The implementation of an effective system of assessment in the Engineering Department at the United States Coast Guard Academy

The United States Coast Guard Academy Department of Engineering has implemented a system of assessment to establish long-standing processes that improve educational programs and satisfy Engineering Criteria 2000. The system is cyclical in nature and involves assessment practices at the course, program and department (4 programs) levels. The implementation scheme was borne of strategic planning that gave rise to the formalization of assessment processes, and the, development of "standardized" assessment tools (many of which already existed less formally). These processes are described in the article. The implementation of a formalized system has forced programs within the Department to more carefully reflect on outcomes and performance and has paid dividends by: (1) providing clearer vision at all levels, (2) fostering better communication between programs, (3) facilitating CGA\´s high level of personnel turnover (primarily military transfers), and (4) simplifying preparation for the recent EC2000 visit. The implementation of an effective system has certainly not come without tremendous effort and many challenges. Assessment has clarified these challenges however, and provided the evidence and information necessary to address them in an effective and informed manner.