Automation of Student Learning Assessment for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

Abstract

The MS program in the Ocean and Resources Engineering Department (ORE) is certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is an international certification that allows engineering programs flexibility while ensuring standards are met. The reviews are performed every 6 years. However, the program must be continuously evaluated. ABET recently changed its requirements; consequently, ORE updated our student learning objectives. During this change, we found the need to improve the automation of the information collected from students, faculty, alumni, and engineering professionals. Automation reduces human-hours needed to record, analyze, and communicate the results. Here, we present an overview of how we continuously evaluate our MS program. Specifically, we describe how surveys, analysis tools, and digital student progress forms aid in our continuous improvement. Our approach to automate the process reduces the time and resources of the ORE faculty and staff while streamlining the evaluation of the program.