Introducing Anna Hubbard
Meet Anna Hubbard, who has worked at the Language Center since 2014. Her current job title is Assessment Administrator, but what does she really do? In this interview, Anna highlights major aspects of her work and shares how she can help you tackle your next project.
Which parts of your current job description should ElsieTalk readers know about? Are there specific services or expertise you offer that readers could take advantage of more than they currently do?
I am the primary contact for the final requirements of the Certificate of Advanced-Level Proficiency in Chinese, French, German and Spanish. I am responsible for the Canvas site that allows students to take their self-assessments and submit their Critical Reflection Essay. I also oversee the test registration process and administration of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) tests. These certificate programs are open to all University of Minnesota undergraduate students, regardless if they are majoring or minoring in the respective languages or not. If you have any questions about getting started, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!
Can you briefly describe 2-3 projects you've worked on in the past year?
One of the biggest projects I have worked on to date is the remote proctoring system for the Language Testing Program. Diane Rackowski (emerita) and I spent many, many hours together researching, attending training, and testing many tools and programs to get it up and running. Necessitated by the pivot to remote work in March 2020, we were able to develop and implement a brand-new remote testing environment within a month. This new remote testing environment has allowed us to deliver the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE), LPE Screening Test, Individual Language Assessment (ILA), and ACTFL tests to thousands of students during the pandemic.
Another impactful project I worked on with the help of Diane, Dan Soneson (emeritus), Stephanie Treat, and the Testing team, was the creation of a new website for the Language Testing Program. This new website serves as the new informational hub, while reflecting the University's brand and meeting usability and accessibility guidelines. The original Testing website has transitioned into a test registration portal. Some new features on the new website include an updated list of all tests offered through the Testing Program, LPE test content description for most languages, and an option to subscribe to test registration reminders for the LPE and LPE Screening Test.
Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you?
One of the reasons I do what I do is to support my two miniature dachshunds, Wynston and Huck. Wynston is named after a monkey from a video game, and we decided to keep Huck’s name because it means “love” in Lao. They love to sunbathe, cuddle, and go fishing (bluegills are their favorite). They are always happy to say hi in Zoom!
