Assessment Day

Spring 2008 Assessment Day

Assessment enables the University to answer important questions being asked increasingly by students, parents, employers and legislators about what a college degree is worth.  Students who take assessment tests at JMU are helping the University understand and improve the quality of education being offered on our campus. 

All JMU students are required to participate in Assessment Day.  Students are tested first as incoming first year students and then again when they have earned 45 to 70 credit hours, typically their sophomore year. Even transfer students participate in JMU assessment. During these assessments, students are tested on their knowledge in one of the general education areas of history, science, mathematics, or fine arts. In addition, a students may also complete tests measuring critical thinking, cultural knowledge, intellectual and personal development.

Students will receive the same tests again when they have between 45-70 credit hours; this will allow the University to assess how much has been gained due to JMU's academic experience. We advise all students, "When you think of test items as a challenge, you will try harder, have more fun, and ultimately perform better. See these tests as a personal challenge and enjoy mastering them."

Assessment results are reported within JMU and to external audiences as well. Internally, assessment results are shared with faculty committees and administrators across the campus to improve our programs. Externally, JMU releases findings on how students perform in general education areas, and this information is used to compare the performance of JMU students to students from other universities in Virginia. Each student therefore has an impact on these overall scores.