ABET Requirements and Procedures

ABET Requirements and Procedures
ACE Workshop 8 November 2017 Presenter: Joe Turner Professor Emeritus of Computer Science Clemson University USA

Who am I? (1) Retired Professor of Computer Science, Clemson University Former Professor and Dean of Information Systems, Zayed University (UAE) Over 30 years of experience in computing and engineering accreditation with ABET and CSAB Multiple officer/leadership positions Chair of more than 30 evaluation teams, member of 4 more ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Who am I? (2) Initial Chair of Seoul Accord, an international mutual recognition accord among accreditors for computing programs. Substantial consulting experience in preparation for ABET accreditation Chaired a team of consultants that reviewed some engineering programs at three ACEs relative to preparation for possible ABET accreditation. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Intended outcomes for this session
Participants will have a basic understanding of the requirements to obtain accreditation by ABET. Participants will have a basic understanding of the ABET accreditation process and what is needed to prepare for an ABET review. Participants will be introduced to options for international accreditation of STEM programs. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Some definitions In this presentation, the following definitions apply: Course: A collection of student learning activities that takes place during a semester or other term. Program: A collection of course requirements that leads to granting of a degree or certification by an educational institution. Student outcomes: What students are expected to know and be able to do at the time of graduation from a program. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Session outline What is ABET? ABET Criteria for Accreditation
ABET Policies and Procedures (APPM) Requirements ABET Accreditation Process International Accreditation for Computing and Engineering Programs Final Notes ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

What is ABET? (1) ABET is a US-based organization that
Is non-governmental and non-profit. Accredits tertiary-level (university) programs in Applied and natural science Computing Engineering Engineering technology Does not accredit departments, colleges, or other administrative units. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

What is ABET? (2) Has been accrediting engineering programs since 1932
Currently accredits 3,852 programs at over 776 colleges and universities in 31 countries 677 programs (18%) at 122 colleges and universities (16%) in 30 countries outside the US Web site: ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET accreditation (1) ABET baccalaureate-level accreditation in STEM programs is intended to recognize programs that adequately prepare graduates for entry into relevant professional practice. A decision to seek ABET accreditation is voluntary. ABET makes no inference about the adequacy of programs that do not seek accreditation. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET accreditation (2) ABET accreditation is based on a set of standards (criteria) that programs must satisfy in order to be accredited. There are non-US engineering and computing accrediting organizations that have different sets of standards for accreditation. ABET recognizes the programs accredited by some of these other organizations as also producing graduates who are prepared for entry to professional practice. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET Commissions The four commissions of ABET carry out the accreditation processes: Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) Bachelor, Master, 2-year Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) Bachelor only Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Bachelor, Master Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) Bachelor, 2-year, 3-year ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET commission determination
The name (title) of a program determines the commission that must review and make an accreditation decision for the program. Examples: Computer science: CAC Computer engineering: EAC Computer engineering technology: ETAC Industrial Hygiene: ANSAC Information Systems Engineering: CAC and EAC ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET volunteers All ABET Directors, Commissioners, and review team members are volunteers. They serve without compensation of any kind in service to education and the profession. They are only reimbursed for actual expenses in conducting ABET activities. More than 2000 volunteers contribute to ABET activities. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Basis for determining whether a program is accredited
Primary: ABET Criteria for program accreditation. Also: ABET Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual (APPM) Qualification requirements for accreditation consideration. Administrative procedures and requirements. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Requirement for accreditation
A program can be accredited only if every applicable criterion and policy is satisfied. That is: If any applicable criterion or policy is not met, then the program cannot be accredited. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET criteria documents
There is one criteria document for each commission: ANSAC: Criteria for Accrediting Natural and Applied Science Programs CAC: Criteria for Accrediting Computing Programs EAC: Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs ETAC: Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Technology Programs ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Structure of criteria The structure of the undergraduate (bachelor’s) criteria for each commission is the same: General Criteria: Criteria that apply to every program accredited by the commission. Program Criteria: Additional criteria that apply to specific program names. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

