Missouri State University - West Plains

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Institutional Mission/Goals/Linkages

Mission/Goals/Linkages

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This page links educational goals and objectives of our General Education Program and Degree Programs to Course Objectives and the Assessment of those goals and objectives.

Mission

Missouri State University-West Plains is a teaching and learning institution providing quality post-secondary educational opportunities to the communities we serve.

Geographical Focus

Missouri State University-West Plains is a public, two-year, open admission, separately accredited campus of the Missouri State University System primarily serving students in the Missouri counties of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright.

In addition to serving the educational needs of our service area, Missouri State University-West Plains provides programs to

  • areas not served by Missouri's other two-year institutions;
  • selected international campuses where educational opportunities benefit both regional and international students; and
  • the global community of students via traditional and emerging technologies.

Educational Program Focus

Missouri State University-West Plains seeks to create educated persons through the development of their skills in communication, critical thinking, information management, values clarification, understanding of a global society, responsible action, and knowledge in core subject areas in three distinct degree programs:

  • Associate of Arts degree in General Studies
  • Associate of Science degrees
  • Associate of Applied Science degrees and/or certificates in Career Development

Because of its commitment to learning and service, Missouri State University-West Plains

  • strives through ongoing assessment to improve educational outcomes by evaluating what students know, understand, and can do with their knowledge as a result of their campus experience;
  • hosts upper-level courses provided by the Missouri State University System leading to selected bachelor's and graduate degrees;
  • offers informal educational opportunities designed to enhance community life through cultural enrichment programs, regional economic development, and customized training;
  • promotes extracurricular learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community in areas such as intercollegiate athletics and student life and development activities, and a variety of non-credit educational opportunities; and
  • through its commitment to the Missouri State University System's statewide mission in Public Affairs, develops educated persons of high character and integrity, inspiring them to serve others and their respective communities.

Institutional Goals

Missouri State University-West Plains Long Range Plan, 2006-2010

  1. Purposeful Education .. . Educate students for a lifetime of learning, citizenship, career development, and personal enrichment.
    • General Education Goals and Learning Outcomes are linked to Purposeful Education and are linked through the General Education Course Audit to each course's specific learning objective.
    • All Degree Program goals and Learning Outcomes are linked to Purposeful Education and are linked through the General Education Course Audit (Discipline objectives) to each course's specific learning objective.
    • Courses listed in the following links have the General Education student learning outcomes in their Course-Embedded Assessment Plans.
    • General Education Goals and Learning Outcomes Institution Wide

Institution Wide General Education Learning Outcomes:

(These learning outcomes apply to all degree areas)
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Communication

  1. Analyze and evaluate their own and others’ speaking and writing. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 204 COM 115 ENG 110 (Albin) ENG 210 (Albin)
    ENG 215 (Albin) NUR 100 NUR 212 NUR 220
    PHI 110 PHI 115 PLS 101 PLS 110
    THE 100      
  2. Conceive of writing as a recursive process that involves many strategies, including generating material, evaluating sources when used, drafting, revising, and editing. (Assessed in courses)
    BMS 110 BIO 122 ENG 110 (Albin) ENG 210 (Albin)
    ENG 215 (Albin) HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
  3. Make formal written and oral presentations employing correct diction, syntax, usage, grammar and mechanics. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 160 CFD 204 CFD 234 CFD 260
    CGP 110 COM 115 ECO 155 (Martin) ENG 110 (Albin)
    ENG 210 (Albin) ENG 215 (Albin) FGB 135 MGT 120
    MTH 135 (Fugate) NUR 100 NUR 101 NUR 204
    NUR 220 HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
    PHI 110 PHI 115 PLS 101 PLS 110
    THE 109      
  4. Focus on a purpose (e.g., explaining, problem solving, argument) and vary approaches to writing and speaking based on that purpose. (Assessed in courses)
    COM 115 ENG 110 (Albin) ENG 210 (Albin) ECO 155 (Martin)
    ECO 165 (Martin) HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121(Morgan)
    PHI 110 PHI 115    
  5. Respond to the needs of different venues and audiences and choose works for appropriateness and effect. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 299 COM 115 THE 109  
  6. Communicate effectively in groups by listening, reflecting, and responding appropriately and in context. (Assessed in courses)
    COM 115 ENG 215 (Albin) HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan)
    HST 121 NUR 100 NUR 220 (Conner) PLS 101
    PLS 110      
  7. Use mathematical and statistical models, standard quantitative symbols, and various graphical tactics to present information with clarity, accuracy, and precision. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 CHM 105 CHM 160 ECO 155
    ECO 165 MTH 135 PLS 101 PLS 110

