Explore Institutional Effectiveness
General Education Outcome Essay Contest
We are excited to announce the General Education Outcome Essay Contest for students
at Oakland Community College! This contest invites you, as a student, to reflect on
your learning and share how you have learned and applied the general education outcomes
of our institution. These outcomes are the foundation of your academic experience
and are designed to help you grow as a thinker, communicator, problem-solver, and
engaged citizen. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three essays!
Essay Directions:
This year, OCC is focused on the assessment of aesthetic awareness, quantitative literacy and scientific literacy
In 2–4 double-spaced pages, describe how your coursework, experiences, and involvement
at OCC have helped you meet our general education outcomes (see below for definition
and dimensions). Please include examples from specific OCC classes, projects, campus
activities, or extra-curricular activities that have helped you hone these skills.
Strong essays will connect specific OCC experiences to these outcomes and show how
they have shaped your learning as a student at the College.
Requirements:
- Length: 2–4 double-spaced pages (approximately 600–1,200 words); submitted as a word document or PDF file.
- Style: Clear organization, strong flow of ideas, correct spelling and grammar.
- References: Not required, but if you choose to reference course materials, readings, or other sources, use MLA or APA format. Include a works cited or references page if applicable (not counted toward page total).
- Cover Page: Include a cover page with your name, OCC email, contact phone number and program major or academic goal as the first page.
- Tone: Reflective and academic, demonstrating critical thinking and personal insight.
Judging Criteria:
- Clarity and organization of ideas.
- Connection of experiences to general education outcomes.
- Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Use of supporting examples and references (if included).
- Creativity and engagement in writing.
- Original work and not AI-generated
Deadline & Submission:
Submit your essay by Monday, March 9 to IE_Contact@oaklandcc.edu
Winners will be announced at the beginning of April 2026.
Prizes:
- First place $300
- Second place $150
- Third place $50
General Education Outcome Definitions
Aesthetic Awareness
Students will demonstrate an appreciation of aesthetic expression.
The faculty at OCC have defined four dimensions of the Scientific Literacy general education learning outcome to clarify learning expectations for students. They include:
- Analyzes the relationship between form and content.
- Identifies and evaluates how aesthetic expression leads to an understanding of cultural context.
Quantitative Literacy
Students perform computations, identify and draw inferences from relevant information/data and represent it graphically, symbolically, numerically and verbally.
The faculty at OCC have defined four dimensions of the Scientific Literacy general education learning outcome to clarify learning expectations for students. They include:
- Shows all of the necessary steps to complete the task.
- Performs computations with appropriate accuracy
- Uses critical thinking to draw inferences from relevant information.
- Models information/data graphically or using visual representation.
- Represents information symbolically and/or numerically.
- Interprets numerical, symbolic, or graphical information or computation results.
Scientific Literacy
Students can apply fundamental scientific principles and methods to explain the impacts of scientific research and technology.
The faculty at OCC have defined four dimensions of the Scientific Literacy general education learning outcome to clarify learning expectations for students. They include:
- Uses appropriate terminology to describe core scientific concepts.
- Collects, evaluates, analyzes, and interprets information and data.
- Synthesizes information and data to draw conclusions and solve problems.
- Applies scientific knowledge to personal and global issues.