Assessment of CAC self-study report

In 2000, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) changed the way computer science (and engineering) programs are accredited from a 'checklist' approach to an 'outcomes-based' approach. While this approach gives more freedom to the program to establish its own set of objectives, it has also created considerable anxiety among people who are responsible for preparing their programs for accreditation. The self-study report which plays an important role in the ABET accreditation process, describes how the computer science program satisfies the statement of intent and standards of the accreditation criteria. However, preparation of the report has become more difficult with the change to an outcomes-based approach. We have developed model of an ideal program based on CAC guidelines and standards and a tool that assesses the thoroughness and completeness of the report compared to the model. Programs seeking accreditation can use the tool to get information on any deficiencies prior to submitting the report to the evaluation team.