Critical Analysis of Identity and Equity in the United States Report Spring 2023

Overview

Virginia Tech has chosen to measure two outcomes within the Critical Analysis of Identity and Equity in the United States (CAIEUS) area of the Pathways general education program as one of two assessment areas selected by Virginia Tech.

CAIEUS courses explore the ways social identities related to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, class, disability status, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, economic status, age, and other socially salient categories and statuses influence the human condition and experience, with focus on the United States in particular or in comparative perspective. (Students take one course in this area of the curriculum.)

During the Spring 2023 semester, Virginia Tech offered 70 Pathways courses that included the Core Concept of CAIEUS.

Outcomes Virginia Tech Measured this Reporting Cycle

Analyze social equity and diversity in the United States through multiple perspectives on power and identity.
Analyze the interactive relationships between place, space, identity formation, and sense of community in the United States.

Virginia Tech's Target for this Reporting Cycle

At least 70% of students will be rated as meeting or exceeding competency in this area.

Methods

All undergraduate students are required to participate in the Pathways to General Education program. All courses approved for this area of general education will participate in the assessment process. All students will complete the required assessment developed by the faculty member teaching the course. Faculty develop their own assessment methodologies based on the content and structure of the course. All assessments must be direct measures of student learning. Some possibilities include: written assignments, multiple‐choice items, projects, case studies, and artistic creations. Faculty determine what is a below competent, competent, or above competent level of performance on each learning outcome. Rubrics have been developed to guide faculty in this process.