Process to draft the program educational objectives for undergraduate engineering degree programs

Abstract

This pre-conference workshop will engage the participants in the process to draft Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) appropriate for undergraduate engineering degree programs at ABET-accredited institutions of higher education. The PEOs must reflect the Mission Statement of the institution and serve as a yardstick of student achievement three to five years following graduation. The PEOs must be crafted such that measurable objective evidence can be obtained through appropriate alumni surveys. To be consistent and effective, the entire engineering department must contribute to the discussion, ratification, and eventual adoption of the PEOs. In order to ensure a meaningful contribution from all faculty members involved in defining the PEOs, this workshop presents a framework that facilitates the discussion and the steps which can be taken to define the PEOs that (1) adhere to the Mission of the University (2) achieve consistent and measurable expectations. In addition, the workshop discusses internal and external review procedures to periodically review and revise the language, assessment, and evaluation of the PEOs. The attendees should expect to gain the following from this workshop. • Understand the step-by-step process to draft and assess PEOs • Draft PEOs which establish the link between the Undergraduate Engineering Degree program and the Mission of the University • Work as individuals and on teams to develop the Department-wide consensus on the formulation and assessment language for each PEO • Learn to clearly distinguish the PEOs from student outcomes.