Web-based evaluation process for an engineering department

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accredits Christian Brothers University (CBU). The individual engineering programs of chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Prior to the changes prescribed by ABET in 2000 and SACS in 2001, preparation for an accreditation visit consisted of compiling a self-study report the year before the visitation. The achievement of learning outcomes and program objectives and continuous improvement are now a part of the accreditation process for ABET and SACS. Faculty members must now understand and be concerned with the accreditation process on an ongoing basis and not just the year prior to an accreditation visit. The purpose of this investigation is to develop tools and procedures using Web-based technologies to enhance evaluation processes for an undergraduate engineering program. In order to provide a Web-based evaluation process, the study employed WebCT and the CBU Online Survey System as interfaces for customized tools to acquire input from constituents and provide results. Employers, alumni, and faculty accessed the CBU Online Survey system via a browser. Students used WebCT and the CBU Online Survey System. Access was password dependent or URL specific, providing administrators management tools for evaluation and progress tracking. WebCT and the CBU Online Survey System provided quantitative results to the faculty.