A. Background Information
A1. Degree Titles
For students majoring in the field of chemical engineering (“CHEG”) at the University of Connecticut, the official university degree title is “Bachelor of Science in Engineering.” Chemical Engineering is further identified as the major on the transcript. Double majors are similarly identified, e.g. “Chemical Engineering/Materials Engineering” is used to indicate a double major in Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering. A double major is earned by meeting the requirements of both majors. A double major in Materials Engineering may be earned by choosing at least fifteen credits of materials courses among the elective courses that a student takes. This particular form of the double major will last be offered as an option to the class that entered in Fall 1999, as students entering in subsequent classes will have the option of a separate major in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering.
A2. Program Modes
The Chemical Engineering program is offered as a day program at the basic level. In addition to studying at the main Storrs campus, students can do most lower division (freshman and sophomore) coursework at one of the Regional campuses of the University.
The Chemical Engineering program does not have a required co-op experience. Students may participate in a co-op experience through the Cooperative Education Program of the Career Services Department. This is an individual decision by the student. Students in their sophomore, junior, and senior years may participate. During the academic year 1999-2000, three chemical engineering students pursued this option.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the EUROTECH program. This program leads to two degrees, one in engineering and the other in German. It includes a year in Germany that includes work with a German company. There are currently two chemical engineering students in the program.
A3. Actions to Correct Previous Deficiencies
School Wide
“There seems to be great variation in the thoroughness and quality of feedback provided to the students on writing {in W courses}.”
ACTION: All departments in the School of Engineering have reviewed their writing (W) requirements and have come up with department specific actions to correct the deficiency. In the CHEG department, the required W courses are CHEG 237W and 239W, the senior laboratories. Following the last ABET site visit, the CHEG department began individual student/faculty "report writing" consultation sessions in these courses. During these sessions, students receive individual advice on report structure, grammar, style, technical content, data analysis, data presentation, and statistics. Two full-time faculty members instruct the laboratory classes and grade all reports. Attendance at the faculty/student meetings is mandatory and factored into the student's overall grade. In addition, a "model report" is provided to the students at the beginning of semester in CHEG 237W as a common basis for students to judge their own reports. Generally, our students and alumni comment favorably on the writing and presentation skills that they acquire in CHEG 237 and 239.
“The public may have difficulty in discerning from catalog statements, and other documents the goals, logic of selection, and in particular how the design experience is developed and integrated throughout the curriculum.”
ACTION: While information in the printed catalogs (p-catalog) identifies graduation requirements only, as mandated by the university, the web-based electronic version (e-catalog) addresses these issues by presenting a more comprehensive description of the logic of course selection and integration of design. Also included in the e-catalog are clearly stated program goals and objectives. In addition, each department produces a "Guide to Course Selection" which contains an even higher level of detail regarding content and purpose of required courses toward fulfillment of program objectives. The guide to course selection is published on the Chemical Engineering Department Web page and is referenced by both the p- and e-catalogs. This guide is updated as necessary.
Departmental
No departmental deficiencies were cited during our last review.
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B. Accreditation Summary
B1. Students
Students
Students are admitted to the School of Engineering as matriculating freshmen or as transfer students. Matriculating freshmen with superior high-school records are admitted on a competitive basis. They are required to have taken 4 years of English, 3.5 years (4 recommended) of math, 2 years of a foreign language, 2 years of a laboratory science (chemistry or physics required), 2.5 years of social science, and 2.5 years of other coursework for a total of 16.5 units. The student must also submit satisfactory Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. The recommendation from the high school is reviewed during the evaluation of credentials. At the time of admission, students may receive advanced standing based on their performance on Advanced Placement Examinations.
Details of the criteria and procedures for admitting freshman and transfer students to the program are provided in Appendix II.I Admission and Graduation Requirements, Basic Program. Information on the acceptance of transfer students is also provided in Section B3 of this report.
Student Advising
All students accepted into the School of Engineering attend an orientation meeting during the summer, where they register for their fall semester courses. They meet with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education to discuss what to expect during their first semester, what services are available in the School and University, and what types of courses they will be taking throughout their college career. Individual departmental advisors are also present at the orientation meeting to help with registration and answer questions regarding particular disciplines.
The Associate Dean also discusses the advising system for the School and encourages students to meet with their advisor early in the semester, especially if they experience any difficulties with their beginning courses. All advisors are faculty in the School. Students who have designated chemical engineering as their field of study are assigned an advisor from the chemical engineering department. The Director of Student Advising handles undeclared student advising until the student selects a major and can be assigned an advisor in the appropriate department. Once a student is assigned a departmental advisor, they usually keep that advisor for the duration of their college career.
The advisor provides direction and guidance about career choices and how the engineering program fits into these choices. The advisor also provides help in the selection of courses and the meeting of School and University requirements. Registration for courses is handled electronically. Before students can register, the advisor must release an electronic bar to registration. Although the advisor is responsible for making appropriate academic recommendations, students are responsible for their own academic progress.
Advising records for each student are kept by the faculty advisor, with a separate copy maintained by the Director of Advising. Advisors are kept informed of the students' progress by transcripts sent out at the end of each semester. Advisors are also provided with Programmed Academic Curriculum Evaluation (PACE) Audit Reports by the Registrar’s Office; these reports list the degree requirements, indicate which have been fulfilled, and provide a list of remaining requirements. Students with low semester GPAs or other deficiencies are sent notices, with copies forwarded to the advisor, to schedule a meeting with their advisor. During the meeting, the student and advisor design a plan to correct the deficiency.
