Assessment at Davis & Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College is committed to providing a quality educational experience for students while they are here, and a valuable degree once they graduate. Assessment is one means by which we ensure that these things happen. It tells us whether or not a Davis & Elkins College education is serving student needs and making a difference in students' lives; in the process, it helps us to evaluate the effectiveness of our academic programs, learning methods and services.

Effective assessment processes and procedures will assist the college in the accomplishment of three very important goals:

• To ensure that we are doing what we say we are doing
• To help us identify those areas that need improvement
• To allow the college to showcase those areas in which we excel

Assessment done well is hard work. It involves collecting, reviewing, and using information to determine program effectiveness and to improve student growth and learning. In the long run, it also enhances the value of a Davis & Elkins College education.

Student Involvement in Assessment
There are specific assessment activities that occur at various times on campus. Some of these will relate to your major field of study while others will focus on the skills and behaviors learned in the general education courses.

"Assessment Day"
Assessment day will take place on the same day as Advising Day both in the Fall and Spring semesters. For graduating students (and perhaps for continuing students) the day will be set aside for the completion of various assessment activities.