Illustrates progress made at Howard Community College (HCC) in the last three years in efforts to improve student learning, instructional effectiveness, and curriculum. Information for this progress report was compiled with input from offices involved in monitoring outcomes assessment of student learning at the college. These include the office of the vice president of academic affairs, the learning outcomes assessment office, and the planning, research and organizational development office. Emphasizes the college's commitment to change and innovation. Each year, HCC faculty and staff use assessment projects to identify activities that may steer the college through the waves of mounting educational change. Part one, Institutional Impact of Assessment, reviews information found in the Middles States accreditation review conducted at Howard Community College in fall 2001 and highlights how the assessment of student learning has affected educational processes at HCC. Part two, Programmatic Assessment, outlines the major changes and improvements that have taken place in selected academic programs as a result of assessment of student learning outcomes. Also provides four examples to illuminate some of the trends that are discussed and to demonstrate viable changes to student modes of inquiry within certain disciplines. (JS)