Assessment of Student Success Skills (Policy OG-23)

Policy: 

The following student success skills, which serve as the institutional Student Learning Outcomes (iSLOs) for Clarkson College, are assessed by all departments on campus: 

Clarkson College students will: 

  1. Demonstrate effective communication. 
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking to make educated decisions. 
  3. Demonstrate proficient use of technologies. 
  4. Demonstrate professional behavior. 
  5. Demonstrate the ability to respectfully interact within a diverse society. 

CC.01 - Communication: In verbal and written formats, the learners will demonstrate the ability to listen to others attentively and receptively, articulate their own perceptions effectively to others, and communicate and elicit feedback in order to enhance objectivity, tolerance, and rapport.   

CC.02 - Critical Thinking: The learner will demonstrate the ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate statements and evidentiary data; construct well-developed, articulate, and sustained arguments; and justify conclusions based on well-supported arguments. 

CC.03 - Technology: The learner will demonstrate proficiency in using and producing materials in various software programs, including online technologies. Proficiency also includes the integration of technology in diverse modalities. 

 CC.04 - Professional Behavior: The learner will demonstrate the ability to behave with dignity and respect for both self and others, take responsibility for one’s own actions, and show empathy and good judgment while working with or serving others. 

 CC.05 - Diversity: The learner will demonstrate the ability to recognize the worth and unique characteristics inherent in all individuals, leading the learner to explore and appreciate differences. From individual to global levels, a diverse perspective will promote inclusivity and resistance to marginalization. 

Procedure: 

Clarkson College’s Assessment Strategy involves Clarkson College-wide data collection from Academic Departments, Non-Academic Departments, and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Data collected from the Academic and Non-Academic Departments across all divisions are included in Annual Reports (the Academic Annual Program Review & Outcomes Report (AAPRO) and the Department Annual Review & Outcomes Report (DARO), respectively). All departments incorporate data from various data sources (e.g., key performance indicators (KPIs), student surveys, student learning outcomes (course and co-curricular), learning management system data, and student information system data) to inform their decision-making for their departments. Data collected through the Office of Institutional Effectiveness are included in the Annual Assessment Report, which provides the blueprint for discussion on continuous improvement. Assessment retreats are held for the Leadership Council in the Fall and Spring semesters. Any proposed academic or student service-related needs, budget allocation for resources, or other recommendations for Clarkson College improvement are documented, reviewed in the Leadership Council, and shared at the Annual Strategic Planning Day, where the Clarkson College community can provide input. 

This process allows formal assessment of Clarkson College students’ academic achievement and continuous quality improvement in all areas of Clarkson College. This dynamic process requires continuous review and assessment reporting to make recommendations for improvement in the academic and non-academic departments. This Assessment Strategy focuses on academic excellence at all levels by strengthening the institutional assessment and academic offerings by program, examining educational effectiveness, and evaluating available resources to offer quality programming. This assessment strategy verifies the achievement of the five Clarkson College Student Success Skills (i.e., institutional Student Learning Outcomes) (CC.01 - communication, CC.02 - critical thinking, CC.03 - technology, CC.04 – professional behavior, and CC.05 - diversity) at the institutional, program, and course levels.