Focus your thinking about the evidence you have. Next, start thinking about the kinds of evidence that are not on your list but should be.

What evidence do you have to prove that you have attained the basic competencies of a good education?

Penn State's General Learning Outcomes

Penn State's Faculty Senate approved a set of general education learning outcomes for this purpose in 1997. Every Penn State student should be able to:

• acquire knowledge through critical information gathering-including reading, listening, computer assisted searching, and scientific experimentation and observation;
• analyze and evaluate acquired knowledge, quantitatively if needed;
• integrate knowledge from a variety of sources and fields;
• make critical judgments in a logical and rational manner;
• develop the skills to maintain health, and understand the factors that detract from good health;
• communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, within your chosen field of study;
• work independently and in teams in seeking and sharing knowledge;
• gain understanding of international interdependence and cultural diversity, and develop consideration for values, lifestyles, and traditions that may differ from your own;
• understand the role of aesthetic and creative activities expressing with imagination and experience.

How do you match up?

REALITY CHECK: What are the qualities a prospective employer might think are important?

It is more than just the courses you have taken!

Seven Career & Essential Life Skills

People in the business of hiring the best qualified candidates look for employees that show signs of these seven career and essential life skills:

• interpersonal,
• appreciate diversity,
• team players,
• have technical skills,
• communicate well,
• have 'real-world' experience, and are
• self-sufficient.

What evidence do you have that can prove you own these qualities?

How do you include this evidence in your e-Portfolio?

It is very important to begin thinking about how you can become involved in experiences that make sense for you.

Activities that take place outside the classroom that are related to your field of study and the types of evidence that you might save may include:

Activities that take place outside the classroom that aren't necessarily related to your field of study and the types of evidence that you should save may include: