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Jamie Rogers, Ph.D., P.E.2014-2015 ABET PresidentUT System Regents' Outstanding Teacher,Professor & Associate Department Chair - The University of Texas @ Arlington Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering Dept.May 7, 2014

Introduction to ABET AccreditationCopyright 2014 by ABETWho is ABET?Value of AccreditationBasics of ABET AccreditationProcess CriteriaContinuous Quality ImprovementABETs Global ActivitiesBecoming a Program EvaluatorTopics#Copyright 2014 by ABETWho Is ABET?

#Copyright 2014 by ABET3Provide world leadershipin assuring quality and instimulating innovation inApplied ScienceComputingEngineering, and Engineering TechnologyEducationABET Vision

#Copyright 2014 by ABET4ABET serves the public globally through the promotion and advancement of education in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.ABET Mission(slide 1)#Copyright 2014 by ABETSimilarly, ABETs mission extends outside the borders of the U.S. Our stakeholders and constituents have global operations and look to ABET to assure the graduates they hire from around the world are receiving a high quality education.

Our mission requires us to do that through our accreditation activities and assisting others in the development and advancement of education world wide.Accredits educational programsPromotes quality and innovation in educationCommunicates and collaborates with its constituents and the publicAssists in the development and advancement of education worldwideAnticipates and prepares for the changing educational environment and the future needs of its constituents Manages its operations and resources in an effective and fiscally responsible manner

ABET Mission(slide 2)#Copyright 2014 by ABETAn academic program leading to a specific degree in a specific disciplineMisconceptions clarified:Not institutionsNot schools, colleges, or departments Not facilities, courses, or facultyNot graduatesNot degreesWhat Does ABET Accredit?#Copyright 2014 by ABETNon-governmentalVoluntaryPeer reviewAccreditation in the U.S.#Copyright 2014 by ABET33 Member and Associate Member Societies of ABETCouncil for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)State Boards for Engineering & Surveying Licensure & Registration (over 55 jurisdictions)U.S. Patent OfficeU.S. Reserve Officers Training CorpsCouncil of Engineering Specialty Boards (CESB)Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Accreditors in other disciplinesU.S. Trade OfficeU.S. State DepartmentEmployers (position announcements)Who Recognizes ABET?In the U.S.#Copyright 2014 by ABET91932Engineers Council for Professional Development (ECPD) established1936ECPD first evaluated engineering degree programs1980Name changed to Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)1980 Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) signed with Canada (1st international agreement)1989 Washington Accord Agreement signed with Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand1994Policies and Procedures for Substantial Equivalency evaluations (evaluations outside the U.S.) approved1995-2000Major criteria reform (Engineering Criteria 2000) 2005Name changed to ABET solely, no longer spelling out the former name2006Substantial Equivalency discontinued2007Accreditation of programs outside the U.S. began2011IFEES, GEDC MembershipBrief ABET History#Copyright 2014 by ABETABET is a federation of 33 professional and technical societies.Neither institutions nor individuals are members of ABET.ABET relies on the services of almost 2,200 volunteers supported by 33 full-time and seven part-time staff.ABET Organizational Design#Copyright 2014 by ABET11ABETs 33 Member Societies

Copyright 2014 by ABET12Board Orientation - March 2011Represent the professionOver 1.5 million individual membersDevelop program criteriaAppoint Board representativesNominate commissionersRecruit and assign program evaluatorsMember Societies#Copyright 2014 by ABET13Organizational StructureVolunteer-Driven: 2,200+ VolunteersBoard of DirectorsNominated by member societiesProvide strategic direction and plansDecide policy and proceduresApprove criteria4 CommissionsASAC, CAC, EAC, ETACMake decisions on accreditation statusImplement accreditation policiesPropose changes to criteriaProgram EvaluatorsVisit campusesEvaluate individual programsMake initial accreditation recommendationsFace of ABET100% of accreditation decisions are made by volunteersABET Headquarters (Baltimore): ~40 full, part time staff#Copyright 2014 by ABETAccreditation CouncilApplied Science Accreditation Commission73 accredited programs at 55 institutionsComputing Accreditation Commission405 accredited programs at 310 institutionsEngineering Accreditation Commission2,285 accredited programs at 468 institutions620 accredited programs at 212 institutionsEngineering Technology Accreditation CommissionIndustry AdvisoryCouncilAcademic AdvisoryCouncilGlobalCouncilCommitteesABET HeadquartersBoard of DirectorsABET Organizational Structure#Copyright 2014 by ABET5 OfficersPresident, President-Elect, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer1-year terms, except for Treasurer who serves for 2 years39 Directors1-3 Directors from each member society3-year term, renewable for additional term5 Public Directors Right to vote; no affiliation with member societies3-year term, renewable for additional term2 Associate Member Representatives Privilege of the floor, but no voteABET Board of Directors#Copyright 2014 by ABET16ABET Member Societies Costs associated with governanceInstitutions Costs associated with accreditationUsers (individuals, institutions, and societies) of professional services Costs associated with workshops, symposiaSources of ABET Funding#Copyright 2014 by ABET17Board Orientation - March 201185,000 students graduate from ABET-accredited programs each year!

#Copyright 2014 by ABETWho is ABET?Value of Accreditation Basics of ABET AccreditationProcess CriteriaContinuous Quality ImprovementABETs Global ActivitiesBecoming a Program EvaluatorTopics#Copyright 2014 by ABETValue of ABET Accreditation

#Copyright 2014 by ABET20ABET-accredited programs recognized globallyCommitment to quality educationOutcomes-based approachWhat is learned vs. what is taughtEmphasis on continuous quality improvementCriteria encourages innovationValue of ABET Accreditation#Copyright 2014 by ABETHelps students select quality programsShows institution is committed to improving the educational experienceHelps students prepare to enter the professionEnhances employmentopportunitiesEstablishes eligibility forfinancial aid and scholarshipsABET ValueStudents and Parents

#Copyright 2014 by ABET22Third-party confirmation of quality of programsPrestige, recognition by the professionAttract the strongest studentsAcceptability of transfer creditsSome external funding depends on accreditation statusABET ValueInstitutions

#Copyright 2014 by ABET23Encourages best practices in educationStructured mechanisms for self-improvementInstitution is serious and committed to improving qualityFacilities, financial resources, training, etc.ABET ValueFaculty

#Copyright 2014 by ABETEnsures educational requirements to enter the profession are metAids industry in recruitingEnsures baseline ofeducational experience Enhances mobilityOpportunity to help guide the educational processPrograms industrial advisory groupsProfessional, technical societiesABET ValueIndustry

#Copyright 2014 by ABET25Helps ensure public safetySupports professional licensure, certificationGraduates are ready for the professionEngages multiple constituentsAcademe, industry, publicIdentifies programs for investment of public and private fundsSome assurance to taxpayersFunds for higher education are appropriately spentABET ValueSociety

#Copyright 2014 by ABET26Who is ABET?Value of AccreditationBasics of ABET AccreditationProcess CriteriaContinuous Quality ImprovementABETs Global ActivitiesBecoming a Program EvaluatorTopics#Copyright 2014 by ABETBasics of ABET Accreditation

