1. GLOBAL ACCREDITATION TRENDS Russel C. Jones. Ph.D., P.E. World Expertise LLC USA and UAE

2. Definitions of ‘Accreditation’ To bring into credit or favor To authorize, give credentials to To believe in, take as true To certify as meeting certain set standards To attribute, credit

3. Trends in accreditation Spreading around the globe From existing developed agencies New agencies being developed Developing country momentum Outcomes assessment Measure against institution’s goals Continuous improvement required International agreements

4. Accreditation Developments Around the Globe Europe: responses to the Bologna Declaration New pattern – bachelors plus masters Quality assurance mechanisms (e.g. Accreditation Agency for Programs in Engineering and Computer Science in Germany) European credit transfer system

5. … more global developments Japan: Previous pattern, university graduates hired by companies, trained, and given lifetime security Current reality, graduates must be prepared for self directed career development and prepared for practice in the global marketplace Accreditation system established to provide quality assurance as new programs are developed and implemented

6. … more global developments Jordan: Many private universities developed to supplement available spaces in public universities – some of questionable quality Stringent accreditation system set up for private universities – the Council on Higher Education Prescriptive specifications such as faculty/student ratios, laboratory equipment and space, libraries, financial stability, etc.

7. … more global developments Latin America: Accreditation system set up in Mexico to meet demands of North American Free Trade Agreement – CACEI Several other countries developing accreditation systems (e.g. Chile) to replace ‘autonomous’ status of universities Regional accreditation system being developed in the Caribbean (countries too small to have own)

8. … more global developments United States: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology since 1930 In 2000, ABET changed from technique specifications to outcomes assessment Accreditation agencies – both regional and professional – extending internationally Assistance in developing systems elsewhere Direct accreditation in other countries

9. Outcomes assessment An example – US ABET: Engineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have: a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data c) an ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs

10. … more ABET criteria d) an ability to function on multi- disciplinary teams e) an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility g) an ability to communicate effectively

11. … more ABET criteria h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in the global and societal context i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning j) a knowledge of contemporary issues k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

12. International Agreements Cross-border agreements between countries Essentially equivalent accreditation systems and outcomes Extensive reciprocal visits between systems Example: the Washington Accord in engineering Graduates from each country are accepted in all the other countries as equivalent for purposes such as graduate study and licensure applications

13. Trends in education Trends in accreditation are typically responsive to trends and issues in education itself, such as: Reform in education Outcomes assessment Mobility of students Harmonization of higher education patterns

14. … more education trends Increased utilization of distance education Cross-border agreements Human capacity building in developing countries Increased payment for education by students Inclusion of sustainable development concepts Electronic conferences for faculty members

15. … more education issues Status of employed graduates Pipeline issues (enrollments, gender and race diversity) International experience for students Funding for higher education Employer involvement in education process Evaluation of distance education courses