Higher-Order Thinking

  1. Recognize the problematic elements of presentations of information and argument and to formulate diagnostic questions for resolving issues and solving problems. (Assessed in courses)
    BMS 110 COM 115 NUR 220  
  2. Use linguistic, mathematical or other symbolic approaches to describe problems, identify alternative solutions, and make reasoned choices among those solutions. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 130 CHM 105 CHM 160 EC0 155
    CIS 251 CIS 261 ECO 165 HST 101(Morgan)
    HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121(Morgan) MTH 135 NUR 100
    NUR 101 NUR 190 NUR 202 NUR 204
    NUR 212      
  3. Analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources and apply the results to resolving complex situations, and problems. (Assessed in courses)
    BMS 110 CFD 155 CFD 160 CFD 234
    CFD 257 CHM 105 CHM 160 ECO 155 (Martin)
    ENG 110 (Albin) ENG 210 (Albin) FGB 135 MTH 135 (Fall 2005)
    MGT 120 NUR 100 NUR 101 NUR 190
    NUR 202 NUR 204 NUR 212 NUR 220
    PHI 110 PHI 115 PLS 101 PLS 110
  4. Defend conclusions using relevant evidence and reasoned argument. (Assessed in courses)
    BMS 110 COM 115 ECO 155(Martin) ENG 110 (Albin)
    ENG 210 (Albin) MTH 135 (Spring 2006) NUR 220 (DEWITT) PHI 110
    PHI 115 PLS 101 PLS 110 THE 109
  5. Present information clearly and concisely, using traditional and contemporary technologies. (Assessed in courses)
    COM 115 ENG 110 (Albin) ENG 210 (Albin) GRY 100
    GRY 108 GRY 142 HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan)
    HST 121 (Morgan) NUR 100 PHI 110 PHI 115

Managing Information

  1. Access and/or generate information from a variety of sources, including the most contemporary technological information efficiently. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 CFD 130 CFD 204 CFD 250
    CFD 255 CFD 261 CFD 299 CIS 251
    CIS 261 COM 115 ECO 155 ECO 165
    FGB 135 MGT 120    
  2. Evaluate information for its currency, usefulness, truthfulness, and accuracy. (Assessed in courses)
    COM 115 CFD 260 ECO 155 ECO 165
    ENG 110 (Albin) ENG 210 (Albin) MTH 135 (Trick) NUR 100
    NUR 220 PLS 101 PLS 110 PHI 110
    PHI 115      
  3. Organize, store, and retrieve information efficiently. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 BMS 110 COM 115 CFD 130
    CFD 255 CFD 299 ECO 155 (Cooper) ECO 165 (Cooper)
    FGB 135 MGT 120    
  4. Reorganize information for an intended purpose, such as research projects. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 BMS 110 COM 115 ECO 155 (Martin)
    ENG 110 (Albin) ENG 210 (Albin) FGB 135 MGT 120
    NUR 220 PLS 101 PLS 110 HST 101(Morgan)
    HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)    
  5. Present information clearly and concisely, using traditional and contemporary technologies. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 121 BMS 110 CFD 163 ENG 110 (Albin)
    ENG 210 (Albin) FGB 135 MGT 120 NUR 100
    NUR 101 NUR 204 PLS 101 PLS 110

