Assessment day
Required SACS testing day quickly approaching
Liberty University will hold its annual Assessment Day April 18, but this year there is a new twist.
Tests — Students will be assessed on basic collegiate knowledge for accreditation purposes. Graphic by Elliot Mosher
While the morning departmental sessions, which begin at 8 a.m. and run until 12:30 p.m., remain similar to the ones in previous years, the afternoon surveys will be completely different than in the past.
This portion of the assessment process has been recreated in such a way that students can take the survey digitally, eliminating not only the hassle of waiting in lines but also the need to come to campus for some students, according to Associate Director of Assessments Monique Baucham.
Although this is a required event, it benefits students in the long run. Assessment Day gives students the chance to express their point of view on the campus and their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the school. This, in turn, allows the university to grow and change, giving students the best possible education and college experience, according to Baucham.
“We use the results for planning and campus wide improvements,” Baucham said.
Every department is effected by the results of Assessment day, including Information Technology, the Registrar’s Office, Student Accounts and many others, according to Assessment Specialist Liz Pyburn.
“From here forward, we will be able to identify issues that were addressed by the students,” Baucham said.
The digital portion of the assessment can be accessed through handheld devices and computers from 1 p.m. until midnight on Assessment Day, according to Baucham.
Pyburn believes that with the minimal amount of effort that this digital assessment requires, participation will not only remain constant, but will potentially increase, especially for commuter students.
Upon the completion of the survey, each participant’s name will be entered into a drawing. The prizes include items such as Liberty logo hoodies, Flames Cash, Nintendo Wii Consoles, iPod Touches, iPads and Nook e-readers, according to Baucham and Pyburn.
As done in years past, convocation and all classes that day are canceled, with the exception of classes that only meet once a week on Wednesday.
Students will be notified by their particular department if they will be required to participate in the morning departmental assessments. The afternoon assessment requires the participation of all residential students.
One of the surveys administered on Assessment Day is through the Card Services Office. This survey will include questions regarding the ways students use Flames Cash, according to Pyburn.
Assessment Day will give students the chance to express their point of view on a wide variety of topics. This is their chance to make a difference in the operation of Liberty University, according to Baucham.
“A lot of students want to give their opinion. This is their opportunity to speak,” Project Coordinator Crystal Beams said.