University Learning Outcomes Home
One focus of UA Fort Smith and of each program offered by the university is student learning with every graduate able to demonstrate and apply knowledge, skills, and abilities gained here in his or her chosen profession. In 2000, faculty reviewed the elements of this focus and set in place new expectations reflecting the environment in which our students exist. These expectations are known as University Learning Outcomes.
University Learning Outcomes (ULO) are knowledge and abilities that students need to enter any career or vocation, to be productive citizens in an ever-changing world, and to develop themselves as human beings and lifelong learners.
The University Learning Outcomes ensure that UA Fort Smith fulfills the promises set forth in its mission statement. These learning outcomes define the measurable expectations of student learning throughout the university curricula and degree programs.
Statement on General Education
The Higher Learning Commission's Statement on General Education provides an important background for understanding the Commission's current policies on effective general education in higher education.
History
In 2000, UA Fort Smith established a goal to become a learning-centered institution. In support of this goal, a General Education committee was formed to begin the task of evaluating and redesigning UA Fort Smith's general education program. The committee's task was to reassess the established general education learning outcomes and develop an on-going assessment of general education curriculum.
A first step was the decision that general education guidelines should not be course based but rather outcome based -- what the student should be able to think, know, and do. UA Fort Smith faculty then identified six general education learning outcomes expected of every graduate. These outcomes include a depth and breadth of core knowledge students must have to successfully navigate an increasingly complex world.