Valuing

  1. Compare and contrast historical and cultural ethical perspectives and belief systems. (Assessed in courses)
    HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan) NUR 100
    NUR 220 PH1 110 PHI 115 PSY 121
    SOC 150      
  2. Utilize cultural, behavioral, and historical knowledge to clarify and articulate a personal value system. (Assessed in courses)
    GRY 100 THE 109 PHI 115  
  3. Recognize the ramification of one’s value decisions on self and others. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 163 ECO 155 (Martin) HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan)
    HST 121 (Morgan) PHI 110 PHI 115 THE 109
  4. Recognize conflicts within and between value systems and recognize and analyze ethical issues as they arise in a variety of contexts. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 250 CFD 257 CFD 261 FGB 135
    HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan) MGT 120
    PHI 115 PLS 101 PLS 110 THE 109
  5. Consider multiple perspectives, recognize biases, deal with ambiguity, and take a reasonable position. (Assessed in courses)
    BMS 110 COM 115 ECO 155 (Martin) ENG 110 (Albin)
    ENG 210 (Albin) PHI 110 PHI 115 PLS 101
    PLS 110 THE 109    

Global Awareness

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of their role as a citizen of the world and the responsibilities they share in the common global future. (Assessed in courses)
    BMS 110 HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
    PLS 101 PLS 110    
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the connections between cultures through comparison of economic systems, political systems, cultural heritage, religion or ethnic backgrounds. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 261 ECO 155 (Martin) GRY 100 FGB 135
    HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan) MGT 120
    NUR 220 PLS 101 PLS 110 THE 109
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical legacies that have created the dynamics and persistent tensions of the world. (Assessed in courses)
    GRY 100 HST 101(Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
  4. Identify and analyze specific global issues, illustrating the social, economic, political, religious, public health or environmental differences that may affect their resolution. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 130 CFD 155 CFD 250 COM 115
    ECO 155 HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
    NUR 220 PLS 101 PLS 110  
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the origins of international problems and the changing role of the United States in the world.(Assessed in courses)
    ECO 155 HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
    PLS 101 PLS 110    
  6. Demonstrate an ability to examine problems and issues in contemporary as well as historical settings, including both Western and non-Western contexts. (Assessed in courses)
    ECO 155 (Cooper) HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
    PHI 115 PLS 101 PLS 110  

Degree Program Learning Ouctomes:

Knowledge Areas:

Social & Behavioral Sciences

  1. Explain social institutions, structures, and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 250 HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
    Nur 220 PLS 101 PLS 110 SOC 150
  2. Develop and communicate hypothetical explanations for individual human behavior within the large-scale historical and social context. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 155 CFD 160 CFD 163 CFD 255
    CFD 257 CFD 260 ECO 155 (Martin) HST 101 (Morgan)
    HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan) THE 109  
  3. Draw on history and the social sciences to evaluate contemporary problems. (Assessed in courses)
    ECO 155 ECO 165 FGB 135 HST 102 (Morgan)
    HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan) MGT 120 NUR 101
    NUR 220 PLS 101 PLS 110  
  4. Describe and analytically compare social, cultural, and historical settings and processes other than one’s own. (Assessed in courses)
    HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan) PLS 101
    PLS 110      
  5. Articulate the interconnectedness of people and places around the globe. (Assessed in courses)
    ECO 155 (Cooper) ECO 165 (Cooper) GRY 108 GRY 142
    HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan) PLS 101
    PLS 110      
  6. Describe and explain the constitutions of the United States and Missouri. (Assessed in courses)
    HST 121 (Morgan) PLS 101 PLS 110  

