Cocurricular Learning Outcomes
The cocurriculum at Penn State includes both formal and informal out-of-class learning opportunities. These include involvement with clubs and organizations, workshops, lectures, internships, co-ops, living-learning communities, intramural and recreation programs, undergraduate research opportunities, interactions with faculty and other students, service learning, academic and career advising, cultural events and study abroad.
Knowledge Acquisition/Application
Students will:
- Develop an understanding of knowledge from a range of disciplines/areas
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply ideas and themes across the curriculum and cocurriculum.
Cognitive Competency
Students will:
- Acquire learning skills to assist in their academic success
- Develop critical and reflective thinking abilities
- Apply effective reasoning skills
Life Skills and Self-Knowledge
Students will:
- Determine their career interests
- Acquire career management skills
- Develop the ability to manage and resolve interpersonal conflicts
- Cultivate a propensity for lifelong learning
- Develop personal health, fitness, wellness and leisure habits and identify health risks
- Improve self-understanding and awareness by developing an integrated personal identity (including sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture and spiritual)
- Exhibit responsible decision-making and personal accountability
Personal Integrity and Values
Students will:
- Acquire ethical reasoning skills
- Improve their ability to manage their emotions effectively
- Develop a sense of personal integrity and clarify their personal values
- Appreciate creative expression and aesthetics
- Demonstrate compassion and empathy for others
Intercultural Development
Students will:
- Possess multicultural awareness and knowledge
- Develop sensitivity to and appreciation of human differences
- Exhibit the ability to work effectively with those different from themselves
- Demonstrate a commitment to social justice
Leadership and Active Citizenship
Students will:
- Communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing
- Demonstrate an understanding of group dynamics and effective teamwork
- Understand leadership theory and styles
- Identify their own leadership style when working with others
- Develop a range of leadership skills and abilities such as effectively leading change, resolving conflict, and motivating others
- Develop a deep understanding of sustainability (locally, nationally, globally) and be prepared to lead others in the implementation of strategies for sustainable resource use on campus and in their communities
- Assume a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to public life
Approved by the Pennsylvania State University Coordinating Committee on University Assessment, May 2006.