ABET
Computing Accreditation Commission
Information Systems
VISIT REPORT FORM
For Information Systems Programs
Institution visited:
Title(s) of program(s) being evaluated:
Dates of visit:
Person completing this form
Name
Address
City, State
Fax
E-mail
Phone
Team chair (if different from above)
Criteria category
I Objectives and Assessment
II Students
III Faculty
IV Curriculum
V Technology Infrastructure
VI Institutional Support and Financial Resources
VII Program Delivery
VIII Institutional Facilities
Team member assigned as lead for category
Instructions
1. Although team members may be assigned complementary responsibilities, together the team must
complete all sections of the Visit Report form, addressing every category as appropriate.
2. Fill in the form and hand a disk or e-mail the file to the team chair.
3. Prior to the visit complete as much of the Visit Report form as you can.
4. During the visit continue to complete and use the Visit Report form.
5. Be sure to describe materials or interviews that support your analysis.
C61 IS 7/21/05
6. It is especially important to document any deficiencies, weaknesses, or concerns. Please give relevant
details about such findings in the appropriate sections of this form.
7. It is not necessary to repeat information recorded earlier on this form. In the event that you have
already provided information in an answer to a previous question, you may refer the reader back to
that information by specifying the page and item number (and other notation as necessary) to show
clearly to what you are referring.
8. Finish filling out the Visit Report form and give it to the team chair at the conclusion of the visit if at
all possible.
9. One team member will be designated lead for each section of the report. The lead must fill in the
section in detail. Other members of the team should add any relevant comments regarding their
observations.
10. Under Evidence collected do not refer to page number of the Self-Study. Instead, describe the
evidence. The Editor I who reads the Visit Report does not have a copy of the Self-Study.
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This page is for re-accreditation visits only
Previous accreditation action:
Year of that action:
Summarize below any deficiencies, weaknesses, or concerns identified in the previous Final Statement to
the institution, and describe how each has been addressed. Also, unless a given deficiency, weakness, or
concern had been addressed satisfactorily prior to the visit, state the extent to which it was discussed with
the institution during the present visit.
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Self-Study
Comment on the Self-Study report noting the thoroughness, accuracy, and currency of its contents, and
the breadth of participation in its preparation.
Program Design and Level
In your judgment, as guided by consideration of the aspects treated below, is the program
designed to give graduates a broad general education at the baccalaureate level that will
allow them to function effectively in the information systems profession?
_______________________
Give your reasoning in support of the above conclusion.
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I.
Objectives and Assessments
Section completed by:
Section lead?
Intent
The program has documented educational objectives that are consistent with the mission of the
institution. The program has in place processes to regularly assess its progress against its objectives and
uses the results of the assessments to identify program improvements and to modify the program’s
objectives.
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent statement by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent statement but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent statement.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected.
Use S to denote that this standard is satisfied.
Use C to indicate that there is a concern with respect to this standard.
Use C* to indicate that the concern contributes to a weakness with respect to this category.
Use AI to indicate a satisfactory Alternate Implementation of this standard.
Use AI* to indicate that this implementation contributes to a weakness with respect to this category.
Use NS to indicate that this standard is not satisfied.
Standard
I-1
I-2
S,C,C*,AI
AI*,NS
Evidence collected
The program must have
documented educational
objectives.
The program’s
objectives must include
expected outcomes for
graduating students.
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Standard
I-3
I-4
I-5
S,C,C*,AI
AI*,NS
Evidence collected
Mechanisms must be in
place to periodically
review the program and
the courses.
The results of the
program’s assessment
must be used to help
identify and implement
program improvement.
The results of the
program’s review and
the actions taken must
be documented.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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II.
Students
Section completed by:
Section lead?
____
Transcript Analysis
Please provide the analysis of at least one transcript.
Student Identifier
(No name please)
Does the transcript correspond to the catalog copy for the program required of this student?
Please describe your findings for this student.
