Academic Learning Compacts (ALCs)

Purpose

In 2004, the Florida Board of Governors resolved that universities, through their boards of trustees, will establish guidelines and procedures for the development and implementation of Academic Learning Compacts to ensure student achievement in baccalaureate degree programs in the State University System (see #PG 05.02.15). In accordance with state and regional policies, USF St. Petersburg (USFSP) has advanced a program of student learning outcomes assessment since 2001. In 2005, USFSP initiated Academic Learning Compacts as its primary academic assessment mechanism to be used for all degree programs.

The ALCs articulate a mission statement for each degree program in support of their college's mission. These documents identify expected program outcomes, describe assessments that gage these outcomes with clear criteria of success, and follow these assessments with reports recording the use of results for improvement of the program. The ALCs serve to state and openly communicate each program's goals, objectives, assessments, and developmental strategies. The Academic Learning Compacts at USFSP provide strategies and processes for assessing student learning in content/discipline skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and civic engagement.

Related Information

For further information on Academic Learning Compacts at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, please contact Gary Baker at gbaker@stpt.usf.edu.