Academic departmental assessment is discipline-specific and is concerned with learning that is specific to specific degrees and majors (such as biology, nursing, horticulture, etc.). Assessment at this level is meant to inform programs about student learning in their degree programs. 

Some academic departments (and programs and/or colleges) also have specific assessment requirements that are associated with professional accreditation.

Assessment at the baccalaureate level includes inquiry about how integrated academic and life experiences contribute to student learning as the they work to earn their Bachelor's degree. This includes:

• Academic learning, such as coursework, course projects, and special assignments
• Co-curricular activities such as sporting events, concerts, symposiums, on-campus living, and international exchange
• Interactions with administrative offices such as advising, business offices, financial aid, or the health center
• Work and life-life related opportunities such as co-ops, internships, or work-study

See our baccalaureate Experience Mission, Goals & and our Vision for the baccalaureate Experience rubric.

All institutions of higher education in the state of New Mexico offer the "state common core". This is a core of lower-level courses (100 and 200 level) that promote broad learning across many disciplines and is reflective of the ideals of a liberal arts education. Assessment of general education (GE) is concerned with non-discipline specific learning in the first 2-3 years of the university experience.