Competency Assessments
The University's competency assessment program is part of a statewide effort in Virginia, administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), to gather data and issue reports on the effectiveness of the Commonwealth's educational institutions. These competency assessments also serve to demonstrate compliance with the SACSCOC General Education Competency Standard. SCHEV's Policy on Student Learning Assessment and Quality in Undergraduate Education stipulates institutional requirements for the 2018-2024 assessment cycle.
The purpose of the competency assessment program is to determine undergraduate students’ level of knowledge and skills in the six areas listed below. The first four areas were prescribed by the State; the other two were selected by the University:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Civic Engagement and Community Engagement
- First Writing Requirement
- Global Competence
The University Assessment team administers the assessments and works with faculty committees per area to consider the findings and make recommendations. Results of the assessments are provided to university leadership and faculty to be used, as necessary, to improve the curriculum and teaching, and reported to SCHEV.
Competency Assessment Reports
First Writing Requirement Report
The University of Virginia assessed the First Writing Requirement (FWR) to determine how well student writing demonstrates key learning outcomes.
Quantitative Reasoning Report
A Competency Assessment Report of Undergraduate Students at the University of Virginia.
Critical Thinking
Information Literacy
Written Communication
These competency assessments have been conducted since 2001-2002. Examples of assessment reports completed since 2010 and available upon request include:
- Critical Thinking (2010-2011)
- Oral Communication (2015-2016)
- Quantitative Reasoning (2013-2014)
- Scientific Reasoning (2012-2013)
- Undergraduate Research (2011-2012)
Contact
Kelsey Kirland
University Assessment Director