Co-Curricular
What is Co-Curricular?
Co-curricular is a term that refers to the educational activities and programs that complement the academic curriculum. Co-curricular activities do not provide academic credit, but should provide intentional learning opportunities that support the university’s mission and learning objectives. These learning experiences include–but are not limited to–high impact practices such as learning communities, service-learning, student-faculty research experiences, University Academic Advising and Advocacy, and intercultural experiences.
At CSU, co-curricular learning experiences are provided by the Division of Student Affairs, CSU Libraries, Student Diversity Programs and Services, Office of International Programs, Athletics, Office for Undergraduate Research and Artistry, and the university’s many honor societies.
How Do We Assess Learning in Co-Curricular Experiences?
Co-curricular programs define learning outcomes for their students and seek to understand how well their programs are working to help students achieve these outcomes. The information they collect is used to improve their programs and to address the needs of students.
CSU’s Division of Student Affairs has developed a Learning Domains framework (PDF) framework that guide programming and assessment efforts across the Division. DSA offices and programs engage in ongoing learning outcomes assessment, reporting on their efforts each year. The DSA conducts comprehensive program reviews every five years, providing programs the opportunity to reflect on their contribution to the educational experience while centering equitable practices. The process helps units determine the extent to which they are meeting their goals and how they might adjust practices to better meet student needs. For more information about DSA assessment efforts, visit their Division of Student Affairs assessment website.