Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Main Menu Session 1566

IMPACT OF ALUMNI FEEDBACK ON THE CURRICULUM

Nashwan Younis Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Department of Engineering Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499

Abstract

This paper deals with the implementation of the criteria for accrediting engineering programs. In particular it discusses the use of an alumni survey as an assessment tool for the development and improvement of a mechanical engineering program. Examples of using the alumni feedback results applied in the enhancement of the program’s curriculum are included. Finally, the interaction between the assessment coordination and curriculum committee is discussed.

Brief History of EC2000

It is important to study the history of the development of Engineering Criteria 2000 (EC2000) so that the transition from the old criteria to the new criteria is lucid. This study helps the educators to understand the new engineering accreditation criteria. It also provides information in regard to the use of previous assessment data, such as the alumni survey analysis.

During the eighties and nineties accreditation visits, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) was preoccupied with quantitative criteria such as the sixteen credit hours engineering design requirement. However, educators as well as industry leaders preferred innovative programs that are consistent with the mission of the institution. Therefore, in 1992 ABET invited leaders from industry, academe, and the engineering professional societies to review the accreditation process and to help outline a “quality-oriented, flexible accreditation system that encourages diversity and does not inhibit innovations in engineering educations.” [1]. At the 1994 Engineering Accreditation Commission(EAC)Winter meeting, it was voted unanimously to change and start with a “clean page” [2]. In July1997, the EAC approved the revised program criteria that was developed by many technical engineering societies. In November 1997, ABET approved the Engineering Criteria 2000 for accrediting engineering programs [3]. This new criteria is flexible but the outcomes are harder to define and measure. Thus, it is very difficult to make comparisons among programs. The alumni feedback will always be important for the assessment of the outcomes.

Introduction

ABET used to require engineering programs to have published goals and mission statements.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

Main Menu

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Younis, N. (2002, June), Impact Of Alumni Feedback On The Curriculum Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10100