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.
Owens assesses student learning in three primary areas:
- Institutional Competencies (General Education)
- Program Outcomes
- Co-Curricular Learning
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:
- Associate of Applied degrees (15 credit hours of general education)
- Transfer degrees (36 credit hours of general education)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (36 credit hours of general education)
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:
- Communicate effectively.
- Act with professional responsibility.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to others’ beliefs and values.
- Think creatively.
Learn More About Institutional Competencies >>
Learn about 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:
- Awareness of how various beliefs and values shape interactions
- Self-reflection on personal beliefs and behaviors
- Empathy and respectful dialogue
- Application of belonging-centered practices
- Transfer of learning to coursework, campus involvement, and professional contexts
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:
- Improve event design and student engagement strategies
- Strengthen alignment with Institutional Competencies
- Support continuous improvement in fostering belonging excellence across campus
Learn More About Co-Curricular Assessment >>