General Criteria Same for all commissions: Students
Program Educational Objectives Student Outcomes Continuous Improvement Curriculum Faculty Facilities Institutional Support ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Program Criteria Additional criteria requirements for individual programs, determined by the name (title) of the program ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

General Criteria details
In this section the details for each General Criterion are discussed. The criteria are the same for all commissions except: Criteria 3 (Student Outcomes), 5 (Curriculum), 6 (Faculty) ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 1. Students Criterion statement (part 1): Student performance must be evaluated. Student progress must be monitored to foster success in attaining student outcomes, thereby enabling graduates to attain program educational objectives. Students must be advised regarding curriculum and career matters. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 1. Students (continued)
Criterion statement (remainder): The program must have and enforce policies for accepting both new and transfer students, awarding appropriate academic credit for courses taken at other institutions, and awarding appropriate academic credit for work in lieu of courses taken at the institution. The program must have and enforce procedures to ensure and document that students who graduate meet all graduation requirements. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives
Definition: Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Note: PEOs are the expected professional accomplishments of graduates a few years after beginning their careers. Example: Graduates will be successful in designing solutions for complex computing projects. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives (1)
Criterion statement (part 1): The program must have published program educational objectives that are consistent with the mission of the institution, the needs of the program’s various constituencies, and these criteria. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives (2)
Criterion statement (remainder): There must be a documented, systematically utilized, and effective process, involving program constituencies, for the periodic review of these program educational objectives that ensures they remain consistent with the institutional mission, the program’s constituents’ needs, and these criteria. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 3. Student Outcomes
Definition: Student outcomes are descriptions of what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Example: Graduating students will have an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex computing problems. Note: Criterion 3 is different for each commission. Criterion 3 for the EAC is shown here. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 3. Student Outcomes (EAC)
The program must have documented student outcomes that support the program educational objectives. Attainment of these outcomes prepares graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering. Student outcomes are outcomes (1) through (7), plus any additional outcomes that may be articulated by the program. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 4. Continuous Improvement
Note: The “student outcomes” in this criterion refer to all student outcomes defined in accordance with Criterion 3. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Definitions: Assessment refers to processes for identifying and collecting data to evaluate the attainment of student outcomes. Evaluation refers to processes for interpreting the data obtained through assessment processes. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion statement (part 1): The program must regularly use appropriate, documented processes for assessing and evaluating the extent to which the student outcomes are being attained. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion statement (remainder): The results of these evaluations must be systematically utilized as input for the continuous improvement of the program. Other available information may also be used to assist in the continuous improvement of the program. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Continuous Improvement Processes Cycle
For each student outcome: Identify sources of assessment data Collect assessment data Evaluate assessment data Action needed? No Implement action Determine action needed Yes

Continuous Improvement Notes
Details on ways to implement good continuous improvement processes require far more time than is available today. ABET provides multi-day workshops on implementing good continuous improvement processes. It is difficult to implement good processes without knowledgeable help.

Criterion 5. Curriculum Note: Criterion 5 is different for each commission. Criterion 5 for engineering programs is shown here.

Criterion 5. Curriculum EAC criterion statement (part 1):
The curriculum requirements specify subject areas appropriate to engineering but do not prescribe specific courses. The program curriculum must provide adequate content for each area, consistent with the student outcomes and program educational objectives, to ensure that students are prepared to enter the practice of engineering. The curriculum must include:

