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 opportunities 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 outcomes in 2014-2015. However, during the academic year the faculty voted to revise the wording in the final objective. This revision was based on feedback from Joint Evaluation Committees (JEC; external review by employers / alumni, plus internal constituencies including students and faculty). The revised objective (published in the 2015-2016 catalog) states: "Graduates will be engaged in activities that provide benefit to communities." This retains the general spirit of the previous objective, but it is hoped that the wording might be more clear to encompass the breadth of activities of interest.

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

The curriculum committee, faculty at large, and Joint Evaluation Committees (JECs) 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.  In April 2015 a JEC reviewed the water resources and environmental engineering courses in the curriculum (including CVEN 3313 Fluid Mechanics, CVEN 3323 Hydraulic Engineering, CVEN 3414 Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering, CVEN 3424 Water and Wastewater Treatment, CVEN 4333 Engineering Hydrology, and CVEN 4353 Groundwater Engineering). Key recommendations from this JEC for CVEN included: need a stronger emphasis on communication skills, concern that students were not learning a sufficient amount of engineering economics, and improve advising to help students select better electives. These recommendations are being considered in the 2015/2016 academic year.

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

The results of the assessment findings are shared with the CEAE faculty via both the curriculum committee representatives and at-large faculty meetings. For example, the FE results were discussed to strategize how to integrate better attitudes about importance and preparation throughout the curriculum. The results of the assessment activities have also largely determined both the need for and the content of a new 2-credit senior-level course, Professional Issues in Civil Engineering. The course will be offered for the first time in fall 2015, but not required for senior students until the fall 2016 cohort.