Mapping class learning outcomes of the core curriculum to university learning goals at Michigan State University's School of Packaging

Class learning outcomes (CLOs) supporting the interdisciplinary curriculum of the School of Packaging (SoP) at Michigan State University (MSU) were mapped to competency‐based, programmatic learning outcomes (CPLOs) undergirded by broad learning goals of the University (MSU‐LGs). Six CPLOs related to the core curriculum, including the ability to design and evaluate packaging systems, as well as students' professionalism and teamwork skills, were developed using consensus building with all teaching faculty. Relationships, from specific to broad (i.e., CLOs to CPLOs to MSU‐LGs), were mapped with the SoP faculty. This mapping scheme (class‐specific CLOs supporting broader program CPLOs and, ultimately, MSU‐LGs) was developed to guarantee alignment of expectations for learning from the course to the packaging program to the MSU‐LGs. From Fall 2018 until Fall 2019, assessment tools, including rubrics and assignments intended to evaluate learning, were developed to assess core and elective courses offered by the SoP. Data collection of each student's performance was conducted utilizing Watermark's VIA software from Fall 2018 until Fall 2021 and continuous. Assessment of student performance provided evidence of learning across the SoP curriculum as well as how CLOs, delivered and assessed at the individual student level, translate into competence achieved at the programmatic and university levels.