An Assessment Of The Performance Of Engineering Technology Graduates

Graduates of Engineering Technology Programs continue to perform at high levels of employer satisfaction in very diverse positions. This paper describes a study performed by The University of Dayton Engineering Technology Department of graduates between the years of 1992 1996. This study addresses salary levels, satisfaction of graduates with the Engineering Technology Program, academic preparation, and career mobility opportunities. The study includes feedback from the employers of the graduates relative to their satisfaction with academic preparation and performance of the graduates. A comparison is made of this information with similar work done in 1991 that covered a twenty-five year period of bachelor degree graduates. 1 Thi paper also provides the procedures and approaches used in completing this assessment, and other instruments that are used for similar purposes. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The University of Dayton offers four programs in Engineering Technology, all of which are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. 2 In preparation for a Fall 1997 visit, the Department of Engineering Technology conducted a survey instrument to meet the requirements for re-accreditation. The survey was sent to all graduates since the 1991 accreditation visit and to their employers. The rate of returns was more than adequate enough to provide clear information on the performance of our graduates, their satisfaction levels, and the views of their employers. The information is also consistent with the other vehicles used in our total plan for assessment. The other instruments used in the assessment plan include a “Cap and Gown” survey, named because it is a very brief questionnaire administered to students that are literally lined up for the graduation ceremony, and longer term alumni surveys that reach further back for data from graduates. While each of the survey instruments has a different focus and goals, the general picture that is generated from the surveys allows us to assess the job placement, earnings capability, and career mobility of the graduates. They also allow us to determine the graduates’ satisfaction with the program, their academic preparation, and their thoughts on curriculum development. The surveys completed by the employers of our graduates allow us to measure their views on the program at the university and the type of graduates that we produce.