What are Student Learning Outcomes?

Student Learning Outcomes are statements which describe what we want our students to know and/or be able to do as a consequence of the services provided by our counseling office.  Recently adopted accreditation standards require institutions to undertake this approach to accountability in services. 

Section II.B of the new accreditation standards states:

"The institution systematically assesses student support services using student learning outcomes, faculty and staff input, and other appropriate measures in order to improve the effectiveness of these services.”

Why are they important?

Recognizing the importance of student learning outcomes in the service areas, the three counseling departments at San Joaquin Delta College have dedicated two major off campus planning retreats, several combined counselor meetings, and many small sub-committee sessions to develop the first draft of SLO’s for counseling.  Additionally, counselors and other staff have attended professional development conferences and workshops in pursuit of an appropriate and responsive set of outcome expectations.

One professional development conference featured a college program which organized student learning outcomes into groups by “major competencies”.  Delta College counselors found this method to be a good fit for the outcome statements developed at our Spring 2007 planning retreat and have adopted such a plan for our institution.

Summary

What follows are the Major Competencies and related Student Learning Outcomes developed by counselors at San Joaquin Delta College.  The statements listed after 'Assessment Instrument/Process' are extracted from a pre/post counseling appointment instrument given to students during selected times of the year.  The results are summarized and reported back to the counseling staff who review and recommend possible process changes.  This instrument is being piloted during the Spring Semester, 2008.

Fall 2007 Student Learning Outcomes

Major Competency Number 1

Student understands the role of

educational planning in overall academic success.

• Student Learning Outcome Number 1a: Student is able to define ‘general education’.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know which general education courses that I should take. (SLO1a)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 1b: Student is able to describe his/her assessment results and the relationship to course selection.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I understand my assessment results in relationship to course selection. (SLO1b)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 1c: Student is able to define his/her educational goal.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know which courses to take for my educational goals . (SLO1c)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 1d: Student is able to describe which courses are required for a specific certificate or AS program.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know which courses to take to graduate with a certificate or associate degree. (SLO1d)

Major Competency Number 2

Student understands and can fully navigate the processes that lead to successful transfer to a four year college or university.

• Student Learning Outcome Number 2a:  Student is able to identify courses required to transfer to a four year institution.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know which courses to take to transfer to a four year institution. (SLO2a)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 2b:  Student is able to identify if he/she should follow the IGETC or CSU pattern for transfer.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know which general education pattern (IGETC or CSU) to follow in order to transfer.

          (SLO2b)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 2c:  Student is able to identify the number of units required to transfer to a CSU, UC or private university.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know how many units are required to transfer to a CSU, UC or private university.

          (SLO2c)

Major Competency Number 3

Student understands the role of career development

in overall academic success.

• Student Learning Outcome Number 3a:  Student is able to identify, access, and complete a minimum of one career interest/aptitude inventory.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know which career assessment test to take to help me identify a career goal . (SLO3a)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 3b: Student is able to describe his/her assessment results and the relationship of these to course selection.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know which courses to select based on my career assessment results. (SLO3b)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 3c:  Student is able to state his/her career goal and related educational goal.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I have identified my career goal and selected a major . (SLO3c)

Major Competency Number 4

Student on academic and progress probation understands

the reasons why s/he is on probation and the

key requirements for return to good standing.

• Student Learning Outcome Number 4a:  Student is able to define academic probation.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I can define academic probation. (SLO4a)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 4b:  Student is able to define progress probation.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I can define progress probation. (SLO4b)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 4c:  Student is able to list appropriate classes or support resources if he/she is on academic or progress probation.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I can define financial aid disqualification. (SLO4c)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 5a:  Student is able to discuss personal issues with a counselor.

          Assessment Instrument/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know that if I have a personal issue I can discuss it with my counselor. (SLO5a)

• Student Learning Outcome Number 5b:  Student is able to seek immediate help in the counseling office during a crisis as needed.

          Assessment Instrumtent/Process:

          Pre/post counseling session assessment will measure changes in level of agreement with the following

          statement:  I know that if I am in crisis I can seek immediate help in the counseling office. (SLO5b)