American Samoa Community College

II.A.11. The institution includes in all of its programs, student learning outcomes, appropriate to the program level, in communication competency, information competency, quantitative competency, analytic inquiry skills, ethical reasoning, the ability to engage diverse perspectives, and other program-specific learning outcomes.

The College, through its institutional student achievement standards and pathways, has identified a Degree Program Requirement with emphasis on successful completion of general education, core foundational area, and co-foundational area courses. 1

These program requirements/criteria are listed:

  • The General Education component focuses on assessing qualities in Communication, Information Technology Literacy, Critical Thinking, Global Awareness & Cultural Competence, and personal development & Responsibility.
  • Core foundational area courses enhance content foundational competencies in core disciplinary areas of study, with emphasis on assessing 2nd year qualities of institutional learning outcomes
  • Co-foundational area courses focus on areas specific to a discipline of specialization, with emphasis on assessing of 2nd year ILO on: effective communicators, critical thinking, global citizenship, quantitative competent individualism, and responsible leadership.  2

Faculty are responsible for determining and developing qualities and competencies of SLO at all levels. There is ongoing dialogue and discussion within academic departments, the Curriculum Committee and the Assessment Committee to ensure program offerings are meeting the mission of the College.  Rigorous review of course curriculum is an on-going process to ensure alignment with all SLO. With a set general education requirement with emphasis on personal development and responsibility, achievement of competencies in personal development promotes student understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.  This outcome is further emphasized in the 2nd year ILO pertaining to global citizenship and responsible leadership.  Information competencies are also emphasized in the General Education competencies and ILO competencies and qualities pertaining to quantitative competent individualism. 3

Information retrieval/use is assessed through the GEO domain 1: Communication as well as Student Support Services 4

Assessment results and analysis indicate that ASCC students are achieving the intended student learning outcomes.5 With Institutional-Set Achievement Standards in place, the institution continues to monitor how well students are achieving intended outcomes.  Achievement of SLO is monitored through an available data set as listed in the following documents:

  • Student Achievement Data
  • Fact book
  • Annual Report
  • Geo Analysis 2012-2014
  • Participatory Governance Structure Manual

The institution, through its program offerings and services, provides students the opportunity to achieve student learning outcomes and attain their academic degrees/certificates in respective programs. Achievement of student learning outcomes at all levels is evidenced through the institution’s awarding of degrees/certificates and in achievement of ILO for students to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, global citizens, quantitative competent individuals, and responsible leaders. 6 Student learning outcomes at ASCC are thoroughly reviewed to ensure alignment to the institutional mission. Biennial review of the catalog allows the College’s constituents to assess, plan, and improve quality of instruction. 

1- Participatory Governance Manual, p.26