I am writing to remind you that learning outcomes for each undergraduate major offered in CLAS must be included in the 2018-2019 General Catalog, as discussed in a recent DEO meeting.

We are asking for this inclusion in order to encourage a conversation with the department or program about the learning goals for each major. That is, what should students have learned in the major by graduation?  These learning goals may encompass both concepts and skills.

• As you know, the University of Iowa will be undergoing reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission over the next several years.
• This process has changed substantially since UI was last reaccredited, with the focus now particularly on learning outcomes as well as on their achievement by students.
• An active oversight of the curriculum and an effort to make improvements in it are vital to the assessment process and to reaccreditation.

Most, if not all majors, have outcomes developed from working with Wayne Jacobson, Director, Office of Assessment, over the last 6 years. Using these outcomes as a starting point, departments and programs should now begin the process of reviewing and updating these learning outcomes, if needed.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) standards for accreditation may be found here:

              https://www.hlcommission.org/Criteria-Eligibility-and-Candidacy/criteria-and-core components.html

In particular, section 4 B emphasizes the importance of learning goals and assessment of them by faculty:

4.B. The institution demonstrates a commitment to educational achievement and improvement through ongoing assessment of student learning.

1. The institution has clearly stated goals for student learning and effective processes for assessment of student learning and achievement of learning goals.

2. The institution assesses achievement of the learning outcomes that it claims for its curricular and co-curricular programs.

3. The institution uses the information gained from assessment to improve student learning.

4. The institution’s processes and methodologies to assess student learning reflect good practice, including the substantial participation of faculty and other instructional staff members.

The College is not at this time requiring outcomes to be included in the General Catalog for undergraduate certificates and minors or for graduate programs.

Thank you for bringing your questions and concerns to my attention.