Rubrics
Below are links to the assessment rubrics developed by each Common Curriculum subcommittee.
These rubrics are designed to support faculty in the meaningful assessment of student learning across multiple Topics of Inquiry (TOIs) and in Writing (W). Rather than serving as prescriptive checklists, they provide a shared framework for evaluating student work in ways that are consistent, transparent, and aligned with intended learning outcomes. The goal is to help faculty navigate assessment across varied assignments while maintaining clarity around expectations for student performance.
Each rubric is structured around clearly defined learning objectives and corresponding performance criteria that reflect a developmental continuum of learning.
Across the collection of TOI rubrics, emphasis is placed on core dimensions of learning such as critical thinking, application of knowledge, creativity and innovation, ethical reasoning, communication, and applied problem-solving. While the specific focus of each rubric varies by topic, all are designed to emphasize higher-order thinking and the application of knowledge in authentic or discipline-relevant contexts.
Faculty are encouraged to use these rubrics not only as assessment tools but also as guides for assignment design and instructional alignment. By engaging with the rubrics during course planning, faculty can more intentionally align learning activities, assessment strategies, and learning outcomes, ensuring that students have clear opportunities to demonstrate growth across multiple dimensions of learning.