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Outcomes Assessment in an MET Program

Professor Kenneth Rennels, P.E.

Purdue School of Engineering and Technology Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

Engineering technology programs are now faced with the challenge of implementing outcomes assessment based on the TAC/ABET criterion in the TC2K accreditation document. While continuous improvement has been a common theme in prior accreditation requirements, the TC2K criterion takes the assessment of student learning outcomes to the logical next level. This paper will address the basics of creating a student learning outcomes assessment plan for a TAC/ABET accredited four-year Mechanical Engineering Technology degree program. Where and how learning outcomes can be assessed will be discussed.

School Background

The Purdue School of Engineering and Technology is located on the Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. IUPUI has an enrollment of 28,339 students (fall 2001) in 18 schools and is the third largest university in Indiana. The North Central Association (NCA) accredits IUPUI. The School of Engineering and Technology offers 42 programs from certificates to Ph.D. and has an enrollment of 2,332 full and part time students (fall 2001). The Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology offers undergraduate associate and baccalaureate degree programs in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), Computer Integrated Manufacturing Technology (CIMT) and Computer Graphics Technology (CGT). The MET and CIMT degree programs were reaccredited by TAC/ABET in 2001 for six years. Therefore, the department anticipates its next TAC/ABET visit in 2006.

Continuous Improvement at IUPUI

The various degree programs offered by the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI have utilized assessment of student learning as the base for continuous improvement plans for several years. The school has employed a standing Assessment Committee consisting of a faculty member and department chair from each department. The Assessment Committee was established in 1996 to disseminate student learning assessment techniques, develop and share appropriate methods for engineering and engineering technology programs and coordinate the implementation of department and/or program specific plans. The Assessment Committee is chaired by a full professor of engineering receives who release time to coordinate the school’s assessment efforts as well as representing the school at the campus level.

At the campus level, IUPUI has long maintained a strong belief in continuous improvement. The goal is fully supported by the campus administration through the Office of Planning and Institutional Improvement (PAII) headed by Vice Chancellor Trudy Banta. The office was established in 1992 and has the mission “To develop, integrate and continuously improve

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

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Rennels, K. (2002, June), Outcomes Assessment In An Met Program Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10555