This 2007 Core Student Outcomes Study (see final report) has its origin in multiple initiatives and was motivated by a desire to simply gain more information about how Minnesota State Colleges & Universities are addressing the concept of core student outcomes. An institution may intend for its students to achieve outcomes at different levels: course, program, general education, core student outcomes and the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. For the purpose of this study and analysis of institution submission, core student outcomes have been defined as “a comprehensive set of aims and outcomes” (College Learning for the New Global Century) intended “to help college students become intentional learners who can adapt to new environments, integrate knowledge from different sources and continue learning throughout their lives.” (Greater Expectations, AAC&U)

 This study focused on the core student outcomes, attempting to discover at each college and university whether they are defined, and the process for developing and implementing them. Additionally, given the diverse nature of the system, the Office of the Chancellor expected that each institution’s outcome would reflect the nuances of the institution and its faculty, student population and community.

Systemwide, the study is important in order to assess how our colleges and universities put into operation their understanding of an educated graduate, and to outline common and distinctive elements that may emerge. It also provides a repository of information for colleges and universities to reference as they engage in HLC self study, accreditation visits, assessment planning, or defining new or additional core student outcomes.