FAQ s

Why doesn’t Alverno give grades? Rather than use simple letter grades, we believe in pushing students to reach their highest personal potential. Even A-level work can be better. A standard letter grade tells you where you stand today; an Alverno assessment considers today plus guides you to the next step toward achieving a greater understanding and application of knowledge. (see page 4 for more information)

What if I need a transcript? The official Alverno College transcript consists of a chronological record of all courses successfully completed and for undergraduates, a history of demonstrated abilities. After graduation, an overall assessment of your academic career is included.

How will I know how well I’m doing if I can’t compare myself to other students? Our groundbreaking curriculum, utilizing the 8 Abilities and self assessment, reduces comparison among students. Everyone starts in different places, and everyone has a different end goal. Learning at Alverno isn’t a “one size fits all” approach; rather, it’s designed to help students achieve their personal best.

What is self assessment? Alverno’s assessment process mirrors performance reviews and feedback in the real world. This means graduates know their strengths and weaknesses, constantly assess their own work and are eager for constructive evaluation — the key to continual improvement.

What is outcomes-based learning? Outcomes-based learning focuses on skill development by clearly communicating what a student should be able to do by the time they complete a course. That skill development is organized around a set of goals rather than memorizing facts for the purpose of getting good grades on an exam.