Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science receives positive accreditation review of undergraduate programs

Aug 1st, 2017

By Dr. Greg Naterer

Dr. Octavia Dobre with engineering student.
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science receives positive accreditation review of undergraduate programs

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has received good news of a positive accreditation decision for its six undergraduate programs from the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

In its review, the CEAB noted the high quality education with respect to our expanding programs and that our faculty's world-class (mandatory) co-op program is highly respected.

A new accreditation model involving outcomes-based assessment, graduate attributes (GAs) and continual improvement (CI) processes was adopted by CEAB for the first time in Canada in 2016. The faculty introduced a number of new GA/CI systems, which had not previously been assessed by CEAB under the new accreditation model. CEAB suggested some improvements to our GA/CI departmental processes, as well as some minor curriculum changes regarding design content in one of the programs. These suggested changes have been introduced and will be implemented over the coming year. All of the programs received accreditation for three years with an extension for up to three more years to 2023, subject to a written report after a few years to demonstrate progress on these issues and their adoption through a few academic year cycles.

During their accreditation review, CEAB noted high morale and commended our faculty, administrative staff, technical staff and students on their commitment and dedication, which, in turn, fosters an excellent collegial environment. They highlighted that staff are highly competent and provide a high level of support to faculty and students. They also noted that our students demonstrated a strong sense of loyalty, commitment and satisfaction with the faculty and their overall university experience. The common sentiment from industry partners was that Memorial engineering students are first-rate and well-prepared to be productive engineers upon graduation. There were many other such praiseworthy comments from the accreditors about our programs, students, faculty and staff members.

Special acknowledgement and thanks to all in the faculty's leadership team who contributed in significant ways to achieve this successful outcome, particularly the Office of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) and Department Heads. Overall it was a strong team effort and good news to receive this positive accreditation outcome. We should all take great pride in the many strengths and outstanding features of our programs and students that were noted by CEAB during their accreditation review.