Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Assessment

Our Continuous Curricular Improvement Process

Students are expected to achieve certain learning outcomes by the time of graduation. These outcomes were developed in collaboration with our constituents - employers, alumni, faculty, students and parents.

Assessment is the process by which we verify whether or not students achieve these outcomes. The results of our assessment activities provide us with meaningful direction for continuous curriculum improvement to make our degree programs better.

Here are the program learning outcomes for each of our three undergraduate degrees:

We have developed and implemented a groundbreaking new 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

ABET, Inc., is the recognized U.S. accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. Accreditation ensures the quality of the postsecondary education students receive. The agricultural engineering degree program is accredited by ABET.

The National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) is recognized as the premier professional association responsible for the accreditation of industrial technology programs in colleges, universities, and technical institutes. The industrial technology program is accredited by NAIT.

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) is the professional society for agricultural technology and management professionals. The agricultural systems technology program is approved by ASABE.

We are continually working to understand how well our student achieve the learning outcomes of each degree program, and then to make changes for continuous improvement.  Here's a graphic illustration of that process.

Agricultural Engineering

In the fall of 2006, the agricultural engineering program successfully completed its 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.  Here is what we submitted:

Agricultural Systems Technology

In the Fall of 2008, we requested accreditation of the AST program by NAIT.  In the Spring of 2008, we prepared and submitted a self-study.  In April of 2008, an accreditation team from NAIT came to the ISU campus to review the AST program.  Their initial finding was that the two AST options be accredited.  Their recommendation will be considered by the NAIT Board of Directors for final approval in November, 2008.

In July of 2006, the AST program was approved by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

More information about the AST continuous improvement process can be found here.

Industrial Technology

In the Fall of 2008, we requested accreditation of the ITec program by NAIT.  In the Spring of 2008, we prepared and submitted a self-study.  In April of 2008, an accreditation team from NAIT came to the ISU campus to review the ITec program.  Their initial finding was that the two ITec options be accredited.  Their recommendation will be considered by the NAIT Board of Directors for final approval in November, 2008.