Colorado State University
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Colorado State University has All-University Core Curriculum that requires all baccalaureate Programs of Study to include the following elements: basic competencies, advanced writing, and foundations and perspectives. Throughout these required competencies, there are 42 courses with sustainability learning outcomes. To capture an accurate number for this credit, Institutional Research calculated the number of graduates in Spring 2014 who took at least one of these 42 courses during their time at CSU. Graduates students do not have All University Core Curriculum so we calculated the graduate student numbers by identifying sustainability learning outcomes at the college or degree level and sustainability-focused graduate programs (per AC-4, indicated on Worksheet two of the attached document), again using 2014 graduates as a data point. Per STARS criteria for AC-2: "Institutions that do not specify learning outcomes as a matter of policy or standard practice may report graduates from sustainability-focused programs (i.e. majors, minors, concentrations and the equivalent as reported for AC 4: Graduate Program) in lieu of the above criteria." In addition to sustainability learning outcomes, the School of Global Environmental Sustainability at CSU has made a formal commitment that "Every student will have a transcriptable experience (course, seminar, field experience, internship) related to environmental studies before graduating from CSU."

The following provides examples of learning outcomes which ensure that students are prepared to think critically and engage with contemporary issues around sustainability and the environment. College of Business: "An understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability and how to measure, report, and manage sustainability in organizations." College of Engineering: "The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context." Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology: "Demonstrate a mastery of ecological concepts and fundamental principles and techniques to manage and conserve fish and wildlife populations, and how they apply to current natural resource management issues" Environmental Horticulture: "Management and leadership skills necessary for a successful career in the green industry. Technical competencies in their understanding of growth and development of horticultural plants and landscapes, including development as influenced by manipulation of horticulture technologies, such as fertility and water management, and integrated pest management for all aspects of landscape horticulture. Skills to assess site issues, provide creative environmentally sound solutions and manage designed and built landscapes" Environmental Engineering: "The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context. A knowledge of contemporary issues. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning." Agricultural and Resource Economics: "Successful [graduating] students will demonstrate...an ability to solve real world problems beyond the pedagogical context. Students will be able to identify a problem and its scope, evaluate resources available to address the problem, formulate alternative solutions, and select the solution(s) most consistent with a stated objective." Colleges may also have college-wide learning objectives or course requirements. For example, all students in the College of Business are required to take "global and cultural awareness" and "social, regulatory and ethical issues in business." Consistent with the learning outcome - "Develop and demonstrate an understanding for the unique opportunities and challenges associated with global business practices." Additional Learning Outcomes can be found under specific programs such as; The Global Social Sustainable Enterprise program; http://www.biz.colostate.edu/gsse/Pages/LearningGoals.aspx Ecology: http://www.ecology.colostate.edu/index.php Systems Engineering: http://www.learn.colostate.edu/degrees/systems-engineering/ A full description of learning outcomes is available for each department through the course catalog.