Assessment for Entrance and for Placement
University of Holy Cross accepts applications for admission from students of accredited secondary schools, students holding or pursuing the General Education Development Diploma (GED), and students transferring from regionally accredited colleges and universities.
To place students in an environment most conducive to their academic abilities and knowledge level upon entrance into the University, several different assessment parameters are utilized.
American College Test (ACT) scores may be presented as a basis for course placement in English and mathematics. In other areas of study previous course work and achievement of a minimum grade of C are also considered adequate to place students in the appropriate level of course work. Additionally, University of Holy Cross administers placement tests for mathematics, English, and reading to all students who do not have current ACT scores or previous college credit in these subjects in order to achieve appropriate placement in the curriculum.
Assessment for Proficiency in the General Education Curriculum Prior to Acceptance into a Department
To assess the achievement of students in the General Education curriculum prior to acceptance into a department, the University uses both standardized tests and/or institutionally developed prompted essays. It is the responsibility of the students to schedule a testing session at an appropriate time in order to be accepted into an academic department.
Standardized testing is required for all students seeking admission to a degree program in Education or Nursing. The PRAXIS I (pre-professional skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics) is required for admission to the Teacher Education program. The Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is required for admission to the Nursing department.
For each of the aforementioned standardized tests, students are expected to adhere to all procedures that emanate from the national testing service sponsoring a particular test. These procedures may be obtained from the national testing service, from the Office of Admissions, or from the appropriate department Chair.
English Proficiency Test
Beginning in Fall 2016, students completing ENG 102 (English Composition II) at UHC must take a departmental English Proficiency Test as their final exam in the course. They must achieve a mean score of at least 2 on the AAC&U (American Association of Colleges and Universities) Written Communication Value Rubric. Students who do not achieve that benchmark score may petition the English Program Coordinator to repeat the test. (The repeated test may be taken in person or through distance learning.) Those who do not achieve a rubric score of 2 upon the second attempt are required to pass ENG 201, Introduction to Writing in the Disciplines, a non-credit tuition-free course, before they are allowed to take upper-level writing intensive courses in their major programs. They are urged to take this course during the first or no later than the second semester after completion of ENG 102. Note: A special administrative fee will be assessed if students must repeat ENG 201.
Students who completed ENG 102 at UHC before Fall 2016 are exempt from this requirement.
Assessment for Baccalaureate Achievement
During the semester prior to graduation, the achievement of students in their chosen degree programs is assessed. University of Holy Cross utilizes both standardized testing and institutionally developed, comprehensive examinations. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule a testing session at an appropriate time to meet the requirements of the degree program for graduation.
Standardized tests appropriate to the degree are required for all students seeking a degree in Education, Nursing, or Health Sciences. All required parts of the PRAXIS must be successfully completed prior to enrollment in methods courses and student teaching or internship. All students in Theology with a Concentration in Religious Education and Social Sciences with a Concentration in Teacher Certification for Secondary Schools must pass all required parts of the PRAXIS before completing their methods courses and student teaching or internship (i.e., EDU 305, EDU 310, EDU 421, EDU 460B, EDU 460C, EDU 460D, EDU 461A, and EDU 461B). In order to graduate from the University, Nursing majors must successfully pass the standardized RN Comprehensive that focuses on command of the curriculum content. In addition, The National Council Examination for Licensure (Registered Nurses) is required of Nursing graduates. The purpose of this test is to determine the degree of competency of the Nursing graduate for safe practice. For all students seeking a degree in Health Sciences, a certifying examination is required. For each of the aforementioned standardized tests, students are expected to adhere to all procedures that emanate from the national testing service sponsoring a particular test. These procedures may be obtained from the national testing service, from the Office of Admissions, or from the Chair of the Health Sciences department.
For most other curricula, institutionally developed, comprehensive exit examinations are administered. For the institutionally developed comprehensive exit examinations in each of the aforementioned curricula, students are expected to adhere to all procedures that emanate from the department with authority and responsibility for the course of study. Failure to meet defined standards may delay graduation, certification, and/or licensure.