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Student and Program Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Student learning outcomes are an important foundation for assuring academic quality. They are also essential to our UAS accreditation. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) standards state that Information on expected student learning outcomes for all courses is provided to enrolled students. UAS meets this requirement by having faculty include their student learning outcomes in course syllabi that are posted to the Blackboard course site.

Student learning outcomes make clear what a student is expected to have mastered upon completion of a course or degree and help faculty colleagues teaching more advanced courses know what students have learned in foundation courses. Moreover, having published outcomes helps ensure that different sections of the same course—no matter where offered or how—have the same intended outcomes. Identifying student learning outcomes falls within the purview of faculty.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

The NWCCU standards state that institutions identify and publish expected program and degree learning outcomes for all degrees, certificates, and credentials. UAS has begun to publish Program Learning Outcomes in the Academic Catalog, starting in Academic Year 2023. The Program Learning Outcomes are noted in a tab for each program.

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