Student Learning Assessment & Retention

Mesalands Community College

Effective assessment of student learning and retention is a matter of commitment, not a matter of compliance.  To that end, Mesalands Community College is dedicated to establishing a culture of assessment imbedded in every aspect of the educational process.  Assessing, understanding, and improving

student learning and retention is an ongoing, institutional-wide process that involves all stakeholders, both internal and external. 

Student Learning Assessment

The first stated “goal” of Mesalands Community College is to provide “(a)n environment where learning is appreciated, encouraged, and assessed.”

The Student Learning Assessment Team and the Assessment Team are responsible for facilitating the assessment of both the General Education Competencies and Program Objectives/Competencies.

The College has identified three General Education requirements/competencies that all Mesalands Community College graduates will demonstrate upon completion of a degree.  These requirements/competencies represent the most deeply held values of the College and are as follows:

• Communication:  Students will read, write, listen and use verbal skills to organize and communicate information and ideas in personal and group settings.

• Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning:  Students will demonstrate mathematical principles and scientific reasoning by applying appropriate methods to the inquiry process.

• Critical Thinking:  Students will identify, evaluate and analyze evidence to guide decision making and communicate his/her beliefs clearly and accurately.

General Education Rubrics

All degree and certificate programs of study have identified program-specific objectives.  These program objectives reflect those competencies that students will possess and demonstrate upon graduation.  These program objectives/competencies reflect those knowledge, skills and abilities valued by workplace employers and other stakeholders. 

Program Objectives/Competencies

Program Lead Directors

Student Learning Assessment Reports

Program 1

2009-2010

Program 2

2009-2010

Program 3

2009-2010

Student Learning Assessment Committee

Annual Report

2008-2009

Degree programs measure both General Education competency and program-specific objective attainment while certificate programs measure program-specific objective attainment only.

Assessment of student learning is an ongoing process. Those shareholders involved in the PlanàDoàStudyàAdjust Cycle must remain current with the latest research and information as it relates to student academic achievement.  In an effort to keep those interested parties up-to-dated as to the current state of assessment both at the College and national level, Mesalands Community College maintains the following links:

Assessment News

Student Learning Assessment Model

2008-2009

Beyond the Basics:

Reinventing Assessment

At Mesalands Community College

Faculty Assessment Notes

2008-2009

Higher Learning Commission’s

Academy for Assessment of Student Learning

Academy Electronic Network

Assessment and Retention Articles

Related Web Pages

Student Retention

Although retention efforts are the responsibility of all faculty and staff at Mesalands Community College, Students Services is charged with the development and implementation of a formal Retention Plan.  The purpose of the Retention Plan 2008-2009 is to document the systematic and comprehensive approach to retention that can easily be understood and followed by all campus personnel.  This plan is presented to all faculty and staff on an annual basis.

Weekly Retention Report