University of Montevallo
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

The General Education requirements are linked to the AAC&U Essential Learning Outcomes, which together include all sustainability elements: Students should prepare for 21st-century challenges by gaining: • Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World —through study in the sciences and mathematics, social sciences, humanities, histories, languages, and the arts Focused by engagement with big questions, both contemporary and enduring • Intellectual and Practical Skills, including —Inquiry and analysis —Critical and creative thinking —Written and oral communication —Quantitative literacy —Information literacy —Teamwork and problem solving Practiced extensively, across the curriculum, in the context of progressively more challenging problems, projects, and standards for performance • Personal and Social Responsibility, including —Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global —Intercultural knowledge and competence —Ethical reasoning and action —Foundations and skills for lifelong learning Anchored through active involvement with diverse communities and real-world challenges • Integrative and Applied Learning, including —Synthesis and advanced accomplishments across general and specialized studies Demonstrated through the application of knowledge, skills, and responsibilities to new settings and complex problems.

Environmental Studies has several sustainability-oriented learning outcomes: 1) ES majors will understand dynamics of complex socio-environmental systems. 2) ES majors will integrate and apply diverse disciplinary perspectives to complex environmental problems. 3) ES majors will develop the ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team on a complex environmental problem with real-world stakeholders. 4) ES majors will communicate about environmental problems (both written and oral) in a way that is appropriate for both general and specialized audiences. 5) ES majors will collect original data relating to a sustainability challenge in the local context. Family & Consumer Sciences Major has several sustainability-oriented learning outcomes: 4) Students will demonstrate an understanding of community vitality, which measures how well basic human needs are met and focuses on providing an environment conducive to individual and family well-being. 6) Students will integrate knowledge of human ecosystems within which families function, including families, physical environment, human-built environment, and social regulatory environment. 8) Students will integrate knowledge of global interdependence and understand the effect of their actions on others around the world. 9) Students will apply knowledge of resource development and sustainability, including managing resources wisely, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable practices. 11)Students will apply knowledge from their programs of study to the issues of individuals, families, consumers, and communities in the environments in which they function to enable the wellness of those entities.

Our Environmental Studies major is new, so the number of graduates is low - it will be higher in future years.