The document discusses learning outcome assessment at the University of Maryland. It explains that universities must be accredited to award degrees, which involves a full review every 10 years. In 1997, it was found that UMD had no system for assessing whether students were achieving desired learning outcomes. The document defines learning outcomes as the knowledge, skills, and abilities students should develop by graduation. It then outlines several learning outcomes and goals that UMD has established, such as critical reasoning skills and written/oral communication skills. Examples are provided for how different programs, like Animal Sciences, assess whether their students are achieving specific learning outcomes and skills.

1. Learning Outcome Assessment https://www.irpa.umd.edu/Assessment/LearningOutcomes/