INTRODUCTION

Much attention has been paid to "outcome assessment". In case of a mechanical engineering (ME) program the objective is the evaluation of the "product" (ME graduates) with respect to several factors. This exercise should answer questions such as: Have the students been prepared by our educational process for what they are doing? Did their education have any measurable improvements in their capabilities? and Is the school really doing what it claims.

Mechanical engineering programs have actually been forced into examining outcomes assessment and adapting procedures that fit that mold. After examination by the US Department of Education, the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation (COPA) mandated that accrediting agencies should utilize the concept in evaluating their programs. Consequently, the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) among others implemented requirements that programs utilize outcome assessment methods. The regional accrediting organizations for universities and other schools utilize it as well.

OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT MODEL

In fall of 1999, a committee was formed by the Dean of the College of Engineering (COE) at Southern University, and a college-wide assessment coordinator was named to chair the committee. This committee was charged with the task of studying a comprehensive outcomes assessment program for the COE. In light of the discussions by many accrediting agencies, including ABET, regarding the requirement of an outcomes assessment program, the college presented the prelimi­nary results of its program to the Council of Visitors in Spring of 2001. The program was reviewed and approved by the Council.  Consequently, each program in the College adopted the overall outcomes assessment approach and tailored it according to their mission.

STATEMENT OF DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE

Vision: The Mechanical Engineering Department is to be a premier valued-based program, committed to excellence in preparing students for success in mechanical engineering profession, through research, experienced-based instructions, and community services, under the direction of a highly qualified and customer-oriented faculty and staff.

Mission: The Mission of The Department is to prepare students to compete globally in their profession, and to achieve excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service.

Goal: The program educational goal is to provide an educational experience that inspires students to reach for the highest levels of intellectual attainment and personal growth throughout their lives.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Mechanical Engineering program are to produce graduates who:

1. are trained thoroughly in methods of analysis, including the mathematical and computational skills appropriate for engineers to use when solving problems
2. have developed the skills pertinent to the design process, including the students' ability to formulate problems, to think creatively, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information, and to work collaboratively
3. are able to use current experimental and data analysis techniques for engineering application
4. are prepared for successful careers & life-long learning
5. have instilled in them an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities with the knowledge of contemporary issues

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Students who qualify for a mechanical engineering degree from Southern University and A&M College will have accomplished the following:

1. the ability to apply knowledge of math, science, and engineering to the practice of mechanical engineering;
2. the ability to demonstrate a capability in the design and realization of both thermal and mechanical systems areas and conduct experiments and present data in oral, written, graphical format;
3. the ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems using modern and conventional engineering tools;
4. the ability to function in inter-disciplinary teams in a professional way while demonstrating ethical responsibilities;
5. the ability to engage in life-long learning and to develop an understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context with the knowledge of contemporary issues.

CONSTITUENTS

The significant constituencies of the ME program are:

• The students of the program
• Faculty members serving the program
• The companies which employ these students
• The alumni of the program

The program is evaluated through consultation with these various constituencies and also with the ME Departmental Council and the Engineering Council of Visitors; the results of those evaluations are used to formulate revisions to the program.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Performance Indicators / Assessment Methods (forms) used to assess program outcomes are outlined below:

ASSESSMENT FORMS

Assessment forms can be obtained in portable document format from here.