The SSFS faculty are committed to fostering an environment for effective student learning in order to meet individual student needs and academic pursuits. Evidence-based and varied teaching methods and instructional tools are integrated into all department academic programs. A multi-dimensional approach of student learning is conducted annually, including nationally recognized standardized tests, writing samples, and evaluations by professionals from a variety fields. Additionally, we are collecting feedback from the alumni of each of our programs as to their sense of their educational preparation. This approach allows us to assess the department’s progress in achieving our learning outcomes.