ABET 2000 Preparation the Final Stretch Carnegie Institute

ABET 2000 Preparation: the Final Stretch Carnegie Institute of Technology Department Heads Retreat July 29, 1999

Outline • • • ABET 2000 Criteria Key ideas from Ad Hoc Committee Discussions Who is Responsible for What Time Schedule Department Presentations – – – Chemical Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering and Public Policy Materials Science and Engineering Mechanical Engineering 2

ABET 2000 Criteria • Emphasis has shifted from prescriptive to outcomebased requirements • Each school bears the responsibility of – Defining specific objectives for their programs – Evaluating to ensure their objectives as well as ABET’s are met – Implementing and documenting mechanisms for continuous improvement 3

Basic Level Accreditation Criteria 1. Students 2. Program Educational Objectives 3. Program Outcomes and Assessment 4. Professional Component 5. Faculty 6. Facilities 7. Institutional Support & Financial Resources 8. Program Criteria Source: ABET 4

Program Outcomes • Engineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have: a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering appropriate to the discipline b. An ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs d. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams e. An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems Source: ABET 5

Program Outcomes (continued) (red: particularly challenging issue) f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility g. An ability to communicate effectively h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a societal context I. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning j. A knowledge of contemporary issues k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice Source: ABET 6

Evaluation & Assessment Cycles “A 2 -Loop Process” Determine educational objectives Input from Constituencies Determine Outcomes Required to Achieve Objectives Assess Outcomes/ Evaluate Objectives Determine How Outcomes will be Achieved Formal Instruction Student Activities Determine How Outcomes will be Assessed Establish Indicators for Outcomes to Lead to Achievement of Objectives Source: ABET 7

Concerns and Challenges • Participation, buy-in and support by Faculty, Department Heads, and Dean are critical – Should not simply be a show run by the Dept. ABET representatives • Making the continuous improvement process integral – Data collection should not just occur in spurts immediately preceding ABET visits – There should be clear and direct ways of using the data to improve the curriculum 8

Key Ideas from Ad Hoc Committee • Most departments are using some form of a matrix to ensure coverage of program objectives • Web-based surveys – – – Conduct each semester Directed toward ABET objectives Automated data processing Compare student responses with stated course objectives incentives for participation (picnic? Prize drawing? ) 9

Example: Mechanical Engineering Target Skills Outcomes Matrix 10

Key Ideas (continued) • Other Surveys: Most departments plan to use some or all of the following: – University: Senior survey – College: Senior, Faculty, and Recruiter surveys – Department: Program-specific surveys • Explore the use of pre/post tests to evaluate course effectiveness in meeting objectives (pilot experiments underway with 1 st year courses) • Use annual reports for obtaining feedback on course modifications and updates • Portfolios: Some departments more interested than others 11

Who is Responsible for What (Reference to EC 2000 Table of Contents, EC 2000 Self Study at http: //www. abet. org/downloads. htm) • Departments: – Program Self Study Report – Appendix I - Additional Program Information – Department-specific surveys • Dean’s Office: – Appendix II - Institutional Profile – CIT survey data • • Administer annual senior survey Administer survey of graduates after 5 years Seek input from newly-formed Leadership Council Coordinate survey of CIT recruiters – Coordinate time schedule 12

Schedule for the Visit (Details on Handout) • September 1999 - Begin collecting data for self-study document • January 2000 - School requests visit • July 1, 2000 - Self-study due to ABET • July 2000 - Team Chair and Dean meet at annual ABET meeting and plan visit • August 2000 - Team Chair assembles team • August-September 2000 - Schools send self-study to program evaluators • September-November 2000 - Visit 13