The First-Year Learning Outcomes were created to improve student success by increasing academic and social integration into the University. The vision that Penn State has for each student is highlighted in these Learning Outcomes. We hope that your student will complete these outcomes by the end of their first year.
- Understand and meet academic expectations; engage in active learning and use effective time management to balance academic work with extra-curricular activities.
- Learn about the value of higher education to both society and to individuals; appreciate the value of the general education curriculum and the worth of lifelong learning and scholarship.
- Be familiar with student services and academic resources on campus; actively use those resources and interact with staff.
- Engage with faculty in and out of the classroom.
- Interact effectively with peers in social settings and through educationally purposeful student activities.
- Refine short-term and long-term academic goals; learn about career management; establish more specific career goals.
- Achieve a higher competency in writing, note-taking, active reading, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning to be able to master college-level work.
- Expand knowledge of human diversity and cultural competence; effectively interact with others.
- Engage in activities leading to improved personal health and fitness; learn about making responsible decisions in a college environment.
In addition to the Learning Outcomes above, students will work towards achieving Penn State’s General Education Learning Objectives.
Approved by the Pennsylvania State University First Year Experience Committee, April 2005.