Criterion 5. Curriculum EAC criterion statement (part 2):
a minimum of 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of a combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences with experimental experience appropriate to the program. a minimum of 45 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of engineering topics appropriate to the program, consisting of engineering and computer sciences and engineering design, and utilizing modern engineering tools. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 5. Curriculum EAC criterion statement (remainder):
a broad education component that complements the technical content of the curriculum and is consistent with the program educational objectives. a culminating major engineering design experience that 1) incorporates appropriate engineering standards and multiple constraints, and 2) is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 5. Curriculum Notes:
The EAC major design experience is a major project, normally spread over the two semesters of the final year. The EAC major design experience must be required of all engineering students and is a very important consideration in an evaluation of the program for accreditation. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 5. Curriculum Notes:
The various program criteria normally specify additional curriculum requirements for specific program names. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 6. Faculty There are some variations in the Faculty Criterion for each commission, but all are similar. The Faculty Criterion for the Engineering Accreditation Commission is shown here. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 6. Faculty EAC criterion statement (first sentence): The faculty must be of sufficient number and must have the competencies to cover all of the curricular areas of the program. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 6. Faculty EAC criterion statement (second sentence): There must be sufficient faculty to accommodate adequate levels of student- faculty interaction, student advising and counseling, university service activities, professional development, and interactions with industrial and professional practitioners, as well as employers of students. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 6. Faculty EAC criterion statement (third sentence): The program faculty must have appropriate qualifications and must have and demonstrate sufficient authority to ensure the proper guidance of the program and to develop and implement processes for the evaluation, assessment, and continuing improvement of the program, its educational objectives and outcomes. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 6. Faculty EAC criterion statement (last sentence): The overall competence of the faculty may be judged by such factors as education, diversity of backgrounds, engineering experience, teaching effectiveness and experience, ability to communicate, enthusiasm for developing more effective programs, level of scholarship, participation in professional societies, and licensure as Professional Engineers. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 7. Facilities Criterion statement (first sentence): Classrooms, offices, laboratories, and associated equipment must be adequate to support attainment of the student outcomes and to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 7. Facilities Criterion statement (second sentence): Modern tools, equipment, computing resources, and laboratories appropriate to the program must be available, accessible, and systematically maintained and upgraded to enable students to attain the student outcomes and to support program needs. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 7. Facilities Criterion statement (third sentence): Students must be provided appropriate guidance regarding the use of the tools, equipment, computing resources, and laboratories available to the program. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 7. Facilities Criterion statement (last sentence): The library services and the computing and information infrastructure must be adequate to support the scholarly and professional activities of the students and faculty. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 7. Facilities Note: The Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual (APPM) states that the review team will examine facilities in order to assure that the instructional and learning environments are adequate and are safe for the intended purposes. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion 8. Institutional Support
Criterion statement (first sentence): Institutional support and leadership must be adequate to ensure the quality and continuity of the program. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion statement (second sentence): Resources including institutional services, financial support, and staff (both administrative and technical) provided to the program must be adequate to meet program needs. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion statement (third sentence): The resources available to the program must be sufficient to attract, retain, and provide for the continued professional development of a qualified faculty. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Criterion statement (last sentence): The resources available to the program must be sufficient to acquire, maintain, and operate infrastructures, facilities, and equipment appropriate for the program, and to provide an environment in which student outcomes can be attained. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Program Criteria As previously stated, there are additional criteria for specific programs, depending on the program name (or title). Program criteria are not demonstrated here. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Other Criteria There also are criteria for master’s programs and for other undergraduate programs (associates, etc.) for those commissions that accredit such programs. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

APPM Requirements In addition to the safety requirement noted above in the Criterion 7 section, there are several important policies and requirements stated in the ABET APPM. Four of the APPM that most often are directly related to an accreditation review are listed here. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

APPM Requirements (1) All statements on accreditation status must refer only to those programs that are accredited. No implication should be made that accreditation by one of the ABET commissions applies to any programs other than the accredited ones. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

APPM Requirements (2) Institution catalogs and similar publications must clearly indicate the programs accredited by the commissions of ABET as separate and distinct from any other programs or kinds of accreditation. Each accredited program must be specifically identified as “accredited by the _________ Accreditation Commission of ABET, ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

