Implementation Plan
Progress to improve the Bachelor of Computer Engineering program reached an important milestone this year, which was the restructuring of the Graduate Attribute system which better aligns the data collected with the attributes. Furthermore, the restructuring permits student evaluation at three different stages of their progress.
| 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. |
A faculty-wide course syllabus template was created. The template provides a clear distinction between graduate attributes and learning outcomes. A faculty-wide policy explains the difference between graduate attributes, learning outcomes and evaluation activities. Faculty members in Computer Engineering were instructed to use the standardized course syllabus template starting in the Fall of 2023. |
Dean of Engineering |
Implemented |
| 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. |
Graduate attribute tracking spreadsheets were modified to include at least three indicators spread throughout the curriculum (I,D,A). Direction was provided to Department Heads and department representatives on how to modify curriculum maps accordingly. A Graduate Attribute (GA) assessment system redesign has been undertaken for the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs to better align the data collected with the GAs to ensure that graduates meet the required attributes. This restructuring allows for the evaluation of student development at different stages—introduced, developed, and applied—providing a clearer view of students’ ongoing progress in acquiring the targeted attributes. The new data set is cross-referenced with historical data to support longitudinal analysis. This analysis is incorporated into the annual program evaluation report, which includes faculty input and the identification and correction of areas of concern, thereby contributing directly to the programs’ continuous improvement processes. |
Dean of Engineering | Implemented. |
|
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. |
Advisory boards were created for each Engineering program. Composition of each advisory board includes: active military members outside or RMC, industry members, students, curriculum committee members, and engineering faculty outside RMC. Furthermore, the Dean of Engineering will now sit in the Canadian Forces’ Annual Military Occupation Review for those military occupations directly related to our engineering programs. An advisory board specific to the Computer Engineering program is now in place. |
Dean of Engineering |
Implemented |
|
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 |
New indicators will be created for GA10 that will include mapping an assessment of equity. |
Dean of Engineering | Implemented |
|
CEAB found that for some attributes, there is only a single indicator assessed. |
A Graduate Attribute (GA) assessment system redesign has been undertaken for the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs to better align the data collected with the GAs to ensure that graduates meet the required attributes. The previous system gathered approximately 84 measures; the revised framework expands this to 115.
Additionally, several assessment points previously concentrated in the final design project have been redistributed across various courses throughout the programs. |
Department Head | Implemented. Will be re-assessed by CEAB visit in 2025 |
| 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. | Completed in previous cycles. | Department Head | Complete |
| 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. | Completed in previous cycles. | Department Head |
Complete. |