Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
A successful student of Penn State's College Student Affairs program will use oral, written, and technological forms of communication to articulate the following competencies:
Foundations of Student Affairs
Knowledge of and ability to articulate
- historical, philosophical, and contextual foundations
- contemporary issues in student affairs
- role of Student Affairs within the broader context of higher education
- experience-based evidence of understanding of multiple functional areas within student affairs
Student Development and Outcomes
Understanding of
- psychosocial, cognitive, college impact, and learning theories
- selected counseling theories and practices
- the characteristics of effective educational interventions
Ability to apply theory to practice in both specialized and generalist areas
Ability to apply theory to develop effective educational programs
Professional Competencies
Experience-based evidence of
- management skills (projects, budgeting, marketing, legal issues, etc.)
- program planning
- program implementation
Demonstration of
- active listening skills
- empathy, integrity, and compassion in interactions with others
- cross cultural communication skills
- group facilitation
- crisis intervention skills
- mediation skills
- leadership and teamwork skills
Knowledge and demonstration of adherence to applicable professional ethical standards
Inter- and Intrapersonal Skills
Demonstration of
- self-understanding and commitment to on-going development
- interest in and ability to learn about individuals different than oneself
- interest in and ability to learn about ideas and beliefs different than one's own
- self-management
Commitment To and Understanding of Issues Related to Social Justice
Knowledge of existing systems of oppression (racism, sexism, ability, homophobia, etc.), how they influence students' experiences, and the role of advocacy in student affairs
Evidence of integration of a social justice perspective in professional functions
Research and Assessment
Knowledge of and ability to
- employ good practices that focus on the effectiveness of programs and services
- design and implement thorough assessment efforts, including the identification of new key questions, resources, and target populations
- create instruments and/or protocols for assessing important questions
- identify, evaluate, and utilize existing instruments and protocols
- analyze and utilize multiple sources of data to reach useable conclusions
- credibly convey key findings/recommendations to stakeholders and constituents
