Student Outcomes & Requirements

Student Outcomes

The following are the student learning outcomes for the Global Engagement Certificate:

  1. Knowledge of other world cultures and global issues.  

  2. Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a second language.

  3. Intercultural competence through studying and living abroad.

  4. Enhanced global and international knowledge through participation in campus or community-based extra-curricular experiences.

  5. Integration of global learning experiences.


Along with each student outcome is a list of required artifacts, courses, or programs to successfully complete the certification.


Outcome #1: Knowledge of Other World Cultures and global Issues

Course requirement: Complete four (4) courses courses chosen from the list of approved courses for the International Studies major or the College of Business International Course Requirement; courses taken during study abroad will also be acceptable.Clarification: courses should be focused on cultures/societies/regions outside the US; courses that include some US content for comparative purposes are also acceptable. Students may use courses from the major, minor, and/or general education (excluding the GENED courses). However, only 300 or 400 level foreign language courses can be used to satisfy this requirement.Portfolio Artifact Required:

  1. reflective essay of 500-750 words in which you respond to the following prompt:
    First, articulate a major concept or issue that connects the four courses you have taken, and then compose an essay that explores how your learning about this concept or issue developed over time. In this essay reflect on how you thought about this issue and its relation to specific world cultures or global topics before you completed this coursework and compare it with your thinking now. Explain how your assumptions or understanding of the world evolved through your work in these courses.

Outcome #2: Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a second language

Course requirement: Completion, or waiver of, the fourth semester of a single foreign language at the college level (ARABIC 252, CHINESE 252, FRENCH 252, GERMAN 252, SPANISH 252 OR JAPANESE 201).Note: International students and other non-native English speakers should consult with the GEC advisor about obtaining a waiver of the course requirement. 
Portfolio artifact required:

  1. A 2-3 minute video monologue in your second language in which you introduce yourself and describe at least two situations when you relied on your second language competency to navigate another culture. These experiences may have occurred in the US or abroad and could range from one-on-one interactions to group presentations or document translations. The video can be recorded in the Language Lab (HE302), at the L&S Media Center/Technology Lab (White 8) or even with a decent mobile phone camera.

Outcome #3: Intercultural competence through studying and living abroad

Clarification: Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to interpret aspects of another culture with greater sophistication; to understand the worldview of another culture; and to collaborate effectively with people from another culture.  

International experience(s) requirement: SIX, or more weeks in a study abroad program or other approved international experience(s), including residence, employment, internship,or military service in a foreign country. This requirement may be met by combining two or more shorter experiences.  Experiences in which tourism was the primary activity will not be accepted.
Portfolio artifacts required:

  1. description of the international experience. If the experience is not listed on your advising report, provide documentation.
  2. reflective essay of 500-750 words in which you demonstrate how your intercultural competence (as defined above) has been enhanced through studying or living abroad. Enhanced intercultural competence may be demonstrated by:
      · Discussion of one or more insights about a foreign culture gained from your immersion experience.  · Discussion of how you came to understand how another culture views a significant global issue.  · An account of a collaboration or close interaction you had with individuals from another culture(s), addressing how you adapted to cultural differences.

Outcome #4: Enhanced global and international knowledge through participation in campus or community-based extra-curricular experiences

Clarification: Attend or participate in SIX campus or community extra-curricular events and, in approximately 250 words, explain the nature of your participation in the event AND either how it contributes to your understanding of another culture OR how it contributes to an appreciation of a specific global issue.Portfolio artifacts required:

  1. Written reports on attendance/participation in six events or activities, which may include  · Campus lectures, performances or presentations  · International student organizations  · Service activities  · Community events

Outcome #5: Integration of global learning experiences

Portfolio artifact required:

  1. reflective essay of 500-750 words responding to the following scenario:Imagine you are being interviewed by a prospective employer or an admissions officer at a graduate school you have applied to. The interviewer has noticed the Global Engagement Certificate on your transcript or résumé and is eager to learn more about how this achievement has enriched your education and personal growth. How would you respond to such an interviewer? In the course of your response, consider one or more of the characteristics of a globally engaged person listed below to form a cogent and persuasive argument that illustrates how your global learning experiences have prepared you for success and leadership in your professional life. 

    Recipients of the Global Engagement Certificate should be able to:

      · Demonstrate cultural self-awareness: Can you identify and articulate your own cultural rules and biases and provide counter-examples from another culture?

      · Exhibit global awareness: Can you identify and articulate how people are affected by power and privilege in relation to class, ethnicity, gender, geography, nationality, race, religion, sexuality, etc. 

      · Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of other cultures: Can you explain at least three aspects of another culture? These may relate to beliefs and practices, communication styles, history, politics, or economy.

      · Exhibit respectful consideration of multiple and conflicting global perspectives: In considering an issue, can you describe a number of the potential positions from        different - even conflicting - perspectives?

      · Interpret an intercultural experience from multiple perspectives: Can you describe your experience with other cultures that shows you understood and empathized with a perspective different from yours?

      • Evaluate the different consequences of individual and collective interventions: Can you explain why an action you would take to address an injustice in global power relations is appropriate? How does it compare to other responses to such problems?


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