1. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein1 STATUS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS ACCREDITATION ISECON, October 2001 John T.Gorgone, Bentley College David L. Feinstein, University of South Alabama

2. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein2 IS ACCREDITATION EXECUTIVE COMMITEE Dr. David Feinstein, Univ. of South Alabama Dr. John T. Gorgone, Bentley College Dr. John C. Henderson, Boston University Dr Willis K. King, University of Houston Dr. Benn R. Konsynski, Emory University Dr. Doris K. Lidtke, Towson University Dr. Sorel Reisman, California State University Dr. Jon A. Turner, New York University Dr. Joe Valacich, Washington State University Dr. Gayle J. Yaverbaum,Penn State Harrisburg

3. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein3 Agenda Overview of U.S. Accreditation Computing Accreditation Background Status of IS Accreditation Accreditation Process IS Accreditation Criteria Overview Questions

4. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein4 Three Types of Accreditors 1. Regional Accreditors Accredit public & private two- & four-year institutions. Comprehensive review of all institutional functions 2. National Accreditors Accredit public & private institutions, frequently single-purpose institutions 3. Specialized & Professional Accreditors

5. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein5 Three Types of Accreditors 3. Specialized & Professional Accreditors 1. Accredit specific programs or schools including business schools, accounting programs, computing programs, engineering schools and programs, law schools, medical schools, and health professional programs 2. E.g. AACSB, ABET

6. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein6 Purposes of Accreditation Assuring Quality Primary means to assure quality to students & the public A signal that program meets at least minimal standards for its faculty, curriculum, student services, libraries and fiscal stability.

7. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein7 Purposes of Accreditation Engendering Employer Confidence Accreditation status is important to employers when evaluating credentials of job applicants and when deciding whether to provide tuition support for current employees seeking additional education. Easing Transfer of Courses Among Colleges

8. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein8 Who Benefits from Accreditation Students Employers Public Institution Reputation Department Program

9. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein9 Five Key Features of Accreditation Self Study: Summary of performance Peer Review: People in the profession Site Visit: Visit team review of program Action by Accrediting Organization Ongoing External Review: Cycles up to 10 years

10. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein10 Agenda Overview of U.S. Accreditation Computing Accreditation Background Status of IS Accreditation Accreditation Process IS Accreditation Criteria Overview Questions

11. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein11 Computing Accreditation Background CS accreditation began in USA in 1986 166 accredited programs at 158 institution in USA Programs reviewed by faculty and qualified industry visitors (volunteers from universities and industry) Only programs located in regionally accredited institutions are eligible Process takes nearly 2 years.

12. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein12 Agenda Overview of U.S. Accreditation Computing Accreditation Background Status of IS Accreditation Accreditation Process IS Accreditation Criteria Overview Criteria Details

13. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein13 IS Accreditation – Current Status Web survey of Draft Criteria (300 responses) Revision of Draft Criteria CSAB approved Criteria for testing- 7/00 ABET EC approved pilot test for Fall 2001 IS Criteria posted to web: www.abet.org Documents prepared, Evaluators Trained 2001-2002 Program Review Cycle in progress

14. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein14 IS Accreditation – Current Status Program Selected, Self-study completed October 2001- Team Visit Completed July 2002 - Action on visit September 2002 – Final Statement Next Cycle – 2002-2003 Fall 2002 – additional visits

15. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein15 IS Accreditation – Current Status Review & Revise materials Review & Revise Proposed IS Criteria (August 2000 version 5.2) ABET final approval of IS Criteria 11/3/01 Identify IS programs interested in accreditation

16. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein16 IS Accreditation – Current Status Identify IS faculty and IS industry professional interested becoming program evaluators Membership in the ACM, the IEEE/CS, or the AIS is expected. Good communication skills are necessary. Ph.D. In a computing discipline At least associate professor rank See www.csab.org for details & applicationwww.csab.org

17. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein17 Agenda Overview of U.S. Accreditation Computing Accreditation Background Status of IS Accreditation Accreditation Process IS Accreditation Criteria Overview Criteria Details

18. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein18 Process for Initial Accreditation Study the Criteria Be sure your program meets the Criteria Be sure all students in the program meet the Criteria Be certain your infrastructure meets the Criteria Be sure you have support from the Administration

19. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein19 Process - Pre-visit Self-analysis of program does it meet CAC Criteria? Invitation issued by CAC (November) Prepare self-study and collect course materials (Fall prior to visit) Submit Request for Evaluation (January 31) Pay fee for evaluation (June 1) Submit Self-Study (July 1)

20. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein20 Self-Study - 1 One Volume + Appendix Contents Objectives and Assessment Student Support Faculty Curriculum Laboratory and Computing Facilities Institutional Support and Financial Resources Institutional Facilities

21. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein21 Self-Study - 2 - Appendices I. Information Relative to the Entire Institution II. General Information on the Unit Responsible for the Information Systems Program III. Finances IV. IS Program Personnel and Policies Towards Consulting, Professional Development, and Recruiting V. IS Program Enrollment and Degree Data VI. Admission Requirements

22. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein22 Process - Visit Schedule visit (July - August) Work with your Administration to be sure they can meet with visitors Host 2-3 day visit (Sep.-Nov.) Prepare schedule with Team Chair Prepare course exhibits and space for visitors Be certain faculty, students, & administrators are available for scheduled meetings

23. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein23 Process - Post-visit Receive Preliminary Statement (March) Respond to Preliminary Statement (30 days) Preliminary report finalized Presentation at CAC Annual Meeting (July) Final Statement received (August - Sept.)

24. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein24 Accreditation Actions Each program reviewed in Fall xx is voted on at the CAC Annual Meeting in July of xx+1 Programs are informed of Action in August of xx+1

25. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein25 Accreditation Actions & Durations General ActionDuration (Yrs) NGR Next General Review6 IR Interim Report2 IV Interim Visit2 SC Show Cause1

26. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein26 Agenda Overview of U.S. Accreditation Computing Accreditation Background Status of IS Accreditation Accreditation Process IS Accreditation Criteria Overview Questions

27. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein27 Assure graduates of an accredited program are adequately prepared to enter and continue the practice of information systems Stimulate the improvement of IS education Encourage new & innovative approaches to IS education and its assessment Identify accredited programs to the public IS Accreditation: Objectives

28. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein28 Philosophy Institutions and Programs define mission and objectives to meet the needs of their constituents -- enable program differentiation Programs demonstrate how criteria and educational objectives are being met

29. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein29 Evaluative Criteria Structure Two documents 1. Criteria for Accrediting Computing Programs in the United States eight Categories each category is divided into Intent Standards

30. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein30 Evaluative Criteria Structure 2. Guidance for Interpreting the Criteria for Accrediting Programs in Computing in the United States Eight sections one per criteria category contents mapped to specific Standards

31. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein31 Criteria Categories Objectives and Assessments Students Faculty Curriculum Technology Infrastructure Institutional Support/Financial Resources Program Delivery Institutional Facilities

32. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein32 Agenda Overview of U.S. Accreditation Computing Accreditation Background Status of IS Accreditation Accreditation Process IS Accreditation Criteria Overview Questions

33. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein33 Criteria Overview What is an Intent statement? An Intent statement is a high level description of a program that conforms to a particular Criteria Category. In order to be accreditable, a program must meet the Intent statement of every Category.

34. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein34 Criteria Overview Example of an Intent Statement Category: Faculty Faculty members are current and active in the discipline and have the necessary technical breadth and depth to support a modern information systems program.

35. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein35 Criteria Overview The Standards Standards are a series of enumerated statements of how to minimally meet the Intent of a particular Category. Standards are both qualitative and quantitative Standards define minimum essential elements A program that satisfies all the Standards of a Category meets the Intent of that Category.

36. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein36 Criteria Overview Examples of Standards Category: Faculty One of the five standards in the Category: III.1 Interests, qualifications, and scholarly contributions must be sufficient to teach the courses, plan & modify the courses & curriculum, and remain abreast of current developments in information systems.

37. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein37 Agenda Overview of U.S. Accreditation Computing Accreditation Background Status of IS Accreditation Accreditation Process IS Accreditation Criteria Overview Questions Criteria Details available for discussion

38. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein38 Questions What questions do you have about IS Accreditation? Criteria details are available for discussion as time permits.

39. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein39 Criteria Criteria: Details General introduction Detailed discussion of each Criteria category will include Intent Standards

40. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein40 Objectives and Assessments Students Faculty Curriculum Technology Infrastructure Institutional Support/Financial Resources Program Delivery Institutional Facilities Criteria Categories

41. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein41 Objectives and Assessments Category Motivation - 1 Why include Objectives and Assessments in the criteria? Aligns CSAB/ABET accreditation with direction of regional accreditation bodies criteria of other program oriented accreditation bodies Demonstrates stable program direction in the face of natural program evolution

42. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein42 Objectives and Assessments Motivation - 2 Why are documented objectives important? Ensures alignment with stated mission and goals Provides program direction to plan appropriate program evolution to form the basis for decisions Enables effectiveness measurement of program activities Provides foundation for continuous improvement Addresses issue of increased accountability

43. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein43 I. Objectives and Assessments The program has documented educational objectives that are consistent with the mission of the institution. The program has in place processes to regularly assess its progress against its objectives and uses the results of the assessments to identify program improvements and to modify the program’s objectives. Intent:

44. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein44 The program must have documented, educational objectives. Objectives must include expected outcomes for graduating students. Mechanisms must be in place to periodically review the program and courses. Standards: I. Objectives and Assessments

45. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein45 Objectives and Assessments: Standards (Cont’d.) Program assessment results must be used to help identify and implement program improvement. Program review and actions taken must be documented.

46. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein46 Students can complete the program in a reasonable amount of time. Students have ample opportunity to interact with their instructors and are offered timely guidance and advice about the program’s requirements and their career alternatives. Students who graduate the program meet all program requirements. Intent: II. Students

47. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein47 Courses offered with sufficient frequency for students to complete the program in a timely manner. Program must be structured to ensure effective interaction between teaching faculty and students. Standards: II. Students

48. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein48 Students: Standards (Cont’d) Advising on program completion, course selection and career opportunities must be available to all students. Standards and procedures are established that ensure that graduates meet program requirements.

49. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein49 Faculty members are current and active in the discipline and have the necessary technical breadth and depth to support a modern information systems program. Intent: III. Faculty

50. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein50 Interests, qualifications, and scholarly contributions must be sufficient to teach the courses, plan and modify the courses and curriculum, and remain abreast of current developments in information systems. Must have a level of competence normally obtained through graduate work in information systems. Standards: III. Faculty

51. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein51 A majority should hold terminal degrees. Some full-time faculty members must have a Ph.D in information systems or a closely related area. All faculty members must remain current in the discipline. Faculty: Standards (Cont’d)

52. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein52 The curriculum combines professional requirements with general education requirements and electives: to prepare students for a professional career in the information systems field, for further study in information systems, and for functioning in modern society. Intent: IV. Curriculum

53. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein53 IV. Curriculum: Intent (con’t) The professional requirements include coverage of basic and advanced topics in information systems as well as an emphasis on an IS environment. Curricula are consistent with widely recognized models and standards.

54. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein54 Curriculum standards are specified in terms of semester-hours of study. (Thirty semester-hours generally constitute one year of full-time study and is equivalent to 45 quarter-hours) A course or a specific part of a course can only be applied toward one standard. Standards – Background Information IV. Curriculum

55. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein55 Must include at least 30 semester- hours of study in information systems topics. Most contain at least 15 semester- hours of study in an information systems environment, as specified below. Standards General: IV. Curriculum

56. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein56 Must include at least 9 semester- hours of study in quantitative analysis as specified under quantitative analysis. Must include at least 30 semester- hours of study in general education to broaden the background of the student. Curriculum Standards: General (Cont’d)

57. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein57 Students take a broad-based core of fundamental IS material - at least 12 semester hours. The core must provide basic coverage of: hardware and software modern programming language data management networking and telecommunications analysis and design and the role of IS in organizations. Standards IS: 30 hrs IV. Curriculum

58. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein58 Theoretical foundations, analysis, and design must be stressed within the program. Students must be exposed to a variety of information of computing systems. Students must become proficient in one modern programming language. Curriculum Standards: IS (Cont’d)

59. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein59 All students must take at least 12 semester hours of advanced course work in information systems that provides breadth and builds on the core to provide depth. Curriculum Standards: IS (Cont’d)

60. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein60 IV. Curriculum The 15 semester hours must be a cohesive body of knowledge to prepare the student to function effectively as an IS professional in the IS environment. Standards IS Environment: 15 hrs

61. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein61 The curriculum must include at least 9 hours of quantitative analysis beyond pre-calculus Statistics must be included Calculus and discrete mathematics must be included Standards Quantitative Analysis: 9 hrs IV. Curriculum

62. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein62 Oral and written communication skills of the student must be developed and applied in the program. There must be sufficient coverage of global, economic, social and ethical implications of computing to give students an understanding of a broad range of issues in this area. Collaborative skills must be developed and applied in the program. Standards - Additional Areas of Study: IV. Curriculum

63. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein63 Computer resources are available, accessible, and adequately supported to enable students to complete course work and to support faculty teaching needs and scholarly activity Intent: V. Technology Infrastructure

64. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein64 Each student must have adequate and reasonable access to the systems needed for each course. Documentation for hardware and software must be readily accessible to faculty and students. All faculty members must have access to adequate computing resources for class preparation and for scholarly activities. V. Technology Infrastructure: Standards

65. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein65 There must be adequate support personnel to install and maintain computing resources. Instructional assistance must be provided for the computing resources. V. Technology Infrastructure: Standards (Cont’d)

66. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein66 The institution’s support for the program and the financial resources available to the program are sufficient to provide an environment in which the program can achieve its objectives. Support and resources are sufficient to provide assurance that an accredited program will retain its strength throughout the period of accreditation. Intent: VI. Institutional Support and Financial Resources :

67. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein67 Support for faculty must be sufficient to enable the program to attract and retain high-quality faculty capable of supporting the program objectives. There must be sufficient support and financial resources to allow faculty members to attend national technical meetings with sufficient frequency to maintain competence as teachers and scholars. VI. Institutional Support and Financial Resources Standards:

68. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein68 There must be support and recognition of scholarly activities. There must be office support consistent with the type of program, level of scholarly activity, and needs of the faculty members. Adequate time must be assigned for the administration of the program. Institutional Support and Financial Resources: Standards (Con’t)

69. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein69 Upper levels of administration must provide the program with the resources and atmosphere to function effectively with the rest of the institution. Resources must be provided to acquire and maintain laboratory facilities that meet the needs of the program. Institutional Support and Financial Resources: Standards (Con’t)

70. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein70 Resources must be provided to support library and related information retrieval facilities that meet the needs of the program. There must be evidence of continuity of institutional support and financial resources. Institutional Support and Financial Resources: Standards (Con’t)

71. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein71 There are enough faculty members to cover the curriculum reasonably and to allow an appropriate mix of teaching and scholarly activity. Intent: VII. Program Delivery

72. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein72 There must be enough full-time faculty members with primary commitment to the program to provide continuity and stability. Full-time faculty members must oversee all course work. Full-time faculty members must cover most of the total classroom instruction. VII. Program Delivery Standards:

73. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein73 Faculty members must remain current in the discipline. All full-time faculty members must have sufficient time for scholarly activities and professional development. Advising duties must be a recognized part of faculty members’ workloads. Program Delivery: Standards (Con’t)

74. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein74 Institutional facilities including the library, other electronic information retrieval systems, computer networks, classrooms, and offices are adequate to support the objectives of the program. Intent: VIII. Institutional Facilities

75. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein75 The library that serves the information systems program must be adequately staffed with professional librarians and support personnel. The library’s technical collection must include up-to-date textbooks, reference works, and publications of professional and research organizations. Standards: VIII. Institutional Facilities

76. ISECON 2001 Gorgone & Feinstein76 Systems for locating and obtaining electronic information must be available. Classrooms must be adequately equipped for the courses taught in them. Faculty offices must be adequate to enable faculty members to meet their responsibilities to students and for their professional needs. VIII. Institutional Facilities: Standards (Con’t)