In the Spring of 2003, the General Education Committee of the Faculty Senate proposed that the standardized exam to gauge student attainment of the Eight Common Learning Experiences be changed from the ACT-CAAP exam to the College BASE exam. 

The College BASE exam will provide more detailed information on attainment of competencies such as writing, mathematics, and critical thinking (the three GE areas that are required to be tested by state mandate).  However, the BASE exam will also provide faculty and students with information in two new areas: science and social science.

Academic Departments will also benefit from this new exam as scores can be broken down by major, providing each department information on how their graduates are doing in relationship to general education competencies.  This was not an option with the ACT-CAAP exam.

In order for each department to get timely information on their graduates, the GE committee has created a three year rotation schedule for the College BASE exam.  This means that each department will give all five exams at the end of each cycle.  The schedule is provided below.  This schedule is also available in pdf format.  Click here.

FIf you are a faculty member who is administering the College BASE exam for your department (e.g., by teaching a Senior Seminar course), please contact the Student Assessment Center to schedule a time for delivery of the test material.  Please indicate the number of tests you will be needing and the date for test administration.

Test administration manuals are available for faculty members administering the BASE tests (provided with the test materials).   however, if you require additional copy, please send your request via email to General Education Coordinator, Dr. Barbara Ladner (ladnerbe@wvstateu.edu) or contact Student Assessment Center.

 Further information on the College BASE exam can be found on the Center's Faculty Resources page (see left navigation bar).