2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper explicates the unique strategies utilized in the implementation of the continuous improvement (CI) process in an ET department's three ETAC of ABET-accredited programs by involving the constituents (Students, Faculty, Alumni and Industrial Advisory Board). ETAC of ABET’s Criterion 4 (CI) states, "The program must regularly use appropriate, documented processes for assessing and evaluating the extent to which the student outcomes are being attained. The results of these evaluations must be systematically utilized as input for the program’s continuous improvement actions". To accomplish the CI requirements, we followed four strategies that encapsulate all our efforts toward CI.
The four strategies were: (1) Department faculty, led by the author of this paper, developed a 3-year schedule of assessment and evaluation, two Student Outcomes (SO) each year in a rotating cycle. Faculty discussed and developed forms to document direct measures (through specific Performance Indicators) and indirect measures (student and faculty survey forms). Faculty had weekly meetings, year-round, to discuss progress made and to address any concerns or challenges. In fall and spring of each year, during the “ABET Faculty Retreat Meeting” faculty periodically discussed the results and findings of the assessed and evaluated data for follow up on recommendations and action items. As part of the CI process, all SO’s have been scheduled to be systematically assessed and evaluated, with documented reflection and CI action items for implementation during the 3-years (2021-24). In a six-year period between ABET site visits, two iterations of the CI process would have been completed. (2) As part of the CI process, during spring and fall 2022, department faculty led by the author, performed a periodic review and revision of the course description, pre-requisite, and degree requirements of all the course offerings in the three BS ET / ABET Programs. The paperwork is being processed in Curriculog (University’s curriculum process) for approval and implementation effective fall 2023. BS Manufacturing ET and BS Mechanical ET Programs have been revised to move ENGT 4150, Programmable Logic Controllers from an elective course to a required course effective fall 2022. BS Mechanical ET program has been revised to include ENGT 4210, Industrial Automation Systems as a Concentration Elective Course. (3) Documented evidence of implemented action items demonstrating that feedback from the regional industry / IAB (Industrial Advisory Board) was systematically utilized as input for the programs continuous improvement actions. (4) Documented evidence of an implemented action item demonstrating that the results of student outcome assessment and evaluation are systematically utilized as input for the programs continuous improvement actions (involving all constituents).
The full paper is aimed at elucidating the above strategies (1- 4) employed in the efficacious implementation of attainment of ABET Criterion 4 in three B.S. ET concentrations – Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing, a description of assessment methods used for the CI process, statement of results and conclusion. Strategy 1 is ongoing and strategies 2, 3, and 4 are complete.