Theme 1: Meetings/Minutes

September 29, 2006

  1. Introductions – Name, Department, and one outcome of value learned as an undergraduate.
  2. Visioning: Conjured up a graduate each is proud of and, in writing, described the graduate’s specific actions or behaviors that generated this pride.
  3. Discussed and listed the prideworthy competencies we had described:
    • Articulate reflectively
      • using disciplinary language and framework
      • with complexity and nuance
    • exude openness to others, demonstrating critical awareness
    • honestly self-assess
    • exhibit passion and commitment to vocation
    • promote a more equitable and just society
    • evaluate arguments and evidence in constructing their own
    • use a ‘big picture’ perspective in connecting social conditions
    • identify, articulate, and solve problems in an elegant way

We noted that these all involved integrating and using information skillfully – behaviors that move beyond (though they also include and depend upon) knowing a particular content area

We agreed to meet at the same time, next week, bringing ideas for Humboldt core academic competencies that are shaped by the insights gained from today’s discussions.

Several readings were handed out for discussion at the next meeting:

  • “The Learning Students Need for the 21st Century,” Chapter 3 from AAC&U’s Greater Expectations.
  • “Higher ed must adapt to the ‘flat world’,” p. 13, University Business, August 2006.
  • Humboldt Vision, Mission, Strategic Plan Executive Summary
  • Humboldt Graduation Pledge, http://www.humboldt.edu/gpa
  • “Doing Assessment As If Learning Matters Most,” Thomas A. Angelo, AAHE Bulletin, May 1999.
  • “Writing learning outcomes – a guide,”http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/tld/staff/b1/outcomes.htm