Assessment Coordinating Committee: Tom Hawley, Dorine Bennett, Carrie Ahern, Philip Sandberg, Dale Droge, Eric Johnson, Judy Dittman, Julie Smith, Rick Christoph, Chauncey Anderson, Kristel Bakker, Peg O’Brien, Lynette Molstad, Dan Talley, Tim Fiegen, Lynda Oldenkamp, Deb Gearhart, Rise Smith, Laurie Dennis, Terry Dennis

     Last fall, 159 DSU students completed the statewide proficiency tests in reading, writing, math and science reasoning. DSU students’ average scores were at or above the national average in all four areas. 
     Students at all regental institutions must meet the minimum required score on each test. Students who do not meet the minimum required score must remediate in that area and retest within one academic year. During Fall 2000, 22 of DSU’s 159 students (14%) did not meet the minimum required score(s) on one or more of the exams. The percent of DSU students requiring remediation in each area is: 11% writing, 1% math, 6% reading, and 2.5% science reasoning. Approximately 9% of the students in the regental system fail to achieve an acceptable score on one or more of the exams. 
     DSU students also completed a standardized computer competency exam that covered web design, computing concepts, spreadsheet, word processing, and powerpoint. DSU had 132 students receive certification in one or more areas. The certificates were printed with DSU’s new logo and were signed by the president of the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges. 

Students Rate DSU High in Computer Integration 

     During November 2000, over 400 DSU students participated in the pilot test of the online Student Satisfaction Inventory produced by Noel-Levitz Inc. This survey provides information on how satisfied the students are and what’s most important to them. The most important factor in students’ decision to enroll at DSU was the academic reputation! DSU’s ratings are compared to over 200,000 students from four-year public universities around the country. DSU students’ average satisfaction ratings were significantly higher than the national user norms on 52 of the 73 items rated. 

DSU students’ TOP TEN rated areas are: 
1. The campus is safe and secure for all students.
2. I am able to utilize my overall computer knowledge.
3. I am able to adapt to changes in the computing environment.
4. Computer usage in my courses reinforces and/or expands my computer skills.
5. The institution has a good reputation within the community.
6. Computer based projects and exercises used in my courses are appropriate.
7. Bookstore staff are helpful.
8. On the whole, the campus is well maintained.
9. Library staff are helpful and approachable.
10. I am able to be sensitive to diverse opinions and cultures.