Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment

Why assess GE? All degree seeking and transfer students at Citrus College are required to complete a core of general education courses. Since GE is an institutional requirement that crosses disciplines, assessment occurs on a broader scale than course or program level assessment. The goal is to improve the GE curriculum to benefit our students. It is through general education that the college fulfills its mission to provide quality transfer, career technical, basic skills, and life-long learning programs that prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

Annual assessment of our general education program has been conducted every year in May since 2012. We assess our GE outcomes in order to discuss the interesting connections between our courses, the general education pattern at Citrus, and student completion and success. In addition to instructional faculty, deans, and institutional research, representatives from the library, student services, classified staff, and the student body have been in attendance. This practice is innovative since we have conversations in each GE area (language and rationality, natural sciences, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical education/dance), and then share our observations and concerns with the larger group. 

The SLO committee share with the divisions since the topics discussed can be a good starting point for continued dialogue about the concerns in our GE areas and how to best address them. For example, natural sciences has discussed the findings in the report at division meetings and then used the results to create an action plan to focus on critical thinking in the classroom. Social/behavioral sciences committed to use early alert more to support students.