Program Learning Outcomes

IU Indianapolis Paralegal Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Adopted January, 2019, Approved by Advisory Board February, 2019

Program Objectives and accompanying Student Learning Outcomes—Developed to coincide with the IU Indianapolis Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success: Learn more

Program Objective One: Communicator—To prepare students to communicate effectively in a legal environment. This objective is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

  • Analyze legal situations
  • Understand different arguments and perspectives through effective listening and comprehension skills
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing
  • Use legal research tools to write well-researched and legally reasoned responses

Program Objective Two: Problem Solver—To stimulate critical thinking in our students so they can identify, evaluate, and adapt to legal issues. This objective is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

  • Evaluate legal situations
  • Collaborate with peers to solve legal problems
  • Consider legal arguments and counterarguments and prepare a response
  • Arrive at reasoned, persuasive legal conclusions and be able to support these conclusions

Program Objective Three: Innovator—To equip students with the foundational legal knowledge to allow them to respond to challenges in a legal environment. This objective is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

  • Develop an understanding of legal concepts and structures
  • Decisively apply legal concepts to legal issues
  • Develop an organizational system for accomplishing work
  • Meet strict deadlines
  • Utilize technology to efficiently complete legal work

Program Objective Four: Community Contributor—To prepare students to understand and follow legal rules and structures, including ethical rules, and to promote fairness and civility. This objective is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

  • Understand and apply procedural rules
  • Behave in a professional and courteous manner
  • Understand and uphold the rules of professional conduct for lawyers
  • Connect learning to the legal community and beyond