Student Learning Assessment

Student learning is at the heart of everything we do at Owens Community College. We focus on what students know, can do and value as a result of their educational experiences.

By assessing student learning, we ensure that our courses, programs and co-curricular experiences remain effective, relevant and responsive to student and community needs.

Ongoing assessment strengthens teaching, promotes belonging and supports students in achieving their academic, professional and personal goals.

Student Learning Assessment Cycle

A Continuous Improvement Process:

  1. Define/Revise Learning Outcomes: Clear, measurable student success goals
  2. Design and Align Learning: Courses and experiences aligned to outcomes
  3. College Evidence of Learning: Data from assignments, rubrics and assessments
  4. Analyze and Discuss Results: Review and interpret assessment data
  5. Create Learning Improvement Plans: Use findings to plan program updates
  6. Implement Learning Improvement Plans: Apply changes and support student success

Owens Assesses Student Learning in Three Primary Areas

Institutional Competencies (General Education) Assessment

At Owens, our general education competencies are referred to as Institutional Competencies because they represent the essential knowledge, skills and abilities every graduate is expected to demonstrate.

General education provides students with broad knowledge and foundational skills that support lifelong learning, career readiness and advanced academic study. These competencies are introduced early and reinforced throughout students’ academic programs.

Owens offers multiple degree pathways, including:

To ensure meaningful assessment across pathways, the College uses a developmental rubric model. Regardless of degree type, all graduates are expected to demonstrate the following Institutional Competencies:

  1. Communicate effectively.
  2. Act with professional responsibility.
  3. Demonstrate sensitivity to others’ beliefs and values.
  4. Think creatively.

Explore Institutional CompetenciesDiscover the General Education Framework

Program Assessment

Each academic program identifies learning outcomes that describe what students should know or be able to do upon completion. Programs assess these outcomes on a regular cycle and use the results to improve curriculum, instruction and student support.

While assessment processes may vary by department or school, all programs share a common commitment to continuous improvement and student success.

To view program outcomes, please visit individual program pages.

Learn More About Program Assessment

Co-Curricular Assessment

Learning at Owens extends beyond the classroom. Co-curricular experiences—including student organizations, leadership programs, campus events and service opportunities—intentionally support student growth in alignment with the College’s Institutional Competencies.

Co-curricular assessment focuses on how these experiences strengthen students’ ability to demonstrate sensitivity to others’ beliefs and values, particularly through the integration of belonging practices.

Following selected events, students complete a brief assessment that measures growth in:

Responses are evaluated using a developmental rubric that measures student growth across levels of awareness, empathy and application. Both quantitative results and qualitative reflections are analyzed to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Assessment findings are used to:

Learn More About Co-Curricular Assessment

For more information on Student Learning Assessment, contact Jen Hazel.

Email Jen