exceptional Educational Experience (E3) Framework. Each degree program articulates outcomes specific enough to guide curriculum and assessment, yet broad enough to encompass the full range of learning in the program.

NWCCU Expectations

1

Clearly define and publish program-level outcomes

2

Align outcomes with the institutional mission (E³ Framework)

3

Assess student learning to improve teaching and outcomes

  The Connection

Program outcomes connect upward to the E3 Framework through alignment and assessment, and downward to course outcomes through mapping and aggregation. This two-way connection is what makes the outcomes architecture coherent.

General Education as a Program

NWCCU recognizes General Education (GE) as a distinct program, assessed like any major. The University has established five General Education Learning Outcomes (GELOs):
More Information about General Education Program Learning Outcomes

1Collaborate Effectively

COLLABORATE EFFECTIVELYRUBRIC
  • Communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Develop effective teamwork behaviors and attitudes.

2Reason and Act Ethically

Reason & Act Ethically Rubric
  • Develop a personal ethical code of conduct.
  • Apply a personal ethical code to different situations.

3Respond Creatively

Respond Creatively Rubric
  • Explore and create multidimensional approaches to respond to opportunities.
  • Explore connections with other aspects or opportunities.

4Persist in Addressing Complex Problems

Persist in Addressing Complex Problems Rubric
  • Respond productively to setbacks, errors, and failures.
  • Create processes that lead to effective problem solving.

5Actualize and Contribute

Actualize and Contribute Rubric
  • Build on personal experiences in academic and other systems in navigating challenging situations.
  • Advocate for human actions that drive systemic changes toward equity.

GELOs connect directly to the E3 Framework. Faculty teaching GE courses should know which GELOs their course addresses.

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

The University also defines Bachelor's Degree (BD) Learning Outcomes — broad competencies expected of all graduates regardless of major. Together with GELOs, these form the shared foundation of program-level expectations, while each major adds discipline-specific outcomes.

Return to level 1 institutional outcomes

Proceed to level 3 course outcomes

Last Updated: 5/26/26