Using an industry survey to obtain faculty support for ABET 2000 criteria

Change is often very difficult. Survey's which examine market and competitive realities are often rejected when they are not developed by the people who need to implement the change. This paper describes a four step process for developing and implementing an industry based survey using a powerful coalition of faculty. Initial findings of the survey indicate that the most important ABET criteria are the 'softer skills' which are: the ability to identify, design and conduct experiments as well as analyze results; formulate and solve engineering problems; to engage in life-long learning; function on a multi-disciplinary team and communicate effectively. This survey indicates that engineering schools will need to improve on the 'softer skills' while maintaining their strength in teaching the 'harder' technical skills. As engineering schools embrace the assessment requirements of ABET 2000 they need to develop a survey process where the results will be embraced by the faculty and implemented into curriculum change. The key issue is not the survey, but the process utilized.