NWIC Assessment Resources

Institutional Outcomes

Approved May 6, 2013

(Open a pdf version of the Institutional Outcomes by clicking here)

Northwest Indian College is committed to advancing the vision of our ancestors by providing a quality Indigenous education through which every student is able to strengthen their personal and Tribal identity.

The institutional outcomes are foundational to a framework based on the pillars of indigenousness and sovereignty which informs all aspects of the design, delivery, and assessment of the college’s programs and courses. These relationships are shown below.

This framework ensures that, upon degree attainment, NWIC graduates will be able to view their world cognizant of Tribal values, informed by the knowledge of inherent and acquired rights, and prepared to be leaders in their own unique ways to serve their communities. As Tribal Nation builders, graduates will be prepared to promote the restoration of a culture of social and economic abundance.

NWIC has identified four organizing principles for student success which move our educational vision into fruition:

NATIVE LEADERSHIP – To Acquire a Quality Education

Educated Native leaders are essential to the survival and advancement of Tribes. NWIC graduates are leaders in their own right and have the ability to communicate in diverse situations, listen deeply, think critically, and organize and articulate ideas.

Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …

1. effectively communicate in diverse situations, from receiving to expressing information, both verbally and non-verbally.
2. use analytical and critical thinking skills to draw and interpret conclusions from multiple perspectives including Indigenous theory and methods.

WAY OF LIFE – To Give Back

Education is relevant when Indigenous ways of thinking, learning, and doing are infused into the educational framework. NWIC graduates possess the knowledge of how Tribal values are interpreted and practiced through healthy lifestyles, language and decision making.

Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …

3. demonstrate knowledge of what it means to be a people.
4. practice community building through service learning

INHERENT RIGHTS – To Apply Indigenous Knowledge

Knowledge of Tribal history, language and culture is integral to the advancement of sovereignty and self-determination. NWIC graduates actively engage in the decolonization process using an Indigenous perspective and are able to differentiate between inherent rights and acquired rights.

Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …

5. exhibit a sense of place.
6. recognize Tribal rights as they relate to human rights

COMMUNITY-MINDED – To Utilize Education Through Work

Indigenous knowledge advances the capacity of tribes. NWIC graduates acquire the skills to identify their role as a community member, including how they are integral to advancing the collective good of the community.

Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …

7. meet the technological challenges of a modern world
8. work cooperatively toward a common goal

Former NWIC Outcomes (until May 2013)

NWIC has articulated six competencies in the first phase of its assessment efforts. These competencies are under continual review and updating and other competencies will be articulated as needed. Students who complete a program of study at NWIC will have a solid foundation in the areas listed below. Each of these competencies has the following specific outcomes that will be assessed throughout the students’ program. Rubrics for each competency have links below.

1. Cultural: Students will demonstrate an understanding of…
   • sense of place.
   • what it is to be a people.
2. Written communication skills: Students will be able to…
   • write standard English.
   • write in a variety of text forms using various credible sources.
3. Oral communication skills: Students will be able to…
   • apply effective presentation skills.
   • apply interpersonal communication skills.
4. Computer skills: Students will be able to…
   • use word processing software for communication.
   • use spreadsheet software for communication, computation and graphic data representation.
   • use presentation software for communication.
   • use the Internet for research.
   • use E-mail for communication.
   • use electronic library resources
5. Quantitative skills: Students will be able to…
   • propose solutions to and solve real-world problems by applying the correct numerical data.
   • use analytical and critical thinking skills to draw and interpret conclusions.
6. Reading skills: Students will be able to…
   • comprehend readings.
   • extend their own vocabulary through reading.