This section of the catalog, and the related sub-sections, describe how academic performance is guided and measured at Cincinnati State. The sub-sections include:
- policies for applying advanced placement and other external credits to Cincinnati State coursework
- policies and procedures related to registering for classes
- policies and procedures affecting academic matters such as grades and graduation
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
All Cincinnati State students participate in assessment activities throughout their academic life at the College. In addition, the College collects and analyzes information from graduates, employers, advisory committee members, and other external sources to assist faculty and staff in monitoring the effectiveness of academic programs.
Cincinnati State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (https://www.hlcommission.org or 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, phone 800-621-7440).
State Affiliation: Cincinnati State is an Ohio public institution and its programs of study are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). The College is authorized to grant bachelor of science and bachelor of applied science degrees, and associate’s degrees in arts, sciences, applied business, applied science, and individualized and technical study.
Under the auspices of the Higher Learning Commission, and in congruence with the College mission statement, Cincinnati State has identified the following Institutional Learning Outcomes for measuring the achievement of Cincinnati State
General Education Competencies - Upon completion of an Associate degree at Cincinnati State, students will be able to:
Communication (GE1) - Communicate effectively using a variety of media and modalities.
Competencies include:
- Analyze audience and purpose for communication
- Plan and execute oral and/or written communications
- Write clear and coherent prose
- Communicate using email and/or social media
- Take and support a position
- Deliver an oral presentation
Information LIteracy (GE2) - Interpret and use information responsibly
Competencies include:
- Identify the scope and nature of research required to complete a task.
- Access appropriate information
- Evaluate sources and information
- Use data and information ethically
- Document and cite sources
- Use research to support a position
Problem-Solving (GE3) - Evaluate ideas and implement solutions
Competencies include:
- Use knowledge, resources, and/or logic to answer questions
- Generate new ideas and/or strategies
- Take a position based on analysis of information
- Examine a position from multiple perspectives
- Propose a solution to a problem
Mathematical Reasoning (GE4) - Solve problems using mathematical skills
Competencies include:
- Compute accurately
- Express practical problems in mathematical terms
- Analyze data to draw reasonable conclusions
- Use technology to aid in the solution of problems
- Effectively communicate mathematical concepts
Diversity (GE5) - Interact with people and ideas representing a range of backgrounds and cultures
Competencies include:
- Recognize and/or demonstrate openness to diverse perspectives
- Interact respectfully and appropriately in diverse cultural contexts
- Synthesize multiple perspectives on an issue
- Explain how cultural context contributes to multiple perspectives
- Recognize the role of cultural bias in social interactions
Professional and Social (Co-curricular) Competencies - Upon completion of a degree at Cincinnati State, students will be prepared to:
Application of Knowledge (PS1) - Transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program or work in an entry-level position in their field of study
Competencies include:
- Identify transfer institutions or employment that aligns with transfer and/or career goals.
- Create materials to support a job search (resume/cover letter, etc.)
- Complete a college transfer application
- Apply knowledge and/or abilities to a job or degree program
- Achieve relevant professional credentialing
Teamwork (PS2) - Contribute to the work of a team
Competencies include:
- Collaborate on projects
- Form and manage interpersonal relationships
- Provide and receive constructive feedback
- Respond constructively to conflict
- Integrate work with the work of teammates
Autonomy (PS3) - Demonstrate self-management skills
Competencies include:
- Engage in self-assessment and goal setting
- Monitor progress toward achievement of goals
- Work independently on a task
- Exhibit persistence when encountering difficulties or challenges
- Identify and utilize available resources
Connection (PS4) - Engage with their communities
Competencies include:
- Interact in a variety of social situations and cultural contexts
- Engage in service to the community
- Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills
- Explore cultural and recreational experiences
- Acknowledge their capacity to effect change
Attainment of Institutional Learning Outcomes is regularly assessed by the Learning Outcomes Assessment/Program and Department Self-Study Committee (LOAC), a multidisciplinary committee of faculty, staff members, and administrators.
Learning Outcomes for each degree program offered by the College are listed in the Academic Divisions and Degree and Certificate Programs section of this Catalog. Attainment of these outcomes is assessed by the Program Chair as part of the College’s annual Program Self-Study process.
Equal Opportunity
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, as well as its individual academic divisions, is committed to a policy of equal opportunities in all of its activities and programs. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical disabilities, veteran, or marital status. This policy is adopted as a matter of law and as a matter of educational policy consistent with the goals and purposes of the College.
The College also adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action to end any illegal pattern of discrimination and to overcome the effects of past discrimination.