Please describe your findings for the other transcripts.
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Students (continued)
Intent
Students can complete the program in a reasonable amount of time. Students have ample opportunity to
interact with their instructors and are offered timely guidance and advice about the program’s
requirements and their career alternatives. Students who graduate from the program meet all program
requirements.
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent statement by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent statement but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent statement.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected. Where
convenient, point to previously completed sections of the Visit Report form. Avoid repetition.
Standard
II-1
II-2
II-3
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
Courses must be offered
with sufficient frequency
for students to complete
the program in a timely
manner.
Information systems
programs must be
structured to ensure
effective interaction
between teaching faculty
and students.
Advising on program
completion, course
selection and career
opportunities must be
available to all students.
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Standard
II-4
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
There must be
established standards
and procedures to
ensure that graduates
meet the requirements of
the program.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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III.
Faculty
Section completed by:
Section lead?
Each team member must fill in for each person interviewed.
Name
Title
Comments
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Faculty (continued)
Intent
Faculty members are current and active in the discipline and have the necessary technical breadth and
depth to support a modern information systems program.
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected. Where
convenient, point to previously completed sections of the Visit Report form. Avoid repetition.
Standard
III-1
III-2
III-3
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
The interests, qualifications,
and scholarly contributions
of the faculty members must
be sufficient to teach the
courses, plan and modify
the courses and curriculum,
and to remain abreast of
current developments in
information systems.
All faculty members must
have a level of competence
that would normally be
obtained through graduate
work in information
systems.
A majority of the faculty
members should hold
terminal degrees. Some fulltime faculty members must
have a Ph.D. in information
systems or a closely related
area.
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Standard
III-4
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
All faculty members must
remain current in the
discipline.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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IV.
Curriculum
Section completed by:
Section lead?
What unit of credit does the institution use?
Semester hour, quarter hour or other
Please comment on any special program features such as separate evening programs, mandatory
cooperative education, off-campus instruction, exclusive use of 4-credit courses, etc.
Please comment on the course materials you examined, mentioning where applicable such features as the
quality of the texts and prepared materials, the organization of the courses, the exams, the grading, the
level of difficulty and academic demands on the students, and the logical progression of material and
courses, the use of web-based materials, uniqueness of course delivery, opportunities for developing oral
and written communications skills, working collaboratively in teams, and discussions of the global,
economic, social and ethical implications of computing.
Intent
The curriculum combines professional requirements with general education requirements and electives to
prepare students for a professional career in the information systems field, for further study in
information systems, and for functioning in modern society. The professional requirements include
coverage of basic and advanced topics in information systems as well as an emphasis on an IS
environment. Curricula are consistent with widely recognized models and standards
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
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For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected. Where
convenient, point to previously completed sections of the Visit Report form. Avoid repetition..
General
Standard
IV-1
IV-2
IV-3
IV-4
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
The curriculum must
include at least 30
semester-hours of study
in information
systems topics.
The curriculum must
contain at least 15
semester-hours of study
in an information
systems
environment, such as
business.
The curriculum must
include at least 9
semester-hours of study
in quantitative analysis
as
specified below under
quantitative analysis.
The curriculum must
include at least 30
semester-hours of study
in general education to
broaden the
background of the
student
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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Information Systems
Standard
IV-5
IV-6
IV-7
IV-8
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
All students must take a
broad-based core of
fundamental
information systems
material consisting of
at least 12 semester
hours.
The core materials
must provide basic
coverage of hardware
and software, a modern
programming
language, data
management,
networking and
telecommunications,
analysis and design,
and the role of IS in
organizations.
Theoretical
foundations, analysis,
and design must be
stressed throughout the
program.
Students must be
exposed to a variety of
information and
computing systems, and
must become proficient
in one modern
programming
language.