#Copyright 2014 by ABET28Accreditation is voluntaryNon-governmental organizationFair and impartial peer review processRequires self-assessment by the program/schoolContinuous process (reviewed every n years)Failure of single criterion results in loss of accreditationDeficiencies in one area CANNOT be compensated by strengths in other areas.Generally Accepted Accreditation Principles#Copyright 2014 by ABETApril 2010Copyright 2010Faculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesAcademic program leading to a specific degree in a specific discipline Assigned commission depends on program nameApplied Science (ASAC): AS, BS, MSExamples: Health Physics, Industrial Hygiene, Industrial & Quality Management, Safety Sciences, Surveying & MappingComputing (CAC): BSComputer Science, Info Systems, Info TechnologyEngineering (EAC): BS, MSEngineering Technology (ETAC): AS, BSWhat Programs Do ABET Accredit?#Copyright 2014 by ABETCriteria developed by member societies, practitioners, and educatorsSelf-Study Report by the institution and programOn-site evaluation by peersFrom education, government, and industryPublication of lists of accredited programsPeriodic re-evaluation (maximum 6 years)ABET Accreditation ProcessWhat Does It Involve?#Copyright 2014 by ABETAssure that graduates of an accredited program are adequately prepared to enter and continue the practice of applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technologyStimulate the improvement of technical educationEncourage new and innovative approaches to technical education and its assessmentABET Accreditation ProcessObjectives#Copyright 2014 by ABETFaculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesApril 2010Copyright 2010Programs must have graduatesInstitution must assess entire programAppropriate institutional accreditation or governmental approvalU.S. Department of Education, orRegional accreditation agency, orNational accreditation agency, orState authorityOutside the U.S.Appropriate entity that authorizes/approves the offering of educational programsBasic Requirements#Copyright 2014 by ABETFaculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesApril 2010Copyright 2010Programs prepare Self-Study Report for evaluation teamDocuments how the program meets criteriaProgram review conducted by team of peer colleaguesFaculty, industry and government professionals, and administrators in the professionReview the Self-Study Report, conduct the review visitABET Program Evaluators (PEVs)2,200+ volunteers from academe, industry, and government (individual members of ABET Member Societies)ABET Accreditation Process#Copyright 2014 by ABET5/7/14One Team ChairFor large teams: Team Chair and Co-ChairTypically one program evaluator for each program being evaluated Minimum of 2 for a single programPossibly one or more observersInternational partners, U.S. state licensing boards, new program evaluators, ABET staffTeam members are volunteers and not compensated for their workReview TeamMembership#Copyright 2014 by ABETDirect observationsProgram facilitiesStudent work, materialsInterview faculty, students, administrators, and other professional supporting personnelComplements the Self-Study ReportProvides direct, observable evidence that cannot be obtained from the Self-Study ReportOn-Site Visit#Copyright 2014 by ABET5/7/14Accreditation Timeline18-Month ProcessJanuaryInstitution requestsaccreditation for programsFebruary - MayInstitution preparesself-evaluation (Program Self-Study Report)March - JuneTeam members assigned, dates set, Self-Study Report submittedSeptember - DecemberVisits take place, draft statements written and finalized following7-day response periodDecember - FebruaryDraft statements editedand sent to institutionsFebruary - AprilInstitutions respond to draft statement and return to ABETMay - JuneNecessary changes to statement,if any, are madeJulyCommission meets to take final actionAugustInstitutions notifiedof final action Year 1 Year 2OctoberAccreditation status publically released#Copyright 2014 by ABET5/7/1438ABET Criteria for Accrediting Programs in [ASAC, CAC, EAC, ETAC]Program ManagementAssessment CurriculumResources and SupportABET Accreditation Policy and Procedure Manual [APPM]Eligibility for AccreditationConduct of EvaluationsPublic Release of InformationAppealsGoverning DocumentsAccreditation Process#Copyright 2014 by ABETFaculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesApril 2010Copyright 2010Institutions and programs prepare the Self-Study Report documenting how they comply with ABET policy and criteriaPresents the program to the evaluation teamAffords team its first impression of the extent to which the program meets the criteriaGives an impression of the institutions preparation for the upcoming visitSelf-Study Basics and Context#Copyright 2014 by ABETThe Guiding Principles of Accreditation DecisionsCriteria#Copyright 2014 by ABET41Ensure the quality of educational programs Foster the systematic pursuit of quality improvement in educational programs Develop educational programs that satisfy the needs of constituents in a dynamic and competitive environmentOverview of CriteriaGoals#Copyright 2014 by ABETApril 2010Copyright 2010Faculty Workshop on Accreditation Processes

#Copyright 2014 by ABETApril 201043Philosophy: Outcomes-BasedInstitutions and programs define mission and objectives to meet their constituents needs Outcomes: preparation for professional practiceDemonstrate how criteria are being metWide national and international acceptanceCommitment to Continuous ImprovementProcess focus: outcomes and assessment linked to objectives; input from constituenciesStudent, faculty, facilities, institutional support, and financial resources linked to program objectivesEngineering Criteria 2000EC 2000