APPM Requirements (3) Each ABET-accredited program must publicly state the program’s educational objectives and student outcomes. Each ABET-accredited program must publicly post annual student enrollment and graduation data per program. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET Accreditation Process
The primary sources of information for an ABET program review are: A self-study prepared in advance by program faculty. An onsite visit to the program by a review team. The commission uses the findings from a program review to determine the proper accreditation action for the program. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Self-Study The self-study provides discussion and documentation on how the program satisfies each criterion. It is the responsibility of the program to explain and document how each criterion is satisfied. Preparation of the self-study is a substantial amount of work. At least six months (part-time), and preferably more, should be allocated to self-study preparation. A Word template for the self-study of each commission is provided on the ABET website. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Onsite review visit During a three-day onsite (campus) visit, an ABET review team will: Conduct interviews with faculty, students, and administrators. Review course materials. Review materials documenting outcomes assessment and evaluation, and their use in continuous improvement. Observe laboratories and other program facilities. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Materials display During the onsite review visit, the program must provide a display of course and assessment materials including: Textbook, syllabus, copies of exams, homework, projects, etc. for each major course. Samples of graded student work for each course. Documentation for continuous improvement process results during the past 3-5 years. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Frequency of reviews Once accredited, a program must have another full review every six years. A partial review in two years is required if a weakness is found during a review. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Accreditation process details
The details of the accreditation process and associated requirements are given in the ABET Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual (APPM), available on the ABET web site. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Accreditation Accords
There are international mutual-recognition accreditation accords for computing and engineering: Seoul Accord – Computing Professional Washington Accord – Professional Engineer Sydney Accord – Engineering Technologist Dublin Accord – Engineering Technician An accord consists of accreditation organizations that mutually recognize the accreditation of all accord members as being substantially equivalent for preparing graduates to begin professional practice. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Accreditation Accords and outcomes-based accreditation
The computing and engineering accords base substantial equivalency on a set of Graduate Attributes. Graduate attributes are essentially outcomes that are expected of graduates of any program accredited by accord members. Each signatory (member) of an accord is expected to ensure that graduates of its accredited programs attain the specified graduate attributes for the accord. All signatories of the computing and engineering accords have established, or are establishing, outcomes-based criteria for accreditation. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Alternatives to ABET for international accreditation
Each of the accords has a website listing contact information for the accord members: Seoul Accord (computing): Washington Accord (engineering) Some of the accord members conduct accreditation outside their home country. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Advantages of international program accreditation
Accreditation by a recognized international accreditation organization: Certifies that graduates of the program are prepared to enter the profession associated with the program. Makes the program more attractive to international students. Facilitates mobility by graduates of the program in international work. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Summary (1) Preparing for an ABET accreditation review is a lot of work. Program modifications are usually required to implement good continuous improvement processes and to bring the curriculum into compliance with the criteria. Additional faculty and laboratory facilities may also be needed. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Summary (2) Becoming ready for an ABET review can require up to four years or more. Graduates at the time of accreditation must be from an accreditable program of study. It is better to prepare well on a reasonable time schedule than to attempt to complete preparations in less time than needed for a high-quality result. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Observations on preparing for initial ABET accreditation (1)
Almost all programs, including African programs, require substantial work in: Designing and implementing adequate outcomes assessment and continuous improvement processes. Designing and implementing appropriate processes for the periodic review of program educational objectives. For engineering programs, implementing an adequate major design experience. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

There may be significant curriculum modifications needed. Current graduates must satisfy the criteria curriculum requirements. Some lab improvement may be needed. Especially safety procedures. Adequate advising, especially career advising, may be needed. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

The cost of ABET accreditation for non-US programs is substantial. Details are on the ABET website. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

ABET acceptance of a request for evaluation
Programs desiring an ABET review for possible accreditation must submit a Request for Evaluation. ABET will decide whether to perform the evaluation based on whether the program meets the APPM requirements for consideration and whether the health and safety conditions are acceptable for a review team site visit. ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Resources ABET web site: http://www.abet.org ABET workshops
On outcomes assessment and continuous improvement Information on the ABET website ABET Symposium Annual (April) symposium on topics related to ABET accreditation Currently held in the USA ACE Workshop 8 November 2017

Thank you for your attention!

ABET Requirements and Procedures

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