Anchor Plan Outcomes

Following a multi-year campus-wide study and review process, the Hope College faculty approved the Anchor Plan as our core curriculum beginning in the 2023–24 academic year.

The Anchor Plan retains elements of the previous General Education plan and adds curriculum reflecting the world in which Hope students live.

All Anchor Plan courses map to seven student learning outcomes with the Anchor Plan curriculum providing Hope students with the education they need to reach these outcomes. The seven Anchor Plan outcomes also support Hope’s common learning outcomes and the Hope College mission. Our Anchor Plan Assessment Plan and the Assessment Guides for each learning outcome identify the measures used, frequency of assessment and review of assessment results for each of the seven learning outcomes.

After completing their Anchor Plan courses, Hope College students will be able to:

Outcome 1Examine fundamental or emerging questions about humanity, the natural world, or God by seeking answers through different modes of inquiry

Anchor Plan courses that support student learning toward this outcome include:

First Year Seminar
Health Dynamics
Mathematics & Natural Sciences Courses
Natural Sciences and Applied Lab Courses
Religion 200-Level Courses
Social Sciences Courses
Humanistic and Artistic Perspectives 100-Level Courses
Global Language Courses
Senior Seminar

Outcome 2Reflect on the diverse perspectives, cultures and historical experiences of people in the United States and the world

Anchor Plan courses that support student learning toward this outcome include:

First Year Seminar
Global Language Courses
US Diversities Courses
Global Perspectives Courses

Outcome 3Practice Hope College’s Virtues of Public Discourse: humility to listen, hospitality to welcome, patience to understand, courage to challenge, honesty to speak the truth in love

Anchor Plan courses that support student learning toward this outcome include:

First Year Seminar
Philosophical Perspectives Courses
Senior Seminar

Outcome 4Demonstrate an ability to communicate to a specific audience by employing multiple approaches media or languages

Anchor Plan courses that support student learning toward this outcome include:

Expository Writing
Natural Science and Applied Lab Courses
Arts in Practice Courses
Humanistic and Artistic Perspectives 200-Level Courses
Global Language Courses

Outcome 5Analyze evidence or data to solve problems, reach informed conclusions or make sound judgements

Anchor Plan courses that support student learning toward this outcome include:

Expository Writing
Health Dynamics
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Courses
Natural Science and Applied Lab Courses
Religion 200-Level Courses
Social Sciences Courses
Humanistic and Artistic Perspectives 200-Level Courses

Outcome 6Understand key tenets of the historic Christian faith

Anchor Plan courses that support student learning toward this outcome include:

Religion Christian Tenets Courses

Outcome 7Explain their own values, commitments and convictions

Anchor Plan courses that support student learning toward this outcome include:

Religion 100-Level Courses
Senior Seminar