#Copyright 2014 by ABETApril 2010Copyright 2010Faculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesDetermines:Which ABET Accreditation Commission is responsibleASAC, CAC, EAC, ETACWhich professional society is responsibleAppropriate program evaluatorsWhich criteria are applicableGeneral Criteria for all programsProgram Criteria for certain disciplines Program Names#Copyright 2014 by ABETApril 2010Copyright 2010Faculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesStudentsProgram Educational ObjectivesStudent OutcomesContinuous ImprovementCurriculumFacultyFacilitiesInstitutional SupportBaccalaureate Level ProgramsCriteria#Copyright 2014 by ABETApril 2010Copyright 2010Faculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesEach program must satisfy applicable program criteria that may, depending upon the commission, amplify:ObjectivesOutcomesCurricular topicsFaculty qualificationsProgram Criteria#Copyright 2014 by ABETFulfillment of baccalaureate-level general criteriaOne academic year of study beyond the baccalaureate levelAbility to apply masters level knowledge in a specialized area related to program areaFulfillment of program criteria appropriate to masters specialization areaDevelop, publish, and periodically review educational objectives and student outcomesMasters Level ProgramsCriteria#Copyright 2014 by ABETContinuous Quality Improvement

#Copyright 2014 by ABET49ABET criteria have been developed on the principles of continuous quality improvement.On-going process at institution to improve quality of students educational experienceSystematic process: documented, repeatableAssess performance against criteriaTake actions to improve programAccreditation is a part of CQI.Verification that program meets certain level of quality, and CQI is part of the quality process.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)#Copyright 2014 by ABETCQI process includes a clear understanding of:Mission (your purpose)Constituents (your customers)Objectives (what one is trying to achieve)Outcomes (learning that takes place to meet objectives) Processes (internal practices to achieve the outcome)Facts (data collection)Evaluation (interpretation of facts)Action (change, improvement)Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI Process)#Copyright 2014 by ABETApril 2010Copyright 2010Faculty Workshop on Accreditation ProcessesStudent advisingProgram goalsWhat students learnCurriculumFacultyInstitutional supportHow students learnCustomersAssessmentHow Well Are We Doing?#Copyright 2014 by ABETFaculty and/or staff fail to put adequate attention to what data need to be gathered to assess and evaluate, especially for student outcomes.Common mistake: gathering much more data than neededFailure to logically evaluate data prevents reasonable conclusion that an objective or outcome is being attainedAssessmentCommon Issues (slide 1)

#Copyright 2014 by ABET53Many large programs hand off all assessment activities to a staff person (some qualified, some not).Program evaluators look for faculty knowledge of processes and results.Experience shows that most (preferably all) faculty members must be involved for the requirements of Criterion 4 (Continuous Improvement) to be fully met.AssessmentCommon Issues (slide 2)

#Copyright 2014 by ABETResources

Institute for the Development of Excellence in Assessment Leadership (IDEAL)ABET SymposiumApril of each yearOver 70 sessionsFour educational tracksAccreditation trackSelf-Study Reports

Various topics Multiple offeringsNo costWebsite: www.abet.orgIntensive, Interactive Daylong WorkshopsProgram Assessment Workshops

#Copyright 2014 by ABETWho is ABET?Value of AccreditationBasics of ABET AccreditationProcess CriteriaContinuous Quality ImprovementABETs Global ActivitiesBecoming a Program EvaluatorTopics#Copyright 2014 by ABETGlobal Engagement

#Copyright 2014 by ABET57Students/Young Professionals: Increasingly multicultural and mobileABET Member Societies: Nearly all have international membership/chaptersHigher Education: Trend toward establishing international campuses, distance learningEmployers: U.S. industry increasing its global presenceABETs Global ActivitiesConsistent with ABETs Constituents#Copyright 2014 by ABETAccredits programs outside the U.S.Assistance: MOUs with 15 national agenciesMutual Recognition AgreementsEngineers Canada International Engineering Alliance (IEA)Seoul AccordMembership in Global OrganizationsGlobal Engineering Deans Council (GEDC)Intl Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES)ABET IS Engaged GloballyConsistent with ABETs Mission and Vision

#Copyright 2014 by ABETAccredited 3,367 programs at 684 colleges and universities in 24 countriesNon-U.S. ProgramsAccredited 365 programs at 72 institutions in 23 countries Uniform accreditation criteria, policies and procedures used for all visits, regardless of locationGlobal Accreditation ActivitiesAs of 1 October 2013#Copyright 2014 by ABET60International agreement Among bodies responsible for accrediting technical degree programsRecognizes substantial equivalency Of accrediting systems Graduates of accredited programs are prepared to practice engineering at the entry level of the profession.

