Two programs conducted in English in cooperation with the International Faculty of Engineering: Computer Science (at the Faculty of Electrical, Electronic, Computer and Control Engineering) and Information Technology (at the Faculty of Technical Physics, Information Technology and Applied Mathematics) have obtained the prestigious accreditation of the American organization ABET - Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Efforts for the accreditation
The idea of this prestigious accreditation first appeared many years ago, but the key to the realization of this dream was the launch in 2017 by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of an out-of-competition project entitled "Foreign accreditations" of the Knowledge Education Development Operational Program, co-financed by the European Social Fund. Universities could apply for funds to cover the costs related to applying for international accreditations.
Being aware of the benefits of obtaining such accreditation for building international visibility of the university, as well as the benefits of preparing for the accreditation process itself, it was the most active Polish university in this project. In total, TUL obtained funds for 22 accreditation procedures (2 ABET accreditations, 3 ECTN accreditations, 12 ENAEE accreditations, HCERES institutional accreditations, CEEMAN IQA, EAQUALS, ACEEU and IEP / EUA evaluation) and was able to start making efforts to fulfil its American dream.
The first step in the efforts to obtain ABET accreditation was the submission of readiness reports in October 2018. The reports were assessed very well, and it was concluded that the university is ready to start applying for accreditation, although one area requiring improvement actions was identified.
With the feedback received from ABET, a very intensive preparation process began, which continued until 2022. It required the involvement of many people, but also openness to what is new, to changes in the current approach to assessing the achievement of learning outcomes by students, as well as to the evaluation and improvement of the program. By sending the application for accreditation, TUL in January 2021 formally started the accreditation process. In June 2021, self-assessment reports were submitted to ABET.
In November 2021, accreditation visits took place, but they were not the end of TUL's struggles. Until ABET made a decision, TUL continued activities aimed at bringing the university closer to the desired success. In August 2022, the long-awaited decision was made to grant accreditation for both fields of study.
A valuable distinction
Granting the ABET accreditation for two fields of study is a very valuable distinction for TUL and undoubtedly builds the international prestige of the university. Most importantly, however, in all this effort made is that ABET accreditation has become a tool for organizational learning.
Applying for ABET accreditation was associated with the implementation of a real change in the university, and such activities are never an effortless process. They often mean many years of work on changing the approach to processes taking place at the university. This was the case with ABET accreditation. The process of assessing the achievement of learning outcomes by students and the improvement of study programs required changes. Obtaining this accreditation by TUL is an extremely crucial step in the implementation of a new, innovative model of designing and improving study programs at the university. The experience gained during this long-term accreditation process will allow to develop new standards in ensuring the quality of education provided by TUL.
What is ABET
ABET - Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is an American organization established in 1932, accrediting higher education programs in the field of applied sciences, computer science, engineering and engineering technologies. At its initiative, a voluntary accreditation process for engineering and technical programs began in the United States. Currently, it is the most important and most recognizable accreditation for technical universities in the United States among students and employers. Over 2,200 experts from industry, higher education and government institutions are working on the evaluation of accredited fields of study, constantly improving the evaluation criteria to achieve the highest possible consistency with the expectations of the economy and the labour market.
ABET is involved in many international activities supporting the accreditation process of engineering education. It has accredited 4 564 programs run in 895 universities in 40 countries around the world. Most of the program accreditation procedures currently implemented in the field of engineering around the world are based at least in part on ABET guidelines. Lodz University of Technology is the second university in Poland that has been granted accreditation.
ABET accreditation is a confirmation of compliance with standards, making graduates of accredited programs ready to enter the labour market in important technical fields, leading in innovation and new technologies, responding to the social needs of security and development.