St. Cloud State University has announced its participation in a multi-state initiative designed to assess student learning outcomes.

The Multi-State Collaborative to Advance Learning Outcomes Assessment (MSC) is made up of 68 higher education institutions conducting tests that will document how well students are learning specific outcomes in their college classes.

The MSC study is designed to assist faculty in improving student learning and to develop new tools for faculty and staff to maintain appropriate resources for students. Using a common rubric for all participating institutions, MSC will begin their assessments in January 2015.

Minnesota is one of nine states participating in this pilot program. Other states include Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oregon, Rhode Island and Utah.

SCSU is the only four-year university in Minnesota participating in this program.