State of the Department ABET 2000 Update

1
State of the DepartmentABET 2000 Update

• Presentation to External Review Board
• October 19, 2001

2
Review

• Outcomes-based curriculum strategy
• ABET review in Fall 2002
• Self-study report due July 1, 2002
• Annual external review part of overall assessment
  strategy

3
ABET 2000

• Less focus on bean-counting
• Department defines objectives
• All students must be aware of objectives

4
Educational Objectives

• Published educational objectives
• Process for determining and periodically
  evaluating objectives
• Curriculum and processes designed to achieve
  objectives
• A system of ongoing evaluation

5
Education Objectives

• Attribute/Competency Strategy
• Objectives are defined as a list of attributes we
  want all graduates to have
• Each attribute includes a list of specific
  competencies
• Forms basis of assessment strategy

6
Attributes

1. An understanding of fundamental principles of
   mathematics and science
2. An understanding of fundamental engineering
   science
3. An understanding of geotechnical engineering
4. An understanding of structural engineering

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Attributes, pt II

• An understanding of transportation engineering
• An understanding of water resource and
  environmental engineering
• The ability to design civil engineering systems
  and solve open-ended problems
• The ability to communicate ideas effectively

8
Attributes, pt III

1. The ability to use modern engineering tools
2. An understanding of professional practice and a
   commitment to life-long learning.
3. An awareness of cultural, societal, and
   environmental issues
4. A commitment to serve as professional engineers
   of integrity and faith

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Sample Competencies
10
Assessment
Each program must have an assessment process
with documented results. Evidence must be given
that the results are applied to the further
development and improvement of the program. The
assessment process must demonstrate that the
outcomes important to the mission of the
institution and the objectives of the program,
including those listed above, are being
measured.
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Assessment Strategy

• Competency based exam assessment
• Student Evaluations
• Results of FE exam
• Alumni survey
• Exit interviews
• Annual external review