Assessment of Student Academic Achievement

Fairmont State employs a variety of assessment processes to inform students of progress toward degree, to analyze programs in order to make appropriate curricular changes, and to determine institutional effectiveness. The university follows policies of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the WV Higher Education Policy Commission WVHEPC), and its own governing board.

In addition to regular course examinations and presentations, assessments used include field tests of proficiency in the major; electronic portfolios; capstone projects; internships; and clinical practice reviews. Some programs, such as nursing and teacher education, also require nationally normed entrance and exit examinations.

All degree programs analyze and review their effectiveness every five years, reporting this information to the WVHEPC and the Fairmont State Board of Governors. The institution also reports its overall progress to the HLC.