Assessment Day

Upcoming Assessment Days

What is Assessment Day?

JMU’s assessment model is widely recognized as one of the most successful and longstanding in the nation for assessing student growth and development in general education and student affairs.  These procedures, which rely heavily on the scientific method, have been in place at JMU for over 25 years. Twice a year, the Center for Assessment and Research Studies (CARS) coordinates Assessment Day, a university-wide effort to collect data that will be used for program assessment and improvement. 

James Madison University continues to lead the nation with our assessment model, and JMU’s students provide quality data to fuel continuous program improvement.

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. Transfer students also participate in JMU assessment. All students are tested on their knowledge in one of the general education areas of communication, history, science, mathematics, or fine arts. In addition, students may complete tests measuring critical thinking, cultural knowledge, intellectual and personal development.

Students will be assigned the same tests they completed as entering first-year students at the second Assessment Day; 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 has an impact on these overall scores.