Programs & Assessment: SLOA

Student Learning Outcomes Assessment (SLOA) at HCC:  Philosophy

SLOA is an ongoing component of the institutional process. All members of the institution share responsibility for student learning. Continuous improvement of learning is a collaborative enterprise upon which the success of instruction depends. The results of SLOA are not used in a punitive manner toward students, faculty, or staff. The data collected during the assessment process are used to provide feedback to students, faculty, and staff; reinforcing and improving educational practices that facilitate learning. 

At HCC, outcomes are assessed at three levels: institution, program, and course. The Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) align with HCC's mission statement, have been endorsed by the Faculty Assembly, and voted into policy by the Board of Directors. Program and course outcomes are developed with the ILOs in mind. Program outcomes are assessable benchmarks for knowledge and skills that a student should be able to demonstrate at the completion of the program. Course outcomes are assessable benchmarks for knowledge and skills that a student should be able to demonstrate at the completion of the course. Course outcomes are contained within and unique to each course and program outcomes are contained within and unique to each program. ILOs are common across all academic programs and divisions, although not all programs are required to report on every ILO. ILOs are assessed and reported on at the program level, and that data is compiled into division-level summaries, which are then compiled into an institution-level overview.