Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

The University of Evansville’s educational outcomes are reflected in it’s ILOs as four Pillars of Excellence: 1) Critical Thinker, 2) Communicator, 3) Creator, and 4) Changemaker, all of which align with the University’s mission statement of “to empower each student to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world.”

1) Critical Thinker

Analyzes objectively

Critical thinkers analyze issues, problems, and information from multiple perspectives and scales. They utilize their disciplinary expertise, understanding of human behavior, language, and culture, and data and information literacy skills. 

Synthesizes

Critical thinkers synthesize insights and evidence from multiple sources and integrate them with their prior knowledge. They update their credences based on new evidence, drawing connections with and adding to their ever-expanding knowledge base while pruning beliefs that don’t align with evidence.

Challenges assumptions

Critical thinkers recognize and acknowledge the assumptions of others and themselves. They question implicit beliefs, applying logic and evidence to evaluate ideas. They seek diverse perspectives and ask questions to reveal and probe unspoken assumptions.

Solves problems

Critical thinkers leverage their powers of analysis and reasoning to solve problems on every scale and in diverse contexts.  They work to develop a clear definition of a problem and systematically evaluate solution strategies from multiple perspectives, creating new strategies as needed. With a structured approach to problem-solving and an innovative mindset, critical thinkers are well-equipped to persevere in the face of challenges.

Reflects

Critical thinkers reflect on their motivations, thoughts,  and feelings, identify their successes and failures,  and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, continuously honing their reasoning powers as they gain self-knowledge.

2) Communicator

Empathizes

A communicator considers their audience's background knowledge, culture, and interests and adjusts their language, delivery, and communication style accordingly. They also use empathy to build rapport with collaborators and forge stronger working relationships. 

Structures

Communicators structure their messages around organizing ideas or theses to serve a specific goal, often persuasion.  Their messages are presented in a linear fashion—such as chronological, general to specific, or cause and effect, and flow with clear transitions. They can adapt the message for transmission through different communication channels with an understanding of each channel's strengths and limitations.

Articulates

A communicator expresses ideas coherently and concisely. They avoid jargon and ambiguity and provide cues to tone and emphasis through word choice, punctuation, enunciation, and body language, depending on the medium. They prioritize key points and important details.

Seeks feedback

A communicator invites and encourages two-way communication, making course corrections in emphasis, pacing, and tone as appropriate, tuning their message to the audience.  In so doing, they build rapport and trust. By seeking and reacting to constructive criticism, they learn about their communication style's strengths and weaknesses as part of an ongoing improvement process.

Listens Actively

Communicators pay close attention to the content and non-verbal cues of the speaker, showing interest through eye contact and body language. They paraphrase to confirm understanding and pose open-ended questions to demonstrate engagement and elicit further responses.

3) Creator

Discovers

Creators are driven by curiosity and a desire to learn. They actively seek out new ideas, techniques, and perspectives through exploration and experimentation. Their creations often stem from independent inquiry and research, reflecting their journey of learning and growth.

Designs

Creators design with intentionality and purpose. They thoughtfully plan and structure their creations, considering every detail. Their designs are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and user-friendly, reflecting a deep understanding of the user’s needs and the context in which their creations will be used.

Expresses

Creators express themselves through their work, using it as a medium to convey their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Their creations reflect their identity and worldview, offering a unique lens through which to view the world. Through expression and performance, they communicate complex ideas and emotions in a way that resonates with others.

Illuminates

Creators illuminate by shedding light on overlooked issues or hidden truths. Their work often brings attention to important topics, sparking dialogue and promoting understanding. Through their creations, they enlighten others, fostering awareness and inspiring change

Innovates

A creator pushes boundaries, challenging the status quo and producing novel solutions to challenges from fresh perspectives. They act bravely to take risks and experiment with new ideas, constantly seeking novel solutions to complex problems. Their innovative mindset drives them to explore uncharted territories and create unique, impactful outcomes.

4) Changemaker

Serves

Changemakers embody the principles of servant leadership by understanding the needs of others and striving to uplift and empower all people. Leading with humility, empathy, and a commitment to serving the greater good, Changemakers foster collaboration and trust, valuing outside contributions and feedback. By prioritizing the well-being of others and nurturing a culture of service, they inspire collective action and drive meaningful change.

Envisions

Changemakers approach their world with open minds, seeking to understand how change is needed. Utilizing historical insight to envision future possibilities, they approach challenges with a tenacious mindset that sees barriers not as stop signs but as opportunities to innovate. Unbound by tradition, changemakers envision and strive to create an inclusive, equitable future. Changemakers discern the path to success and maintain progress toward the goal.

Advocates

Changemakers employ empathy and bold vision to advocate effectively for those whose voices and needs often go unheard and unaddressed. Utilizing their unique perspectives and skillsets from diverse backgrounds, changemakers join with those voices to navigate systemic challenges and find equitable and innovative solutions that address all aspects of community needs.

Galvanizes

Changemakers mobilize like-minded persons to pursue positive change. Recognizing that progress requires a coalition, changemakers build and sustain diverse collaborative networks to work toward a focused goal. Changemakers empower those around them, seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives that lead to richer solutions.

Transforms

Changemakers challenge the status quo, relentlessly seeking to reimagine and transform systems. By identifying opportunities to adjust, improve, and shift paradigms, they create a more just and equitable world through innovation, open-minded collaboration, resilience, and collective effort. Changemakers adopt a systems-level perspective on the world and work to disrupt stagnant social, political, educational and economic systems that no longer serve their members.