Humanities & Fine Arts

  1. Describe the scope and variety of works in the humanities and fine arts (e.g., fine and performing arts, literature, and speculative thought). (Assessed in courses)
    PHI 110 PHI 115 PLS 101 PLS 110
    THE 109      
  2. Explain the historical, cultural, and social contexts of the humanities and fine arts. (Assessed in courses)
    PHI 110 PHI 115 HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan)
    HST 121 (Morgan)      
  3. Identify the aesthetic standards used to make critical judgments in various artistic fields. (Assessed in courses)
    THE 109      
  4. Develop a plausible understanding of the differences and relationships between formal and popular culture. (Assessed in courses)
    THE 109      
  5. Articulate a response based upon aesthetic standards to observance of works in the humanities and fine arts. (Assessed in courses)
    ENG 110 ENG 210 THE 109  

Mathematics

  1. Describe contributions to society from the discipline of mathematics. (Assessed in courses)
    HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)  
  2. Recognize and use connections within mathematics and between mathematics and other disciplines. (Assessed in courses)
    CFD 234      
  3. Read, interpret, analyze, and synthesize quantitative data (e.g., graphs, tables, statistics, and survey data) to make reasoned estimates. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 CHM 105 CHM 160 ECO 155
    ECO 165 MTH 103 MTH 135 MTH 145
    MTH 161 HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan) HST 121 (Morgan)
    PLS 101 PLS 110    
  4. Formulate and use generalizations based upon pattern recognition. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 MTH 135    
           
  5. Apply and use mathematical models (e.g., algebraic, geometric, statistical) to solve problems. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 CHM 105 CHM 160 CIS 101 (BURTON)
    CIS 251 (BURTON) CIS 261 (BURTON) ECO 155 (Martin) MTH 103
    MTH 135 MTH 145 MTH 161  

Life & Physical Sciences

  1. Explain how to use the scientific method and how to develop and test hypotheses in order to draw defensible conclusions. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 BMS 110 HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan)
    HST 121 (Morgan)      
  2. Evaluate scientific evidence and argument. (Assessed in courses)
    BMS 110 CHM 105 CHM 160  
  3. Describe the basic principles of the physical universe. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 BMS 110 CHM 105 CHM 160
  4. Describe concepts of the nature, organization, and evolution of living systems. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 BMS 110    
  5. Explain how human choices affect the earth and living systems. (Assessed in courses)
    BIO 122 BMS 110 HST 101 (Morgan) HST 102 (Morgan)
    HST 121 (Morgan) NUR 100 NUR 101 NUR 190
    NUR 202 NUR 204 NUR 212 PLS 101
    PLS 110      

  • Associate of Applied Science in Business

  • Associate of Applied Science in Child & Family Development

  • ASS Computer Graphics & Programming

  • Associate of Applied Science in Computer Technology

  • Associate of Applied Science in Enology

  • Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship

  • Associate of Applied Science in General Agriculture

  • Associate of Applied Science in General Technology

  • Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology

  • Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement

  • Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy

  • Associate of Applied Science in Viticulture

  • Associate of Science in Nursing

Other Institution Wide Goals:

  1. Enabling Environment .. . Provide for the diverse academic and life-development needs of students through an educational environment conducive to learning, teaching and working.
    • Developmental Education Program Goals
    • Student Services Program
  2. Community Leadership .. . Facilitate educational, technological, cultural and economic development through activities that complement the learning environment on campus and in the communities Missouri State University-West Plains serves.
  3. Collaboration .. . As an integral entity of the Missouri State University System, develop programs and services in partnership within the System and with other educational institutions that increase and enhance student educational opportunities.
  4. Performance .. . Ensure the highest quality of instruction and institutional effectiveness through assessment, evaluation and planning.
  5. Stewardship .. . Practice good stewardship of human, programmatic and physical resources for the common good of campus and community.
  6. Faculty and Staff .. . Recruit and retain the highest quality faculty and staff by providing competitive salaries and professional development opportunities and by enhancing the personal work-life experience for all employees.
  7. Funding .. . Increase funding from state, federal, and private sources to ensure that Missouri State University–West Plains can continue to provide the highest possible quality instruction and services.