Assessment and Dimensions of a Duquesne Education

Assessment at Duquesne reflects its complex identity as a doctoral high research university and as an American Catholic university rooted in the Spiritan tradition. Through assessment, the University is able to document its progress for achieving its mission and values as embodied in its strategic plan. The Bridges Common Learning Experience, a central distinguishing experience for all undergraduate students at Duquesne, is assessed at the University level.

Academic programs, including all undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, are assessed at the School level.  Departmental and program faculty within each discipline develop, implement and review all assessment plans and outcomes.  Their findings are shared through annual reports, which describe how the faculty will improve student learning and academic programs.

Reflecting our emphasis on holistic student development, the Dimensions of a Duquesne Education serve as an organizing framework for assessment by linking the University mission statement to outcomes in Academic Affairs and Student Life.

Dimensions	Academic Components	Student Life Components
Understanding and Knowledge	Understand the nature of the human experience through the lens of liberal arts, creative arts, and sciences Know essential ideas, skills, and methodologies required by specific disciplines	Understand the nature of the human experience through the lens of engagement on campus and in the community Draw parallels between academic knowledge and co-curricular engagement Develop essential ideas, skills, and methodologies for life management, civic engagement, and interpersonal effectiveness
Intellectual Inquiry and Communication	Demonstrate effective research and communication skills Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills Demonstrate intellectual curiosity Exhibit dedication to continuous growth and to excellence	Demonstrate effective intrapersonal and interpersonal communications skills Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world settings Demonstrate intellectual curiosity Exhibit dedication to continuous growth and to excellence Participate in campus and community programming which extends learning opportunities
Ethical, Moral, and Spiritual Development	Recognize the importance of faith and spiritual values Apply ethical, moral and spiritual principles in making decisions and interacting with others Practice honesty and integrity in personal, academic, and professional domains Respect the dignity of all persons	Recognize the importance of faith and spiritual values Apply ethical, moral and spiritual principles in making decisions and interacting with others Practice honesty and integrity in personal, academic, and professional domains Respect the dignity of all persons Actively embrace opportunities to understand social justice and root causes of social concerns
Diversity and Global Mindedness	Demonstrate appreciation of diverse cultures, religions, and persons Learn from diverse schools of thought and be open to new ideas and perspectives Appreciate the importance of community in local and global contexts Recognize the individual's potential to effect change in organizations, environments, and societies at large	Demonstrate appreciation of diverse cultures, religions, and persons Learn from diverse schools of thought and be open to new ideas and perspectives Appreciate the importance of community in local and global contexts Recognize the individual's potential to effect change in organizations, environments, and society at large Cultivate awareness of diversity and also cultural competencies
Leadership and Service	Demonstrate the academic and professional expertise needed to be leaders Understand the moral and ethical framework necessary to be a just leader Exhibit leadership and teamwork skills Promote social justice Demonstrate a spirit of service, social responsibility, and personal sense of stewardship for the community	Demonstrate leadership in social, service, and community settings Understand the moral and ethical framework necessary to be a just leader Exhibit leadership and teamwork skills Promote social justice Demonstrate a spirit of service, social responsibility, and personal sense of stewardship for the community