Mutual Recognition Agreements#Copyright 2014 by ABETWashington Accord*EngineeringSydney Accord*Engineering TechnologyDublin Accord*Engineering TechnicianAPEC Engineer AgreementAsia Pacific Economic CooperationEngineers Mobility ForumProfessional Engineers RegisterEngineering Technologist ForumInternational Engineering Alliance

* ABET is a signatory.#Copyright 2014 by ABETABET: U.S. (1989)IEAust: Australia (1989)CEAB: Canada (1989)IEI: Ireland (1989)IPENZ: New Zealand (1989)EngC: UK (1989)HKIE: Hong Kong (1995) ECSA: South Africa (1999)JABEE: Japan (2005)IES: Singapore (2006)IEET: Chinese Taipei (2007)ABEEK: South Korea (2007) BEM: Malaysia (2009)MUDEK: Turkey (2011)AEER: Russia (2012)Washington AccordEngineering

#Copyright 2014 by ABETPeriodic review of assessment processesFor every member organizationEvery 6th yearSelf-Study Report + observer teamsCampus evaluations, decision meetingsSignatories website lists recognized programsGraduate attributes Exemplars for graduates of accredited programs (next slide)Mutual Recognition Agreements

#Copyright 2014 by ABETSydney AccordAustralia IEAustCanada CEABHong Kong China HKIEIreland IEI New Zealand IPENZSouth Africa ECSAUnited Kingdom EngCUnited States ABETMutual Recognition AgreementsSydney Accord (Engineering Technologist)

#Copyright 2014 by ABETWho is ABET?Value of AccreditationBasics of ABET AccreditationProcess CriteriaContinuous Quality ImprovementABETs Global ActivitiesBecoming a Program EvaluatorTopics#Copyright 2014 by ABETBecoming a Program Evaluator

#Copyright 2014 by ABET67ABET accredits 3,367 programs at 684 institutions in 24 nationsAt present, more than ABET 2,200 volunteersFrom academia, industry, government, and the professionVolunteers serve many roles in ABETQuality and consistency of the accreditation process is derived from strength of the PEV pool.The Big Picture#Copyright 2014 by ABETProjected need for up to 2,500 volunteers within five yearsMajor ABET priorities:Work with societies to recruit PEV volunteers Refine/improve training Retain new PEVsA Growing Need for PEVs

#Copyright 2014 by ABETEnsure global program qualityContribute to technical education program deliveryIndividual professional developmentGain best practice experience from programs other than ones ownInfluence academic conversation and relationship with industryWhy Become an ABET Volunteer?

#Copyright 2014 by ABET70Program evaluators are the face of ABET and need to:Uphold the highest qualityImprove consistencyWalk the talk of continuous improvement Approved by Board and implemented in 2005Program Evaluator (PEV) Competency Model#Copyright 2014 by ABETA set of behaviors that encompass the knowledge, skills, and abilities of highly successful program evaluatorsWhat Is a Competency Model?

#Copyright 2014 by ABETTechnically CurrentEffective CommunicatorsProfessionalInterpersonally SkilledTeam-OrientedOrganized

PEV Competencies#Copyright 2014 by ABET73RecruitingInforms nominators and candidates of expectationsSelectionAllows assessment of candidates against minimum criteria and competencies TrainingFocuses on the competencies needed for PEV successPerformance AppraisalProvides standards that enable continuous improvement

Competency models are standard practice in the industries served by ABET programs.How is the ABET PEV Competency Model Used?#Copyright 2014 by ABETHelp ensure the quality of higher educationUnique professional development opportunityUse your specialized knowledge to improve educational experience for thousands of students.Network with other professionals A great source of experience-based knowledgeKeep up to date and have input on the criteria Service to the community of people who are trying to help maintain quality education Serve your profession, give back Whats in It for You?

