Built by Bama: A New Model for General Education Innovation

Register now for our upcoming webcast with The University of Alabama:
Tuesday, November 18th at 1:00 PM ET

The University of Alabama is redefining what general education can be. Led by Dr. Erik L. Peterson, Associate Provost and Professor, the university’s Built by Bama initiative introduces a data-informed approach to assessing student learning while recognizing achievement in new ways.

As part of its ongoing SACSCOC accreditation, UA moved beyond time-intensive, difficult-to-scale course-embedded assessments. In their place, the university implemented the Test of Undergraduate Student Knowledge (TUSK), a skills-based assessment designed to measure key competencies, including critical thinking, quantitative literacy, civic engagement, global citizenship, and written communication.

Students who reach proficiency receive digital badges that make their learning visible to faculty, employers, and future institutions. These badges serve as verifiable evidence of student capability and support UA’s commitment to outcomes-based education.

Faculty benefit too. The new model streamlines assessment collection and analysis, freeing time for teaching and mentorship while still meeting accreditation standards.

The early results are clear: The University of Alabama has built a sustainable, scalable framework that connects student performance to meaningful recognition. For institutions exploring general education innovation, the Built by Bama story offers a forward-looking model grounded in evidence, efficiency, and student success.

Save your spot for the webcast!
(All registrants will receive a replay copy)