Mission and Outcome Statements

The mission of Westminster College is to help men and women develop competencies, commitments, and characteristics which have distinguished human beings at their best. The liberal arts tradition is the foundation of the curriculum continually designed to serve this mission in a rapidly changing world. The College sees the well-educated person as one whose skills are complemented by ever-developing values and ideals identified in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Westminster's quest for excellence is a recognition that stewardship of life mandates the maximum possible development of each person's capabilities. The College thus realizes its mission in men and women who as students:
  • Develop intellectual curiosity and the competencies to reason logically, evaluate critically, communicate effectively, imagine creatively, and appreciate aesthetic and creative expressions of humanity;
  • Acquire a knowledge and appreciation of self, society, human cultures, the natural world, and human relationships to God;
  • Develop and demonstrate moral and ethical commitments to neighbor, society, and the natural world consistent with the understanding of self;
  • Commit themselves to lifelong learning and the acquisition of skills for careers and responsible service as world citizens.

The curricular and co-curricular learning programs are designed as a means whereby the College endeavors to fulfill its mission.


Westminster College Outcomes (The Mission Statement expressed as statements of student ability based outcomes)

  1. to reason logically and evaluate critically
  2. to communicate effectively
  3. to think creatively, and appreciate aesthetic expressions
  4. to demonstrate intellectual curiosity
  5. to acquire knowledge of self, society, human cultures, the natural world, and human relationships to God
  6. to apply our knowledge to contemporary issues
  7. to demonstrate moral and ethical commitments to neighbor, society, and the natural world
  8. to demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and the acquisition of skills for careers and responsible service as world citizens.


Conclusions of the Assessment Task Force of the Westminster College Self Study Steering Committee (complement the guidelines of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education)

  • An Outcomes Assessment Advisory Committee should be created under the direction of the Planning, Budget, and Institutional Research Council.
  • The committee will promote broad participation in Outcomes Assessment and regular communication of Outcomes Assessment data.
  • The College should continue to refine its goals and objectives.
  • Outcomes Assessment should be a routine College function.
  • The goal of Outcomes Assessment is the improvement of teaching and learning.
  • Outcomes Assessment should be focused on answering specific questions.
  • It is important to follow up on Outcomes Assessment results.
  • Data gathering should include guidelines for access and confidentiality.
  • Outcomes Assessment should be multi-modal, including a variety of sources and data (i.e., qualitative and quantitative).
  • Ownership of Outcomes Assessment should be widespread, but is the responsibility primarily of the individual course instructor.


Specific Recommendations for Outcomes Assessment of Institutional Goals

  • Supplement the U.S. News and World Report annual ranking with additional Outcomes Assessment benchmarks.
  • Consider including additional goals in the Strategic Plan.


Specific Recommendations for Outcomes Assessment of Academic Programs

  • Make improving teaching quality and enhancing student learning the priority of Outcomes Assessment.
  • Enhance the match between Outcomes Assessment procedures and the clear statement of desired outcomes.
  • Focus on a specific rather than global approach.
  • Make Outcomes Assessment of majors the heart of our overall plan.
  • Increase faculty support for Outcomes Assessment (i.e., training, resources, opportunities for Outcomes Assessment).
  • Encourage a multi-modal approach to Outcomes Assessment.


Specific Recommendations for Outcomes Assessment of Extracurricular Activities, Co-Curricular Activities, and Student Services

  • Responsibility for follow-up of Outcomes Assessment must be clearly delineated.
  • Expand procedures for Outcomes Assessment of student development.
  • Broaden the sources of Outcomes Assessment input.


Middle States Commission on Higher Education
According to The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Outcomes Assessment should:

  • Have a foundation in the institution's mission, goals, and objectives.
  • Include the support and collaboration of faculty and administration.
  • Include a systematic and thorough use of quantitative and qualitative measures.
  • Include Outcomes Assessment and evaluative approaches that lead to improvement.
  • Have realistic goals and a timetable, supported by appropriate investment.
  • Evaluate the Outcomes Assessment program.