Compilation of all Suggestions for Graduation Outcomes from Department Chairs Workshop, January 23, 2007 and Faculty Forums the week of March 5, 2007

Ultimately we want to develop statements that specify the level of competence of the most important 8-10 learning outcomes we expect of every Oswego graduate. These outcomes would be achieved at a level of competence only possible by the time students have completed general education, their majors, minors, and electives.  In other words, these are outcomes that we expect at a level of competence beyond general education outcomes.  We will be able to use statements of graduation outcomes to explain to potential students, parents, and the public at large what an education at SUNY Oswego means to our students.  We will be able to use such statements to describe the distinctive characteristics and strengths of SUNY Oswego.

A.  Communicate Effectively

1. Write persuasively and speak eloquently
2. Develop & articulate an argument in written and oral form
3. Present their point or arguments in an articulate and professional manner to people who may not share the same expertise or opinion
4. read, write, communicate—be functionally literate
5. persuasively articulate ideas in written and oral form to specific audiences of different backgrounds and understandings
6. listen to others, listen with discernment
7. read, write, speak
8. can write correctly
9. communicate in all forms
10. communicate effectively in written and oral form
11. communicate effectively in a variety of contexts utilizing appropriate communication tools
12. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within the discipline ad to more general audiences
13. write effectively and with proper style and grammar
14. write convincingly about themselves, including resume writing
15. speak effectively with strangers, both in interview and making reports
16. communicate effectively both in speaking and in writing
17. communicate effectively (writing and speaking)
18. express original thought
19. communicate effectively in an oral, visual, and written manner
20. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within their disciplines and to more general audiences
21. understand and articulate, orally and in writing, multiple perspective on an issue
22. communicate clearly and effectively in formats used in their chosen fields and in daily life including writing, speaking, listening and visual literacy
23. edit and critique another’s writing

B.  Critical and Creative Thinking

1. Recognize/identify spurious causality, i.e. describe & assess validity of quantitative data
2. Apply critical and analytical thought processes to confront contemporary challenges and respond to real opportunities in their world
3. Analyze complex problems that they have never before encountered and propose creative and ethical solutions
4. Practice incredulity
5. Read & understand SUNY GE outcomes
6. Incredulity
7. Habits of Mind
1. Notice-defamiliarize
2. Identify
3. Contextualize
4. Analyze
5. Interpret/explain
6. Respond
   i.     Reflection
   ii.    Resilience
   iii.   Resourcefulnes
   iv.   Recursion
8. Recognize, analyze and evaluate arguments
9. Learn how to question
10. think critically and independently
11. apply logical/analytical reasoning skills
12. be creative thinker
13. transfer knowledge to other situations
14. show the ability to transfer knowledge and skills to new settings and complex problems
15. see problems objectively, stay on task, synthesize information, reach a conclusion, and act as a catalytic leader
16. construct and support an argument based on strong evidence
17. employ different kinds of information in order to make good decisions
18. ability to be critical consumers of knowledge
19. use reason, logic, statistics, and judicious skepticism to inform their thought and direct actions
20. employ reasoning and logic to analyze and solve problems
21. Critically analyze a situation and develop an informed opinion
22. Evaluate, understand, research relevant information
23. Understand and interpret statistics
24. Info Lit—locate, evaluate & synthesize information
25. Understand science as a methodology & appreciate the importance of SM to evaluate information quality
26. Self-motivated to read a variety of published/unpublished documents through a critical lens—comprehend, interpret, analyze, critique
27. Learn information literacy
28. describe and assess the validity of quantitative data
29. apply critical and analytical thought processes to contemporary challenges
30. critically evaluate sources, information, arguments and visual images
31. be able to present and defend ideas in the public realm
32. be able to understand and apply the scientific method (inductive reasoning)
33. find, analyze, apply, connect and synthesize knowledge
34. read and comprehend all types of information/process different types of information
35. synthesize knowledge and information
36. acquire and use knowledge effectively (find, analyze, synthesize, apply, connect)
37. sufficient math and science skills to evaluate upcoming technology choices and future directions for scientific research that impact society locally and globally
38. acquire, analyze and synthesize information in order to solve problems and make decisions
39. search, access, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and articulate information within their discipline and to more general audiences
40. recognize patterns in a diverse array of data that may not be immediately obvious
41. contextualize in order to make flexible and relevant analyses and decisions
42. synthesize information
43. distill information and extract a theme
44. successful critical thinkers
45. critical thinking
46. employ critical thinking skills when analyzing information
47. demonstrate information literacy across disciplines, including the ability to locate, read, evaluate, and synthesize information
48. use mathematics and sciences, skills and knowledge as a foundation for personal and professional achievement
49. analyze a situation, knowing how to gather, analyze, and synthesize information leading to decision-making
50. demonstrate advanced reading comprehension skills both in and out of the discipline
51. solve problems
52. exercise discernment concerning information
53. discerning reading skills
54. Draw background and context information from materials in previous coursework and other learning to formulate and refine a research or question or problem

