Context for Analysis (C)

1C1 Identifying Common Student Learning Objectives

Western expects all students completing courses in the general education program to acquire the knowledge and skills to achieve nine common objectives (Figure 1.2).

Statewide general education policy requires Missouri higher education institutions to design and offer a general education program that includes a minimum of 42 semester credit-hours distributed across the academic skills and knowledge areas identified in Figure 1.3. The common core of general education curriculum offerings at Western enables students to acquire the academic skills and knowledge necessary for understanding, communicating, and performing in a diverse and complex world.

Students are encouraged to complete an applied learning experience such as an internship, practicum, or faculty/student research. In addition, students are encouraged to complete an activity, such as campus employment, that promotes
student development. Seventy-nine percent of 2006 graduates participated in co-curricular and extracurricular activities through their involvement on campus and in volunteer service to the larger community.

Student Services and Student Development provide services and programs that systematically impact most students and help them become active and engaged citizens both on campus and in the greater community. These services include
orientation, academic advising, counseling, academic support, disability services, multicultural education, testing, non-traditional student support, recreation, employment, and career development.

Figure 1.2 General Education Learning Objectives

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Figure 1.3 General Studies Core

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