The Center of Inquiry in the Liberal Arts collaborates with institutions to gather and use evidence to strengthen liberal arts education.

At the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) annual conference in November, Tricia Seifert reported on analysis that she and Ernest Pascarella compiled to determine whether NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) measures of good practices impact Wabash National Study outcomes. In short, they found that the NSSE benchmark and deep learning scales did in fact link to measures of effective reasoning and problem solving, well-being, inclination to inquire and lifelong learning, intercultural effectiveness, leadership, and moral reasoning. To read the report, click here (PDF).

Researchers at the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research are considering adding questions to the NSSE to evaluate students' experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Visit our blog to read the questions and provide your feedback.

In a new issue of LiberalArtsOnline, Tricia Seifert (CRUE, University of Iowa) and Greg Wolniak (NORC, University of Chicago) analyze precollege data from the ACT and postcollege alumni surveys to examine whether majoring in the traditional arts and sciences is more beneficial than other majors. Read article.

Upcoming Events (Offsite events in italics)
Nov 23–25	Middlebury College visit
Dec 3–5	New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) 123rd Annual Meeting and Conference
Jan 20–25 2009	Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Annual Meeting
For a complete list of our upcoming events, click here.

The Center of Inquiry is leading the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education, a large-scale, longitudinal study investigating critical factors that affect the outcomes of a liberal arts education. The study, which begain in the fall of 2006, includes 49 colleges and universites to date. The purpose of the study is to provide both the evidence and support necessary to help liberal arts institutions systematically improve student learning. Learn more.

Wabash Teagle Assessment Scholars

With generous support from the Teagle Foundation and the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Center of Inquiry and Teagle Assessment Scholars collaborate with faculty and staff at liberal arts institutions to build stronger assessment programs. Our goal is to help campuses develop and implement approaches to assessment that are consistent with their individual missions and distinct cultures. More>>

SoTL Conference

The 3rd National Conference on Innovations in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning at Liberal Arts Colleges will take place at Wabash College March 6–8, 2009. At the conference, liberal arts college faculty will present their scholarly work on using innovative instructional practices that promote student learning and that support teaching excellence. Find out more.