Testing Center Policies & Procedures
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT: The testing and assessment component periodically administers standardized tests, the American College Test (ACT) Residual, the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) Test, and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
The ACT Residual is administered to the general public before the beginning of each semester and periodically throughout registration. The ACT is used to evaluate a student's preparedness for college work and to determine whether a student should take the placement test for continued academic advisement.
This component’s activities are directed towards the improvement of instruction and institutional effectiveness. Assessment is required of systematic efforts aimed at measuring the educational effectiveness of the institution. One major capstone of the assessment process, Student Enhancement Measures, examines the relationship between student's ACT scores upon entering and their CAAP scores nearing completion of their educational program. With this comparison, the institution is able to measure the degree, to which it is accomplishing its role, scope and mission. In order to correlate ACT scores, student course work, and CAAP scores, the Center will develop and implement a "Student Monitoring " system. Extensive use of a computerized tracking program will be used. This program will have the capacity to track each entering student cohort on a semester-by-semester basis including such benchmarks as cumulative credit hours and quality points as well as other aspects of student records regardless of the program of study. All ACT placement, and CAAP scores will be stored so that data can be easily retrieved for analysis and reporting. Currently the tracking databases are housed in the Testing and Assessment Center and the Counseling Center
Additional testing services to be provided by the Testing and Assessment Center include scheduling of Make-Up tests for faculty; program exit/prep testing (Radiological Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Dental Hygiene Programs); ACT, and CLEP Computerized Standardized Tests.
ADVISEMENT: The Advisement aspects of the Testing and Assessment Center involve the overall social and academic enhancement, and advisement of first semester freshman students. The academic advisement component includes student tutorial referrals and assisting with the advisement process.
The program provides, at the beginning of each semester, information relative to the availability of the services provided by the advisement component of the program. The program also provides direction and support to students throughout each semester. An advisement systematic approach is to be implemented to provide a means to assess and address problems of personal adjustment
Special efforts and activities are directed at bridging high school and college experiences to help students better adjust to their new college environment.
Program objectives are measured by monitoring each student's cumulative grade point average. Comparative analysis between high school and college grade point averages are assessed in that the grade point average should be favorable to that of high school or greater. The advisement/counseling component assisted students in making reasonable and informed decisions relative to choosing a course of study. The advisor/counselor serves as a liaison between instructors and students in an effort to enhance class performance and subsequent GPA. Social and cultural activities are developed and expanded to be conducive to the learning experience of students to enhance their relationships with faculty, staff, administrators and the broader community of Shreveport.
Nature and Extent of Services Provided
Description of Services
- Paper/pencil tests include the American College Testing Assessment (ACT).
- Other national tests are administered as determined by university needs. Application forms and specific dates for these and other tests are available in the Student Services Center and the testing specialist’s office.
- Correspondence tests for courses taken from another university may be administered to currently enrolled students for no additional charge.
Fees and Hours
| Tuesday | 8:00am - 6:00pm | |
| Wednesday | 8:00am - 5:00pm | |
| Thursday | 8:00am - 5:00pm | |
| Friday | 8:00am - 12:00pm |
C. Also open hours for listed standardized examinations. CLEP and correspondence examinations will be administered by appointment only on a first-come first-served basis and a minimum of one week in advance of the examination date. It is recommended that the examinee visit with the testing specialist in person to make the examination appointment.
Procedure for Making Testing Appointments
B. The appointment book is located at the check-in desk during the day, or locked in a file cabinet at night Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance and no-shows should be noted in the appointment book, but not erased so that this information may be used for statistical purposes.
C. The taking of the CAAP is required by all transfer students and those who have applied for graduation. The Office of Testing and Assessment Services notified students of the test dates. There is a $20.00 penalty fee for students who do not show up at their scheduled time for testing and request/require this assessment for graduation. Along with the penalty fee, the student will have to pay for cost ($35.00) of the actual examination instrument.
D. Rescheduling of other make-up assessment will be in accordance with availability of the testing center and staff.
Testing Procedures
B. Testing security is maintained at all times to ensure the validity of test results.
C. Individual desk space for each examinee is provided as indicated by the sponsoring testing agency.
Special Accommodations
B. The disability support services counselor is responsible to approve requests for accommodation.