Assessment of Student Learning, Outcomes, Academic Programs, Accreditation, Memberships
Mission and Purposes, Educational Facilities
Assessment of Student Learning
Hesston College is committed to improving both the process and outcomes of teaching and student learning/growth through the systematic assessment of student academic achievement and personal development. Assessment of student learning and development is guided by the Hesston College mission, purposes, and philosophy. Assessment results are used to improve the academic curriculum, teaching, and student life programs. Hesston College believes that true excellence lies in the college’s ability to enhance students’ intellectual, personal, and spiritual development and to make a positive difference in their lives.
Outcomes
Five student outcomes are assessed at Hesston College. The general education curriculum, academic departments, and student life programs are planned to help the student become:
A competent communicator, able to:
- Write a clear, well-organized paper using appropriate documentation
- Construct and deliver a clear, well-organized, audience-centered message
- Build and maintain personal and community relationships
A critical thinker, able to:
- Analyze data and events in a thoughtful and logical manner
- Draw warranted, judicious, and non-fallacious conclusions
- Make decisions and solve problems based on evidence and reason
A socially responsible person, able to:
- Resolve conflicts non-violently
- Solve problems cooperatively
- Value diverse viewpoints
- Make informed, responsible, and ethical decisions
- Confront prejudice and injustice
- Take positive, meaningful action
An integrative thinker, able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the information one uses
- Recognize competing theories and ideas within a discipline
- Identify the common principles and themes of various disciplines
- Articulate changes in one’s worldview
A person of biblical understanding and faith, able to:
- Tell the biblical story and its primary themes
- Articulate the Anabaptist biblical hermeneutic
- Apply the biblical message to contemporary themes
- State one’s faith relative to the Bible
- Act in accordance with one’s faith
Academic Programs
Hesston College’s educational program is designed to meet a variety of student needs. Hesston offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for students interested in the first two years of a liberal arts program, various pre-professional programs, and other fields of study requiring four-year degrees.
Students with specific career interests who plan to spend two years in college may choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences degree to prepare for employment or further educational experiences in the following areas: aviation, Bible and youth ministry, business, computer information technology, early childhood education, nursing, and pastoral ministries.
Accreditation
Hesston College is accredited as a two-year college by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, 312-263-0456, 800-621-7440) and is authorized to grant degrees by the State of Kansas.
The Department of Nursing is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (900 SW Jackson, Suite 1051, Topeka, KS 66612-1230, 785-296-4929, www.ksbn.org) and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)(61 Broadway - 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006, 212-363-5555, www.nlnac.org).
Memberships
Hesston College is a member of the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, the Kansas Independent College Association/Kansas Independent College Fund, and the Council of Independent Colleges. Hesston College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.