C.  Demonstrate Knowledge and Skills for Intercultural Interactions

1. Adapt to cultural shifts and move among cultures
2. Think rationally and empathetically about cultural differences based on experience and knowledge with cross-cultural interactions
3. Knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world
4. Assess own skills and knowledge wrt. global community
5. Identify on a map areas of the world & countries important to US foreign policy
6. Read, write, speak & listen in a foreign language for everyday functioning
7. Interact with native speakers of a foreign language about ideas, in both speech and writing
8. Compare and contrast one’s own cultural system with others
9. Ability to understand, respect, and explain the difference in values, social norms, political systems, or lifestyle choices between cultures; to engage in values of other cultures and not be judgmental
10. Celebrate human diversity (ethnic, cultural, viewpoints)
11. Approach the world with an open mind
12. exhibit intercultural knowledge and function interculturally
13. deeper understanding of multiple cultural issues with awareness perspectives
14. demonstrate knowledge and skills for intercultural interactions, including foreign language.  Intercultural literacy include linguistic competence; social, geographical, political and economic sustainability
15. will understand and engage in intellectual and cultural paradigm in their disciplines
16. graduates will develop a critical perspective to understand and appreciate cultures both local and global
17. exercise tools of global citizenship, including a foreign language
18. have a developed cultural awareness—are global citizens—being able to navigate global communications
19. to be culturally savvy and sensitive
20. knowledge and critical awareness of the political, social, and economic worlds beyond Oswego and their impact on the local
21. function and communicate in the global world: learning another language and culture would facility this
22. global awareness and understanding: develop different perspective(s) with respect to the global and diverse world
23. an understanding of geographic and economic diversity
24. possesses language and cultural skills at a level to negotiate and navigate daily life in another country
25. rely on a knowledge of historical, cultural, geographical and religious aspects of the world around them
26. explain and respect the differences, values, political systems or lifestyle choices between cultures
27. read, write, speak and listen in a language other than English for every day functioning
28. demonstrate knowledge and skills for intercultural interaction
29. understand and engage in social, cultural and political issues and solutions, both locally and globally
30. Develop habits of respect for gender, racial, and ethnic differences
31. show respect for differences (sexuality, gender, ethnic dis/ability, religious, racial)

D.  Working in Teams

1. Work in teams to solve problems and improve communities
2. Work collaboratively in diverse teams toward solutions that can be implemented
3. Achieve skills in collaborative problem solving
4. Work effectively as a team leader/member to collaborate with those who bring a different perspective
5. Collaborate effectively w/ diverse others on a common task
6. participate in complex problem solving of many types (economic, political, social, cultural)
7. collaborate effectively in diverse groups to solve a problem(s)
8. demonstrate ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively
9. be open minded/accepting
10. work with others
11. work collaboratively to solve problems
12. empathize with other people and their arguments
13. work collaboratively in a team
14. have respect for others’ intellectual knowledge
15. work collaboratively towards a common goal and reconcile differences and embrace tolerance in working with others
16. work collaboratively in a manner which not only recognizes/exploits agreement but also appropriately acknowledges/manages conflict
17. work collaboratively within diverse teams toward outcomes that can be implemented

