Stanton University: An Overview of Academic Excellence and Student Success

Stanton University (SU), established in 1996, stands as a private, nonprofit, public benefit educational institution committed to student success through innovative teaching, creative scholarship, and practical experience. Located in Anaheim, California, in the heart of Orange County, Stanton University is organized into an educational delivery system based on the democratic process in which the student is the prime concern. The university's location provides students with access to various entertainment, artistic, theatrical, and recreational opportunities, including Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Mission and Philosophy

Stanton University provides services supportive of students’ efforts in succeeding academically, vocationally, and personally. The university seeks to integrate education and learning by responding to changing societies and cultures and shaped by the vocations to which we have been called. Higher Education is by Definition the Development of Human Potential. The university is committed to a student-centered approach to learning that promotes the development of the whole person.

Dr. David K. emphasizes the importance of attention and connection, stating, “We live embedded in the body of the world. Attention is required. Every life is the interweaving of strands of connection to time, place, ecosystem, culture, ethnicity, gender, family, and history. We exist interdependently with all that is.” He further highlights the university's commitment to student success and life-changing opportunities. The quality of the educational experience at Stanton University is fostered by the close human and intellectual relationships between students and faculty, and by the open exchange of ideas.

Academic Programs

Stanton University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to prepare students for professional careers in business, management, and related fields. Programs are structured to balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, and faculty members are drawn from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

In 2022, the university offered the following programs:

Associate Degrees: Associate of Applied Science in Professional Golf Management and Associate of Applied Science in Korean Culinary Arts.
Bachelor's Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration.
Master's Degrees: Master of Business Administration.

The university operates on a quarter system and provides both on-campus and online learning opportunities to accommodate working professionals and international students.

Specific Program Data (2022)

Associate of Applied Science in Professional Golf Management

Number of Degrees Awarded: 5
Total Charges for the Program: $16,680.00
Completion Rate: 55.56%
Placement Rate: 100%

Associate of Applied Science in Korean Culinary Arts

Number of Degrees Awarded: 6
Total Charges for the Program: $20,620.00
Completion Rate: 75%
Placement Rate: 0%

Bachelor of Business Administration

Number of Degrees Awarded: 25
Total Charges for the Program: $32,700.00
Completion Rate: 86.21%
Placement Rate: 63.64%

Master of Business Administration

Number of Degrees Awarded: 64
Total Charges for the Program: $16,360.00
Completion Rate: 95.52%
Placement Rate: 70.37%

Student Life

Student life at Stanton University is shaped by its diverse, international community. Campus life includes student-led organizations, cultural activities, and academic clubs that encourage collaboration and community building. Stanton University supports student well-being through academic advising, counseling resources, and career development services.

The Stanton athletic teams are called the Elks. At some point, its long term goal is to be a dual member of the USCAA and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Assessment of Student Learning

Stanton University places a strong emphasis on assessing student learning to ensure the effectiveness of its educational programs. The university uses a comprehensive approach to assessment, which includes defining learning outcomes, mapping outcomes to the curriculum, and conducting annual assessment projects.

Creating Learning Outcomes

The first step in conducting effective assessment of student learning at Stanton University is for faculty to establish a shared understanding of the knowledge and skills that graduates should possess upon completing their program of study. This process begins with the creation of program learning outcomes. Program learning outcomes provide a broad overview of the learning expected to occur throughout the curriculum. They consist of concise, specific, and measurable statements describing the knowledge and skills that students will acquire upon successful completion of a program.

Read also: Stanton College Prep Controversy

Learning outcomes focus on the student’s abilities, stating in observable and measurable terms what students can do upon completing a course or program. For example, “Upon completion of this program, students will be able to differentiate between various research methods and assess their strengths and limitations.” The emphasis is on the student’s learning, not the instructor’s teaching.

The creation of learning outcomes should be a reflective, collaborative process, ideally involving faculty, alumni, and students. Faculty members are the experts in their discipline and are best positioned to define the knowledge and skills expected from their students.

Mapping Learning Outcomes

After establishing or confirming the appropriate learning outcomes for a program, the next step is to map these outcomes onto the curriculum. Mapping, or “charting,” allows departments to determine where each learning outcome is addressed within the courses offered. This process is crucial for identifying where learning outcomes are introduced, reinforced, and mastered, ensuring that students have sufficient opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

At Stanton University, the curriculum map consists of a table where one axis lists the program’s learning outcomes, and the other lists the courses within the major. In this grid, departments can clearly see which outcomes are being addressed in which courses and at what level (introduced, reinforced, or mastered).

This mapping process can reveal gaps and redundancies, helping departments adjust the curriculum to ensure that all outcomes are adequately covered. Additionally, mapping outcomes provides an opportunity to indicate the degree of emphasis placed on each outcome within a course.

Annual Assessment Process

Each academic and co-curricular program at Stanton University is required to complete an annual assessment project. At least every other year, the project must involve a Direct Assessment of Student Learning. In alternate years, programs have the option to conduct an Alternate Assessment Project.

Direct Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

For this type of project, programs assess at least one of their established student learning outcomes using a direct assessment method. Multiple learning outcomes can be assessed in a single year. Over a 10-year cycle, programs are expected to assess all of their student learning outcomes. The basic steps for this type of project include:

Reflecting on the results and recommendations from previous assessment projects and any actions taken in response.
Selecting at least one student learning outcome as the focus of assessment.
Collecting evidence of students’ achievement related to the selected learning outcome(s).
Analyzing and interpreting the collected data.
Reporting the results of the assessment.
Recommending actions based on the assessment findings.

Alternate Assessment Project

The purpose of an alternate assessment project is either to request additional time for follow-up or implementation of changes from a previous assessment project, or to investigate a significant area related to student learning that may not be easily measured by directly assessing learning outcomes. Examples of potential alternate assessment projects include:

Follow-up on previous assessment projects focused on student learning outcomes.
Extending a previous project on student learning outcomes.
Conducting a needs assessment.
Developing a curriculum or course project.
Other special projects as determined by the program or department.

Accreditation

Stanton University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Accreditation by a recognized regional accrediting body is essential for colleges and universities to qualify for federal financial aid for their students.

Location and Facilities

Stanton University’s main campus is located in the City of Anaheim, which has a diverse multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population. Originally established in Garden Grove, California, Stanton University later relocated its main campus to Anaheim and maintains a satellite campus in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.

Financial Information

Stanton University does not participate in federal financial aid programs under Title IV of the Federal Higher Education Act, veterans' financial aid education programs, or the Cal Grant program. The institution also does not participate in, or offer, any other state or federal government financial aid programs or non-government financial aid programs.

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