We define assessment as the process of evaluation leading to the improvement of quality in performing our mission. Assessment of how well our mission is being accomplished provides a stimulus for continuous quaity improvement of our program. The objective of our assessment plan is to measure student outcomes and facilitate continuous improvement. Student outcomes are achievements made by students as a result of the education process. Student outcomes should represent value added to the student and this value added should increase continuously over time throughout the academic program.

The primary customers of the Department's education are students, employers, the community, and society. Academic departments at Miami are customers of the Department's service and other courses that their students attend. Other customers include SME and graduate schools. Customers of our faculty scholarship are professional peers and society. Another important stake holder is ABET.

Several components of this plan depend on primary customers' evaluation of how well the Department is meeting their needs. Students' self assessment of growth and degree of satisfaction are sought as they progress through the program, upon graduation, and as alumni. Employer judgments are sought in assessing student performance in working as co-ops and interns, in solving design problems, and ultimately as full-time employees and graduates of the Department. Employers and the Department's industrial advisory council provide feedback on whether the Department's graduates are meeting employers', the community's, and society's needs.

An important measure of academic and professional growth comes from direct examination of the students' work by qualified individuals. The assessment plan attempts to record and preserve evidence of the students' progress for evaluation by the department as well as external reviewers. On behalf of society, ABET judges whether the program is meeting acceptable professional standards.

This link will take you to the Department's Strategic Plan including educational objectives and outcomes.