Our Continuous Curricular Improvement Process
We work with key constituents to determine the outcomes expected of our students at time of graduation, and we use assessment to determine whether or not students achieve these outcomes. The assessments inform our continuous curricular improvement process, thereby making our degree programs more valuable to our students and to society. Program learning outcomes for each of our four undergraduate degrees can be found here:
- Agricultural Engineering Mission and Objectives Outcomes
- Agricultural Systems Technology Mission and Objectives Outcomes
- Biological Systems Engineering Mission and Objectives Outcomes
- Industrial Technology Mission and Objectives Outcomes
We developed and implemented a novel assessment model based on Workplace Competencies- skills, attitudes and behaviors that students will need to be successful practicing professionals. These competencies are more than assessment metrics. They are integrated into the curriculum in the form of competency-based learning.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures the quality of the postsecondary education students receive. In all cases, accreditation fundamentally involves the evaluation of academic programs to verify that they are educating students according to disciplinary norms. In many cases – as with engineering licensure – graduation from an accredited program has profound impacts on the professional opportunities for students. For this reason, all ABE programs are accredited (or are slated to undergo accreditation).
Engineering Degree Programs: ABET, Inc., is the premier global accreditor of college and university programs in engineering. The bachelor of science in agricultural engineering degree program is accredited by ABET and will undergo accreditation review in 2012. The new bachelor of science biological systems engineering degree program will undergo accreditation for the first time in 2012.
In the fall of 2006, the agricultural engineering program successfully completed its most recent accreditation review. A team of ABET professionals visited the ISU College of Engineering and the ABE department in the end of October, 2006 for on-site inspection and discovery. We submitted our self-study report in June, 2006 for their review. This report was the basis of their evaluation. These three items were submitted: AE ABET Self-Study Executive Summary, AE ABET Self-study report, AE ABET Self-study appendix.
Technology Degree Programs: The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE, formerly NAIT) is recognized as a premier accreditor of industrial technology programs in colleges, universities, and technical institutes. The two industrial technology (ITec) degree options and the two agricultural systems technology (AST) degree options are accredited by ATMAE. In the Spring of 2008, we prepared and submitted an AST and ITec self-study. In April of 2008, an accreditation team came to campus and reviewed each option in each program. Their initial finding was that the two AST and two ITec options be accredited. Their recommendation was approved by the NAIT Accreditation Board in November, 2008.
