Program Improvement Committee Report Larry Caretto College Faculty Meeting December 3, 2004

2 Outline Focus on program objectives – New ABET definition of outcomes and objectives – Current program objectives worked under old definition, but are not appropriate for new definition of objectives Currently developing new objectives in consultation with constituencies Comparison of draft objectives with those of other ECS programs

3 ABET has redefined objectives versus outcomes ABET criteria require “detailed published educational objectives” – New definition as “expected accomplishments of graduates during the first several years following graduation” – Requires periodic evaluation in consultation with constituencies Program outcomes defined as “what students are expected to know or be able to do by the time of graduation”

4 Current objectives for Mechanical Engineering program Prepare graduates for successful careers in the mechanical engineering profession as well as continuing education in engineering Help students meet their educational objectives through excellence in teaching Provide opportunities for student professional development

5 How we achieved our objectives for the 2001 visit Objectives – shown on previous slide – were linked to outcomes Had methods for assessing achievement of outcomes Achievement of outcomes implied that objectives were met No separate assessment of objectives

6 Reformulating program objectives to meet new ABET definition Consultation with constituencies – Discussion with professional advisory council at meeting in May 2004 (considered as input from employers as well) – Meeting with department student council in November 2004 – Discussion today will get input from colleagues – Alumni survey to be done in January 2005

7 Objectives suggested by advisory council No rank order to suggested objectives – Still be an engineer – Making technical presentations – Professional leadership – Positive accomplishments towards licensing if appropriate for industry – Pursuing further study or a graduate degree

8 More objectives suggested by advisory council Continued … – Becoming a key critical member of firm – Improved standing within specialized industry – Getting a job – Willingness to take on responsibility – taking the initiative to get work done – can-do attitude – Attitude that you can be an engineer to make a difference not just to get your paycheck and go home

9 Still more objectives suggested by advisory council Concluding with … – Passion for excellence – wanting to be a successful engineer – Enjoying engineering – has personal satisfaction with work – Maintaining high personal and social ethics – Integrity and core values – do not present other’s work as your own – Professionalism in the workplace

10 Objectives suggested by student council meeting

11 Department plan for determining objectives Discussed broad ideas about objectives – Must be capable of being assessed – Not only do we have to measure them, but we should be able to modify our program to improve the achievement of our objectives Concluded that objectives should be similar to outcomes, with emphasis on workplace Delegated first draft to LSC

12 First draft educational objectives for ME graduates A CSUN ME graduate should have the following accomplishments during the first few years following graduation – An engineering job or equivalent – A record of effective application of undergraduate educational tools to accomplish tasks assigned in the workplace. This includes mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals, and engineering design, test and evaluation

13 First draft objectives (continued) – Demonstrated accomplishments in preparing effective reports, technical presentations and other technical communications – Has been able to learn new material required to carry out job assignments – Is regarded by colleagues and supervisors as an effective member of the work team, demon- strating skills, initiative, professional and ethical integrity, and knowledge of all issues (including economic, environmental, and societal, in a global context) affecting his or her work

14 Civil Engineering objectives During the first few years (1-5) following graduation, the graduates of the Civil Engineering program will have the following qualities: – be able to apply basic mathematics, science and engineering principles to the solution of problems. – be able to solve practical problems. – be able to communicate effectively and to work as a member of team.

15 More Civil Engineering objectives – have a breadth of technical and non-technical knowledge and an understanding of professional practice that will prepare them to practice as civil engineers – be prepared for a professional engineering position, to accept increasing levels of responsibility over time, to obtain professional registration, and to continue studies in engineering and other professional disciplines

16 Computer Science learning outcomes Create an understanding of fundamental computer science and problem solving Build an awareness of computing practices in industry and emerging technologies; emphasizing a working knowledge of current software design and development techniques

17 Computer Science learning outcomes concluded Provide a broad education that enables graduates to understand the impact of computing technologies in a societal context Generate a sense of exploration that enables our graduates to pursue rewarding professional careers, graduate studies, and life long learning

18 Electrical and Computer Engineering objectives The electrical and computer engineering program at California State University, Northridge prepares a diverse group of graduates for lifelong careers in the field that will allow them to make productive contributions to society and to find personal satisfaction in their work. To accomplish this, graduates of the electrical engineering programs will meet the following educational objectives:

19 ECE objectives continued – an understanding of fundamental electrical engineering principles, analysis and design, including in-depth training in at least one of the fundamental areas necessary to perform detailed and complete design and analysis; – an awareness of electrical engineering practices in industry and emerging technologies, emphasizing a working knowledge of state-of-the- art design techniques and software tools;

20 ECE objectives continued – the ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, and the ability to work as a productive member of an interdisciplinary team; – a broad education that enables graduates to understand the impact of engineering in societal context; and – a sense of exploration and the ability to maintain life long learning.

21 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Objectives The educational objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering are to ensure that each graduate exemplifies: – The technical and managerial abilities to apply knowledge of manufacturing systems engineering to the development and implementation of effective processes, systems and environments for contemporary manufacturing enterprises

22 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Objectives continued – The intellectual breadth of a liberal arts education and an ensuing ability to practice manufacturing systems engineering creatively, sensitively, and responsibly in the global environment – The habit of intellectual curiosity and a desire for perpetual learning, together with their application to the maintenance of professional currency in manufacturing systems engineering

23 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Objectives concluded – The ability to communicate competently in both the written and spoken modes, and to function productively on multicultural and multidisciplinary teams – The desire and ability to preserve the nobility of the engineering profession in its dedication to the welfare of society by nurturing ethical and professional responsibilities.

24 Common objectives Apply undergraduate knowledge to practical job tasks (design, software, problem solving) Educational breadth to understand implications of professional work Continued learning Teamwork and effective communications (all engineering – interdisciplinary teams noted in ECE & MSE)

25 Uncommon objectives Registration and accepting increasing responsibility (CE) Personal satisfaction and productive contributions to society (ECE) Ethical responsibility (MSE & draft ME) Modern practice and tools (Comp & ECE) Understanding professional practice (CE & Comp)

26 First draft educational objectives for ME graduates A CSUN ME graduate should have the following accomplishments during the first few years following graduation – An engineering job or equivalent – A record of effective application of undergraduate educational tools to accomplish tasks assigned in the workplace. This includes mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals, and engineering design, test and evaluation

27 First draft objectives (continued) – Demonstrated accomplishments in preparing effective reports, technical presentations and other technical communications – Has been able to learn new material required to carry out job assignments – Is regarded by colleagues and supervisors as an effective member of the work team, demon- strating skills, initiative, professional and ethical integrity, and knowledge of all issues (including economic, environmental, and societal, in a global context) affecting his or her work

28 You are a constituency What are your comments on the proposed objectives for the ME department? –