E.  Knowledge and Skills appropriate for Graduate School and/or Career

1. Intellectual and Practical Skills
2. Read a scholarly article from a respected journal in own major, showing comprehension of content
3. Solve college algebra problems
4. Write clearly in a variety of contexts
5.  Identify the major reference resources in own field and use skillfully
6. Find reliable info on any topic and evaluate it
7. Understand the significance of the world of work as a contribution to their own well-being and that of the people in society and the world
8. learn to use the information gained in their major
9. be prepared for professional life
10. demonstrate professionalism
11. recognize the need to be a problem-solver
12. understanding powerful concepts in one’s discipline
13. develop expertise in choice of discipline that allows pursuit of career goals
14. exhibit mastery of practical and intellectual skills related to their primary area of academic interest (prepare for life after college)
15. explain and apply and build on skills and knowledge of one’s own discipline
16. Achieve a breadth and diversity of knowledge and understanding that enables them to analyze a variety of problems
17. use real world experience gained through internships, etc. to gain professional confidence
18. experience-based education
19. don’t assume the current major is final career path
20. employment—negotiating ability and interpersonal skills
21. demonstrate critical literacy in numeric, technological literacy, arts, humanities, civics, science and financial literacy
22. manage time in an organized way
23. seeking excellence in all their pursuits
24. balance personal and professional lives
25. build and recognize a gestalt: in particular, the interrelatedness of their professional and personal development and a responsibility for maintaining a balance between the two
26. Access, locate and retrieve information in various formats using tools specific to at least one major field of study and tools and resources outside or on the periphery of the discipline
27. Follow citations to trace the development of research and knowledge on a topic
28. Seek out recommendations for sources from faculty and other experts and persist in searching for useful sources
29. Comprehend disciplinary literatures and professional communication within fields, identify prominent authors, journals and publishers in major field and explain the methodology and major issues in the major field
30. Understand the interdisciplinary and disciplinary nature of research
31. Evaluate sources and information  using the criteria and methods of a major field of study
32. Produce an end-product relevant to the major field by effectively integrating the information they have found
33. Value reliable information and sound reasoning, the creation of knowledge in discipline communities, intellectual integrity, freedom and privacy

F.  Skills for Life-Long Learning

1. Take responsibility for own education
2. Keep pace w/ constant changes in our world knowing that learning is an ongoing pursuit
3. Play
4. Integrative Learning
5. Assess, evaluate & adapt to emerging knowledge & technologies
6. Problem solve
7. Ability to be a catalyst for change and innovation or have the ability to adapt
8. Proactively re-engineer their core competencies—“flexible problem solvers”
9. develop intellectual curiosity
10. continue learning beyond college
11. lifelong learning
12. adapt to a changing environment
13. have the confidence to change, to grow, to explore
14. instilling the value of life long learning
15. stay motivated to excel
16. learn independently
17. be lifelong learners
18. exhibit a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development
19. become a curious lifetime learner
20. continue learning throughout life
21. set challenging personal and professional goals and take responsibility for life-long learning
22. discover and demonstrate the pleasure of finding things out
23. demonstrate personal responsibility for learning
24. competence to adapt to new situations, jobs
25. intellectual curiosity
26. exercise intellectual curiosity
27. take an active role in developing their own growth
28. Appreciate the contributions of shared library resources and of librarians’ expertise to the benefit of communities and organizations