#Copyright 2014 by ABETHelp other institutions/programs improveHelps you prepare for an ABET visit See accreditation from the other sideWhat happens to your Self-Study Report after it leaves your institution?What kind of issues may be raised?How you can make the PEVs job easier (and in the process make your visit go more smoothly)?How can you reduce unnecessary anxiety about visits? How are other schools handling some of the issues you find to be difficult?Whats in It for You?For Those from Academe

#Copyright 2014 by ABETPre-Visit (10-28 hours)Training updates (1-2 hours)Reviewing the Self-Study Report (4-8 hours) Completing required forms (2-6 hours)Participating in team conference calls (2-4 hours)Communicating with the program and team chair prior to the visit (1-8 hours)PEV Pre-Visit Effort#Copyright 2014 by ABETCampus Visit: Sunday through TuesdayTravel Saturday, Tuesday eveningReview materialsBased on your assessment of Self-Study ReportTour facilitiesMeet and interview faculty, students, and others Participate in team meetings Extensive discussions team-based decisions Write short report of findings Post Visit (1-2 hours)As requested by the team chairNo direct contact with school after visitPEV Visit and Post-Visit

#Copyright 2014 by ABET360 review of each visitPEVs evaluated by program chair and team chairPEVs evaluate other PEVs and team chairResults provided to PEV after completion of review cycleUpdate status each springCode of conduct agreementAvailability for visitsNew conflicts of interestTrainingRefresher trainingJust-in-time training prior to each visitABET Workshops and Symposia (complimentary registration for PEVs) Repeat as desiredPEV Annual Cycle Experience#Copyright 2014 by ABETTrainee ObserverProgram EvaluatorAccreditation Commission Member (i.e., team leader)Accreditation Commission Executive Committee MemberBoard of Directors MemberBoard of Directors OfficerPotential ABET Career

#Copyright 2014 by ABETOnline learning experienceFace-to-face facilitated instructionSociety-specific training (if applicable)Initial TrainingThree Separate Steps

#Copyright 2014 by ABETOnline portion of PEV Candidate Training typically takes 20-25 hoursRequires written work and the completion of three end-of-module quizzes Online Training

#Copyright 2014 by ABETPre-Work (4-8 hours)Review of process and requirementsEvaluation of partial Self-Study ReportMentor support/feedbackFace-to-Face Training (~2 days with travel)Full-day Saturday, half-day SundayTeams of 5-6 PEV candidates with Support FacilitatorVariety of activitiesPresentation of informationTeam activitiesPlay-acting demonstrationsIndividual statement writing exerciseFace-to-Face Training

#Copyright 2014 by ABETABET pays all reasonable and appropriate travel expensesFace-to-Face TrainingCampus visitsPersonal Travel Expenses

#Copyright 2014 by ABETThe entire PEV candidate training process begins in March and ends in June. The online training must be completed at least three weeks before the Face-to-Face Training.Training Period

#Copyright 2014 by ABETNew PEVs are assigned a mentor who provides feedback throughout training.Support Facilitator at the Face-to-Face Training also provides feedback.Some societies require an observer visit before a PEV serves on an actual visit.PEVs do online just-in-time training prior to visits each year as a reminder about tasks and changes.Professional Development Hours (PDHs) can be awarded for participation.Additional Training Notes#Copyright 2014 by ABETWhen you apply, you must select the appropriate commission.Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC)Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC)Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC)Your member society will review your application and contact you if you are selected for training.Each society has different selection cycle and may take several months.Start With Online Applicationwww.abet.org#Copyright 2014 by ABETABETs 33 Member Societies

Copyright 2014 by ABET88Board Orientation - March 2011PEV candidates who successfully complete both the online training and the Face-to-Face Training may be nominated by his or her member society to serve as a program evaluator.Some societies require additional specialized training and conduct that separately, often online.Nomination by Your Professional / Technical Society#Copyright 2014 by ABEThttp://www.abet.org/program-evaluators/Link to Application

#Copyright 2014 by ABET