Implementation Plan
| Recommendation | Proposed follow-up and resource implications | Responsibility for leading follow-up | Timeline for addressing recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEAB Common Finding 1. Learning outcomes and graduate attribute indicators used interchangeably. There appeared to be some confusion between the differences between the two. |
During the academic year 2022-2023, the department developed a database to manage graduate attribute statistics instead of using an Excel spreadsheet. This will allow the addition of learning outcomes to the self-assessment system which will then include learning outcomes at the lowest level, indicators in the middle and graduate attribute at the highest level. This new system will provide a clear distinction between learning outcomes which are course-based and indicators which are program-based. Moreover, a course syllabus template has been developed which include learning outcomes for each course has been developed to standardize the information gathered across courses. This will provide the necessary information to populate the database. This new system will be used during the academic year 2023-2024. |
ECE Department Head | The collection of GA statistics using the new system will start in fall 2023 and a full year of statistics will be collected in May 2024 at which the transition to a learning outcome-based GA statistic collection will be completed. |
| CEAB Common Finding 2. Insufficient indicators were used. In some cases, there was only a single measurement for an indicator or there was reliance on a single course and/or the indicator. For some graduate attributes not all indicators were used. Often, Introduced and Applied were identified, but no Developed. | By adding learning outcomes to the GA assessment, three levels of metrics will be used: learning outcomes at the lowest level, indicators in the middle and graduate attributes at the highest level. Since there will be about 8 to 12 learning outcomes per course, all learning outcomes will be measured and most learning outcomes will be linked to indicators, there will be a large number of inputs for the measurement of each indicator. | ECE Department Head | New GA program using learning outcome fully developed by fall 2023 and a full year of statistics collected by May 2024. |
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CEAB Common Finding 3. Stakeholder engagement is limited mostly to internal representation. A broader set of external stakeholders including alumni (still in military and ex-military) should be engaged. Also, stakeholder roles in the improvement process is inadequately demonstrated. |
In response to CEAB Common Findings 1, 2 and 3, as well as certain programme-specific findings, the Dean of Engineering convened a committee with representatives from all programmes. The committee’s recommendations are being provided as a Faculty-wide directive on GA and CI. Implementation of the changes will impose significant additional work on all Engineering Departments as well as the Dean’s office, both during the transition and on an ongoing basis. It may be appropriate to re-create the position of Associate Dean (Accreditation and Programme) on an ongoing basis to provide oversight and support. |
Dean of Engineering |
Directive on GA and CI to be released June 2022. New processes to be implemented starting in September 2022. Review of process outcomes and revision of processes in June 2023. |
| CEAB Computer Finding 1. For some attributes, there is only a single indicator assessed. As noted in criteria 3.1.2, while it is present within the curriculum, Equity is not mapped and is therefore not assessed |
During our review of the GA assessment program, we made sure that there is at least two distinct indicators for each graduate attribute. Regarding equity. An indicator was added specially focusing on equity and learning outcomes on equity will be added. |
ECE Department Head | The collection of GA statistics using the new system will start in fall 2023 and a full year of statistics will be collected in May 2024 at which the transition to a learning outcome-based GA statistic collection will be completed. |
| ERC Recommendation 1. A change in [the introductory computing course] from Matlab to Python would provide a better preparation for later programming courses and would more appropriate for a programming language. | We will re-initiate discussion with the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science about a change in programming language for the introductory computing course. | Dean of Engineering | Discussion in 2022–2023 with an intent to make the change effective the fall of 2023. |
| ERC Recommendation 2. [Students] expressed the view that their Arts courses were of little use and that completing these courses necessitated a waste of the Engineering students precious time. […] The current attitude of dismissal toward these Arts courses needs to be replaced by a more positive view and an understanding of their importance in order that the students develop the skills these courses can provide. | This has been addressed with the introduction of the Minor in Military Arts, effective with the graduating class of 2022. |
Complete. |