2013-2014 Annual Assessment Report - Civil Engineering Program

The curriculum goals of the unit, as currently stated in the catalog or other departmental documents, are as follows: (from the catalog)

"The overall objectives of the bachelor of science program in civil engineering are:

  • Graduates will be successfully employed in engineering, science, or technology careers.
  • Graduates will be assuming management or leadership roles.
  • Graduates will engage in continual learning by pursuing advanced degrees or additional educational oppportunities through course work, professional conferences and training, and/or participation in professional societies.
  • Graduates will pursue professional registration or other appropriate certifications.
  • Graduates will be active in civic engagement.

The outcomes that students are expected to have attained upon graduation with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering are:

  • the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  • the ability to design and conduct experiments
  • the ability to analyze and interpret data
  • the ability to design a system or component to meet desired needs
  • the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
  • the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
  • the ability to communicate effectively through writing and/or drawing
  • the ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations
  • an understanding of the impact of engineering on society
  • an understanding of the necessity to engage in lifelong learning
  • a knowledge of contemporary issues in civil, environmental, and architectural engineering
  • the ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and tools
  • the ability to explain basic concepts in management, business, public policy, and leadership"

During the last review period, what revisions, if any, have been made to your curriculum goals as stated in the CU course catalog? What is your schedule for such curriculum review?

No changes were made to the curriculum goals in the 2013-2014 academic year.  These goals were reviewed by two Joint Evaluation Committees (JECs) in spring 2014: the geotechnical JEC and construction engineering and management JEC.  Based on the alumni survey results and JEC input, in fall 2014 a wording change for the fifth program objective will be proposed; the revised wording would clarify this outcome, as interpretations of "civic engagement" seem to vary. 

Summarize the means you have employed to assess your success in attaining those curriculum goals.

The curriculum committee, faculty at large, and JEC review the results from assessments including: student performance on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam that is required for all undergraduate students prior to graduation; undergraduate student ratings on the outcomes of each course using questions on the FCQs; the graduating senior survey; post graduate survey; alumni survey; and student performance based on outcome rubrics in senior design and other selected courses.

Specify what actions you have taken as a result of employing your assessment protocols.

Based on recommendations from the structural engineering and mechanics JEC meeting in spring 2013, a new technical elective course in construction materials will be offered. The student performance on the FE exam was weaker than we would like.  In the new professional issues course that civil engineering students will be taking as part of the new curriculum that began in Fall 2013, students will take an FE practice exam and document how they will prepare and review for the FE exam.  However, this new course was not yet available.  Therefore, students were encouraged to prepare for the FE exam during the capstone design course.  Additional outcomes that were weak based on the senior survey feedback, such as knowledge of business/public policy/management/leadership, are also targeted for inclusion in the new professional issues course.