Institutional Effectiveness
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Assessment & Student Learning
Great Falls College is committed to the evaluation of institutional effectiveness and the assessment of student learning outcomes. This commitment is reflected through an assortment of activities and processes that include a yearly data day and systemic review of course, program and college student learning outcomes. Faculty departments review course-level and program-level student learning outcomes. The student learning assessment committee leads the charge for college student learning outcomes.
Highlights
The 2024–2025 academic year was marked by significant progress in advancing assessment and student learning practices. The Student Learning Outcomes Committee implemented a new program learning outcomes process using Insights software and partnered with academic programs to revise outcomes to ensure they are measurable and aligned with industry expectations. Curriculum maps were updated across programs to strengthen clarity and coherence. In addition, the college drafted a new Institutional Learning Outcomes process, laying the groundwork for consistent, college‑wide assessment and continuous improvement.
Year 2023-24 was a busy year for the Assessment Committee on Campus. In the fall, the committee hosted a non-instructional day workshop on “How to Complete the Syllabus Template for Course Outcomes.” The committee also defined who would manage each level of assessment on our campus. In the spring, the committee hosted data days, reviewed program/department action plans, implemented Weave for management of action plans, met with each program to review program student learning outcomes and assessment tools and finally worked with the General Education Division to write its degree outcomes for the AS/AA degrees.
Institutional Learning Outcomes
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to student learning, growth, and long‑term success. Great Falls College provides high‑quality educational experiences supporting student success and meeting the needs of our community. Our Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) articulate the essential skills every student should develop during their time at the college. These outcomes guide our programs, instruction, and support services, ensuring that all graduates are prepared to excel in their careers, contribute to their communities, and pursue lifelong learning.
Below are the core Institutional Learning Outcomes students will achieve through their educational experience at Great Falls College.
Critical Thinking
Students will think critically by evaluating information analytically, using ideas and data in creative and innovative ways.
Upon graduation, students will:
• Distinguish between credible and non‑credible information
• Organize information to highlight relationships
• Interpret information from multiple sources to identify ideas or patterns
• Make logical conclusions based on evidence
Professionalism
Students will demonstrate professionalism in and out of the classroom, meeting current organizational or industry standards for conduct, appearance, and teamwork.
Upon graduation, students will:
- Model accountability by acknowledging their actions and choices and recognizing their impact on others
- Practice respect by treating others courteously, valuing diverse perspectives, and demonstrating professional behaviors such as active listening, respecting boundaries, recognizing non‑verbal cues, punctuality, and showing appreciation
- Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, and fairness in academic and professional settings
- Demonstrate professional appearance by following industry dress codes, adhering to safety equipment requirements, tailoring appearance to the audience, and aligning personal presentation with the professional environment
Communication
Students will communicate effectively, expressing ideas and information in the mode most appropriate to the audience and situation.
Upon graduation, students will:
- List and describe key audience characteristics to select the most effective communication style
- Summarize and explain main ideas clearly to ensure audience understanding
- Demonstrate the ability to use various communication tools (e.g., presentations, reports, discussions) suited to different audiences and situations
- Use correct grammar, language, and spelling to communicate clearly and appropriately for the audience and situation
- Employ appropriate communication strategies during group discussions or presentations to convey messages effectively