Context
           
The intentional work of creating a learning agenda with a focus on priority learning outcomes, or learning goals, stems from the UTB/TSC Mission, the Division of  Student Affairs Mission statement, and the values and vision of both the institution as a whole and the division in particular.  Student Affairs professionals understand their responsibility to improve their understanding of student development theories and best practices to enable quality in the myriad methods of fostering learning in students with whom staff interacts.  The underlying belief in the value of education and learning is embedded in all programs, services and activities within the Division of Student Affairs.  Staff further understands that learning is a complex process that occurs both formally and informally over the lifespan of each individual.

The challenge facing Division of Student Affairs professionals is to become increasingly intentional in the delivery of services and programs that demonstrate they effectively and positively foster learning in not only the priority SLOs (FALDOs) receiving focus and undergoing multiple assessment methods throughout the division, but also in areas that are crucial for success in a rapidly changing global environment.

Division-wide learning outcomes provide unifying goals and common objectives for student learning outcome assessment across the division.  The particular SLOs that units commit to teach and develop in their student participants, as well as to assess, will vary from department to department and may be defined in individual terms to support the operational definitions of the learning goal.  The data collected will allow Student Affairs staff to provide meaning and gauge the impact of programs, services, and activities related to the learning-centered focus of the Division.