ONLY FOR BILL TUTOR

Employer Priorities and Consensus on College Learning Outcomes Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World • Broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences 80% n • Global issues and knowledge about societies and cultures outside the US 78% n • Knowledge about science and technology 56% v

Intellectual and Practical Skills • Critical thinking and analytic reasoning 82% v • Complex problem solving 81% v • Written and oral communication 80% v • Information literacy 72% v • Innovation and creativity 71% v • Teamwork skills in diverse groups 67% v • Quantitative reasoning 55% v

Personal and Social Responsibility • Problem solving in diverse settings 91% n • Ethical issues/public debates important in their field 87% n • Civic knowledge, skills, and judgment essential for contributing to the community and to our democratic society 82% n • Ethical decision making 64% v

Integrative and Applied Learning • Direct experiences with community problem solving 86% n • Applied knowledge in real-world settings 78% v

Key Findings from 2013 Survey of Employers

• Innovation a Priority: 95% of employers say they give hiring preference to college graduates with skills that enable them to contribute to innovation in the workplace.

• It Takes More than a Major: 93% of employers say that a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than a candidate’s undergraduate major. More than 75% want higher education to place more emphasis on critical thinking, complex problem solving, written and oral communica- tion, and applied knowledge.

• Broad Learning is Expected: 80% of employers agree that, regardless of their major, all college students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences.

• Students Need Liberal and Applied Learning: Employers strongly endorse educational practices that involve students in active, effortful work—practices including collaborative problem solving, research, internships, senior projects, and community engagements.

• E-Portfolios Would Add Value: 83% of employers say an electronic portfolio would be useful to indicate that job applicants have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Source: Hart Research Associates. It Takes More Than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success (Washington, DC: AAC&U, 2013), www.aacu.org/leap/public_ opinion_research.cfm

NOTES: n indicates percentage of employers who “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that, “regardless of a student’s chosen field of study,” every student should attain this area of knowledge or skill. v indicates percentage of employers who say they want colleges/universities to “place more emphasis” on this area of knowledge/skill.