Student graduation is dependent on meeting all curricular and GPA requirements set out by the department, school and university. The degree program requires that each student to complete a total of 134 applicable credit hours and earn at least a 2.0 (on a 4.0 basis) for all calculable Upper Division work (work in excess of the first 60 credits earned). Students are on academic probation for the next semester if their performance is such that they are included in any of the following groups:
· Students who have completed their first Lower Division semester and have earned less than a 1.6 semester grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
· Students who have completed their second Lower Division semester and have earned less than a 1.8 semester grade point average for that semester.
· Students who have completed their third Lower Division semester and have earned less than a 1.9 semester grade point average for that semester.
· Students who have completed their fourth Lower Division semester and have earned less than a 2.0 semester grade point average for that semester.
· Students who have completed their first Upper Division semester (earned more than sixty credits) or more and who have earned less than a 2.0 semester grade point average or Upper Division cumulative GPA.
The Dean of Students informs the student and the student’s advisor that a marked academic improvement in future semesters is necessary to obtain the minimum scholastic standards. Students who fail to meet the minimum scholastic standards for two consecutively registered semesters, or for three in the same division, or for a total of four in their academic career, are subject to dismissal.
Details regarding graduation requirements are provided in Appendix II.I Admission and Graduation Requirements, Basic Programs.
Our advising system is designed so that advisors and students contact each other regularly. Normally, a student must meet with the advisor twice a year to discuss coursework and the program requirements and to register for the next semester. To assist them in planning their program, each student is given the "Chemical Engineering Department Guide to Course Selection". This document spells out details of the many requirements of the academic program, provides information regarding choice of technical courses to meet program objectives and outcomes, and shows how to fill out the plan of study. It also provides a brief overview of the chemical engineering profession. In addition, each student receives a copy of the aforementioned PACE report listing degree requirements that have been met and that are still to be met.
Student Monitoring
Two mechanisms are used to ensure that students meet all ABET, Department, School, and University requirements: a Plan of Study and the PACE computerized degree audit system mentioned above. Students must submit for approval a Plan of Study during their Junior year, with the help and guidance of the advisor. This document lays out the details of the student's academic program, and carefully indicates how all of the degree requirements, including ABET criteria, will be satisfied.
Upon approval by the advisor, the initial Plan of Study is reviewed and approved by the Plan of Study Reviewer or by the Department Head, and the Director of Advising. Care is taken at all levels to ensure that any accepted program meets all requirements. Revisions require the same approvals. In our Department, either the Department Head or the faculty member designated as Plan of Study Reviewer (currently Prof. Emeritus G.M. Howard), verifies all plans of study. Before graduation, the final Plan of Study is used by the University Degree Auditor in the Registrar's Office to certify that all the graduation requirements have been met. A copy is shown on the next page.
The University has fully implemented the PACE computer degree audit system. PACE monitors semester-by-semester progress of a student towards his/her degree requirements. A PACE audit is sent to both the faculty advisor and the student every semester. The report indicates which requirements have been met, how they have been met, and which requirements have not been met. For the student, this helps eliminate last semester surprises. It gives both the advisors and students more time for meaningful one-on-one program and career planning. Because credit restrictions are programmed into PACE, it effectively provides an accurate report of students' degree credits.
Student evaluation
In addition to monitoring credit hours, student learning outcomes are evaluated using "end of course" surveys. These surveys are administered in every undergraduate course to both the students and the faculty. The purpose of the survey is to determine "student level of attainment" of learning objectives from both student and faculty perspectives. These are used in program outcome assessment. An example of this survey is included in section B.3 (Program Outcomes and Assessment). Evaluation of "student level of attainment" is based on sets of well defined criteria to ensure consistent and objective results. Faculty assessments are based on test results, homework, quizzes, design projects, written and oral reports, and other means.
B2. Program Educational Objectives
The Chemical Engineering Department is committed to excellence in its undergraduate program and to maintaining its accreditation status. In the Spring 2000, the Department implemented a formal process which continually reviews and revises program objectives, outcomes and curriculum to meet current needs in chemical engineering education, to meet the needs of our constituents, and to satisfy University and School missions and ABET/AIChE criteria. Recommendations resulting from this process as well as other aspects of the undergraduate program are regularly discussed at Departmental faculty meetings. The Mission, Approach, and Program Objectives of the Chemical Engineering Department, determined using the process described later in this section are as follows.
Program Mission Statement, Approach and Objectives
Mission
The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut prepares students for productive careers in this versatile, dynamic, evolving discipline. Upon graduation, students will have learned skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication necessary for success as practicing chemical engineers or in graduate studies. Particular strengths of the department lie in the areas of biotechnology, advanced materials, computer applications and environmental protection.
Approach
To achieve its mission, the Department of Chemical Engineering provides an intensive educational program with faculty dedicated to developing the framework for and stimulating the desire to pursue ongoing active learning. A thorough base in mathematics; physical science; engineering science; and laboratory, design, and communication skills is given through course activities, individual and group-based projects, and independent research. The curriculum also exposes students to relevant safety, environmental, social, and economic issues facing the engineer in modern society. A low student to faculty ratio permits one-on-one contact with members of the faculty, creating opportunities for independent research, active advising, and mentoring. The department also provides a student experience that fosters leadership development, encourages creativity and intellectual curiosity, and demands responsible behavior and high quality performance. Flexibility in the curriculum provides opportunities to pursue a double major or minor, study abroad, or gain practical job experience through voluntary participation in an industrial co-op program.