Frequently Asked Questions

Which students will be affected by the spring 2007 Assessment Day testing on
April 4?

• All students who began at Eastern New Mexico University in summer or fall 2006
• All students who have completed at least 55 credit hours, but no more than 75 credit hours at the end of the fall 2006 semester to take a general education test

What is Assessment?
The purpose of student learning assessment is to help Eastern New Mexico University improve our teaching and services which contribute to your total college experience. Eastern’s assessment program combines skill tests and surveys of student expectations, experiences, learning styles and attitudes.

General Education Testing: As part of our efforts to improve the quality of student learning, the University administers the tests to measure general academic knowledge and skills. It allows us to assess the outcomes of our general education program, which is a major part of your degree requirements. The test measures college-level reading, critical thinking, writing and mathematics in the context of material from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Degree Requirement: the 2005–2007 Undergraduate Catalog lists the requirement that students complete “institutional general education assessment.” Students are notified of their requirement to participate when they reach the student credit hours listed above.

When will it take place?
General education testing takes place in the spring semester on Assessment Day (April 5, 2005).

• Testing takes place from 8 a.m.–noon.
• Students assigned to the online assessment will receive notification by a letter and e-mail the month prior to the assessment.

All undergraduate classes are cancelled until 5 p.m. on this day for assessment activities for full student participation.

What if I can’t attend?
If illness or emergency keeps students from participating, contact the Assessment Resource Office at 562.4313.

Registration for summer and fall 2007 will be blocked if assessment tests are not completed. To avoid a possible delay in registering for classes, it is beneficial to complete assessment testing as soon as possible. Students who miss assessment on April 4 will be notified of makeup testing that they will need to register for by calling the Assessment Resource Office at 575.562.4313.

The assessment registration hold will be released after the student has completed the makeup testing.

Where do I go for testing?
Your letter will indicate the time and location of your testing.

How do my scores count?
It is important for Eastern New Mexico University to measure the academic skills and preferences of freshmen and to monitor gains and changes in academic achievement across the campus and your college career. It is in your best interest to give these tests a conscientious effort so we get the best information to help improve student learning. We are proud that our students freely give their time and efforts to shape and improve our learning community.

Your scores do not become part of your academic record; they are used for academic advising and in the aggregate to discern trends with in the total student population tested.

What if I need special accommodations?
Students who have identified themselves with Student Disabilities Services can have testing accommodations arranged. Please make your request to Bernita Davis in Student Academic Services, Room 186 or call 575.562.2280 by April 4, 2007.

How will the results be used?
Your Academic Profile test scores will be sent to the academic department of your declared major and may be used in your academic advisement. Anonymous aggregate data will be used by the university to inform our decisions on improving student learning at Eastern.

Who do I call with questions?
Assessment Resource Office
Eastern New Mexico University
COB 159
575.562.4313
enmu.assessment@enmu.edu

What tests will I take during my academic career at ENMU?
Here is the list of assessment measures by academic year.

What about students who aren’t taking the tests this semester?
Some students may be involved in assessment activities within their major department on Assessment Day. Some may not have any requirements. Students who are not involved in activities on a particular day are receiving a “thank you” from ENMU for giving their time for assessment activities in other semesters.