Table 1. Liberal Arts Outcomes, Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education

Integration of Learning is the demonstrated ability to connect information from disparate contexts and perspectives. This includes the ability to connect the domain of ideas and philosophies to the “real world,” from one field of study or discipline to another, from the past to the present, from one part to the whole, from the abstract to the concrete—and vice versa.

Inclination to Inquire and Lifelong Learning reflects a strong desire to learn, ask questions, and consider new ideas. Such learning involves taking initiative to learn, not being satisfied with a quick answer, and possessing intrinsic motivation for intellectual growth. These dispositions lend themselves to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.

Effective Reasoning and Problem Solving involves the capacity to make reflective judgments; think critically and independently; and analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in order to make decisions and solve problems.

Moral Character involves the capacity to make and act upon moral or ethical judgments, treating others with fairness and compassion; this capacity includes several facets of morality: discernment, reasoning, motivation, and behavior.

Intercultural Effectiveness includes knowledge of cultures and cultural practices (one’s own and others’), complex cognitive skills for decision-making in intercultural contexts, social skills to function effectively in diverse groups, and personal attributes that include flexibility and openness to new ideas.

Leadership entails the seven core values of Astin’s and her colleagues’ Social Change Model for Leadership. Within the model, the core values fall into three categories: personal or individual values (consciousness of self, congruence, commitment), group values (collaboration, common purpose, controversy with civility), and a societal and community value (citizenship).

Well-Being encompasses four dimensions: subjective, psychological, social, and physical.  Subjective well-being is associated with happiness, life satisfaction and life quality. Psychological well-being is the pursuit of meaningful goals and a sense of purpose in life. Social well-being refers to positive social health based on one’s functioning in society. Finally, physical well-being is characterized by positive health-related attributes.