G.  Be Ethical

1. Make decisions/choices in an ethical manner
2. Read Kant
3. Develop an ability to make better/informed decisions regarding quality of life, health/well-being, ethical choices, personal finance
4. have the courage to be wrong and admit it
5. have a strong work ethic
6. develop a habit of altruism
7. accept ownership of their decisions/actions
8. instill/possess a sense of self reliance and ambition
9. actualize a realistic ethical vision
10. act ethically
11. act socially responsibly
12. live, work, act within an ethical horizon
13. strong sense of integrity
14. ethics/honesty
15. develop a strong sense of personal and professional ethics
16. recognize, value, and uphold high ethical standards as full participants in the academic community
17. recognize, value and uphold high ethical standards
18. recognize, value and uphold high ethical standards as full participants in the academic and professional community
19. recognize, value, and uphold high ethical standards, cultivating a habit of moral reasoning
20. be cognizant of the needs of future generations and act accordingly
21. develop a vision of your place in the world with regard to work, community and earth community
22. find and act on their place in a complex natural and social environment G

H.  Value Civic Engagement

1. Take responsibility for their actions (civic engagement)
2. Be informed and active participants engaged in emerging technologies of communication, media and information
3. Be active participants in meeting the needs and solving problems in their communities, local, national and global
4. Develop sensitivity to the economic issues in their own lives as well as in society and the world
5. Appreciate the complexity of the natural environment ad recognize their responsibility in protecting that environment
6. Draw on historical precedents to suggest solutions to today’s cultural problems
7. Prepare students to solve the problems of the world, to analyze, discuss and propose solutions to their community
8. Analyze and evaluate the actions and statements of political, economic, and social leaders
9. Personal & Social Responsibility
10. Argue cogently on an issue of public interest
11. Plan for becoming a productive citizen
12. become engaged and courageous citizens
13. be engaged responsibly in civic action and to participate politically at the local, state, national and global levels
14. recognize their responsibility and place in society
15. sense of social responsibility
16. ready to undertake life, work, and research w/in radically altered ecological circumstance and conditions
17. implement actions in personal life that protect earth ecosystems and demonstrate conservation of resources
18. imagine, experience, recognize and articulate the possibilities to contribute to society locally, nationally and globally
19. be able to communicate and advocate for a political and/or ethical cause
20. be able to analyze and articulate local and regional needs and work toward solutions
21. demonstrate a propensity for informed responsible participator citizenship
22. practice community responsibility
23. personal and social responsibility—active in civic engagement
24. have some appreciation for “town and gown” interaction
25. have had a measurable role in a town or gown activity
26. integrate into social communities and take pride in becoming and active and productive member of it
27. participate in meeting needs and solving problems in their communities—local, national, global
28. be active participants in meeting the needs and solving problems in communities, local, national, and global, according to their personal passion
29. be engaged citizens, recognizing and practicing ethical behaviors and social responsibility
30. be an advocate of justice
31. will have done something to contribute to the ‘sustainability’ (energy, waste, pollution, water resources, food) of the Oswego campus and community
32. demonstrate the ability to act as social catalyst for change

I.  Technological Abilities

1. use technology
2. utilize technological skills for lifelong learning
3. competence—ability to learn to adapt to new technologies
4. To have the skills and competence to use the technologies they will encounter for communication, research (access to data) information sharing, and problem solving

J.  Appreciate the Creative Arts

1. Develop humanistic perspective through arts & humanities & cultures
2. Develop a genuine appreciation/curiosity about the world and its cultural accomplishments
3. graduates will investigate, evaluate and appreciate artistic creations
4. engage in and appreciate the creative arts/expression according to their personal passion
5. will develop and articulate a personal aesthetic and entertain and evaluate competing aesthetics
6. reflect esthetic experience

K.  Being a Leader

1. assume leadership
2. practice leadership and responsible fellowship
3. more independent, more responsible, and able and willing to take more initiative
4. appreciate that they have the freedom to make their own decisions
5. recognize that they have the ability to make their own decisions
6. mentor others