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.