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Each major department has developed specific learning goals, consistent with institutional goals and the subject matter of the discipline. A sampling of departmental goals are provided in the appendix. These were articulated and refined as each department and interdisciplinary program reviewed its curriculum for the transition to the semester calendar. Assessment of student academic achievement within the major is designed to provide feedback to students and to faculty with the goals of improving student performance and enhancing each major. Assessment within the major will be two-pronged: 1) assessment information common to all majors, e.g., GRE scores, placement records (including that regarding the development of foundational skills), and 2) assessment information that is designed to meet the special needs of each major. Departments may choose assessment vehicles that meet their needs, but these must link back to the departments' learning goals. It is anticipated that some of the assessment information can be collected institutionally, but much of it will be collected departmentally.

Departmental plans include the clear identification of opportunities in the major for students to meet departmental goals. Assessment proceeds through classroom techniques, end point assessment (including portfolios, senior seminars, comprehensive exams, standardized tests), discipline specific techniques such as internship supervisor reports, and alumni surveys. (See Figure 6.)