If you are a student that follows a different catalog year, see your department chair or the Office of Academic Records.

University Learning Outcomes and Assessment Program

Participation in University Assessment Program
Dickinson State University has an on-going program of assessing university-wide learning outcomes for students who graduate from the institution with either an associate or baccalaureate degree.

I.          Critical Thinking Skills
            Students will demonstrate critical thinking in a variety of contexts for life long learning.
II.         Communication and Technology Skills
            Students will demonstrate proficiency in communication skills in a variety of forms including the effective use of current technologies and other information resources.
III.       Multicultural and Global Experience
            Students will demonstrate knowledge of national and international multiculturalism and the importance of global citizenship.
IV.       Aesthetic Experience
            Students will demonstrate knowledge of the arts and humanities including participation in artistic activities.
V.        Discipline Based Knowledge
            Students will demonstrate discipline-specific knowledge and career skills related to their field/s of study.
VI.       Health and Wellness Knowledge
            Students will demonstrate knowledge of the importance of health, wellness, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

These learning outcomes are institutional in nature and are incorporated within specific outcomes for each major program. Major programs, courses, and university programs are all geared to implement and develop the above learning outcomes during the academic careers of Dickinson State University students in order to provide students with the quality education needed for future employment and function as a productive member of society. All faculty and students are active participants in producing and inculcating these learning outcomes. Therefore, participation in assessment activities such as pre- and post-testing, portfolio development, and capstone courses including exams in major fields is mandatory for all students as part of the University’s academic experience.

Failure to participate in the University Assessment Program may result in the University’s placing of a “HOLD” on an entering freshman’s registration or on a graduating senior’s grade transcripts. Failures in compliance with or exceptions to the assessment participation policy will be referred to an Assessment Appeals Committee through a student-generated written appeal form. These forms are available in the Office of Student Support Services. The Assessment Appeals Committee will determine appropriate action for each specific case.
NOTE: All candidates for graduation (Bachelor’s Degree only) must review Dickinson State University’s assessment requirements on page ?? of this catalog.

Student Evaluation of Faculty and Courses
Student evaluation of faculty and courses is an important part of DSU Assessment program plus North Dakota State Board of Higher Education policy requires faculty evaluations with significant student input. Faculty course evaluations provide valuable data to Dickinson State University for institutional research, curricular revision, and personnel management. Faculty course evaluations are also an important part of the University’s learning outcome assessment program. Therefore, all students are required to participate in faculty course evaluations for every course they were enrolled in during each term in attendance at DSU.

These evaluations are paper/pencil machine scored questionnaires.  All student responses on the faculty course evaluations will be confidential and used by the University for the purposes cited above.

Failure to participate in the faculty course evaluations may result in a “hold” being placed on student grades and grade transcripts. This means that neither term grades nor official transcripts will be released to students or other parties until the “hold” is removed either through a successful appeal or compliance. Student appeals indicating reasons for non-compliance to the faculty course evaluation requirement may be made through the Assessment Appeals Committee comprised of the Vice President for Student Development, Director of Educational Enhancement Services, and the Director of the Student Support Services. Appeal forms can be picked up in any of these offices.