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Standard
IV-9
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
All students must take
at least 12 semester
hours of advanced
course work in
information systems,
that provides breadth
and builds on the IS
core to provide depth
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
Information Systems Environment
Standard
IV-10
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
The 15 semester hours
must be a cohesive
body of knowledge to
prepare the student to
function effectively as
an IS professional in
the IS environment.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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Quantitative Analysis
Standard
IV-11
IV-12
IV-13
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
The curriculum must
include at least 9
semester-hours of
quantitative analysis
beyond pre-calculus
Statistics must be
included.
Calculus or discrete
mathematics must be
included
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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Additional Areas of Study
Standard
S,C,C*,AI, AI*,
NS
Evidence collected
IV-14 The oral and written
communications skills of
the student must be
developed and applied in
the program.
IV-15 There must be sufficient
coverage of global,
economic, social and
ethical implications of
computing to give
students an
understanding of a
broad range of issues in
these areas.
IV-16 Collaborative skills
must be developed and
applied in the program.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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V.
Technology Infrastructure
Section completed by:
Section lead?
Intent
Computer resources are available, accessible, and adequately supported to enable students to complete
their course work and to support faculty teaching needs and scholarly activity.
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected. Where
convenient, point to previously completed sections of the Visit Report form. Avoid repetition.
Standard
V-1
V-2
V-3
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
Each student must have
adequate and
reasonable access to
the systems needed for
each course.
Documentation for
hardware and software
must be readily
accessible to faculty
and students.
All faculty members
must have access to
adequate computing
facilities for class
preparation and for
scholarly activities.
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Standard
V-4
V-5
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
There must be adequate
support personnel to
install and maintain
computing resources.
Instructional assistance
must be provided for
the computing
resources.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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VI.
Institutional Support and Financial Resources
Section completed by:
Section lead?
Intent
The institution’s support for the program and the financial resources available to the program are
sufficient to provide an environment in which the program can achieve its objectives. Support and
resources are sufficient to provide assurance that an accredited program will retain its strength
throughout the period of accreditation.
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected. Where
convenient, point to previously completed sections of the Visit Report form. Avoid repetition.
Standard
VI-1
VI-2
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
Support for faculty must
be sufficient to enable the
program to attract and
retain high-quality faculty
capable of supporting the
program’s objectives.
There must be sufficient
support and financial
resources to allow all
faculty members to attend
national technical
meetings with sufficient
frequency to maintain
competence as teachers
and scholars.
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Standard
VI-3
VI-4
VI-5
VI-6
VI-7
VI-8
VI-9
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
There must be support and
recognition of scholarly
activities.
There must be office
support consistent with
the type of program, level
of scholarly activity, and
needs of the faculty
members.
Adequate time must be
assigned for the
administration of the
program.
Upper levels of
administration must
provide the program with
the resources and
atmosphere to function
effectively with the rest of
the institution.
Resources must be
provided to acquire and
maintain laboratory
facilities that meet the
needs of the program.
Resources must be
provided to support
library and related
information retrieval
facilities that meet the
needs of the program.
There must be evidence of
continuity of institutional
support and financial
resources.
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Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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VII.
Program Delivery
Section completed by:
Section lead?
Intent
There are enough faculty members to cover the curriculum reasonably and to allow an appropriate mix of
teaching and scholarly activity.
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected. Where
convenient, point to previously completed sections of the Visit Report form. Avoid repetition.
Standard
VII-1
VII-2
VII-3
VII-4
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
There must be enough
full-time faculty
members with primary
commitment to the
program to provide
continuity and
stability.
Full-time faculty
members must oversee
all course work.
Full-time faculty
members must cover
most of the total
classroom instruction.
Faculty members must
remain current in the
discipline.
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VII-5
VII-6
All full-time faculty
members must have
sufficient time for
scholarly activities and
professional
development.
Advising duties must
be a recognized part of
faculty members’
workloads.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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VIII. Institutional Facilities
Section completed by:
Section lead?
Intent
Institutional facilities including the library, other electronic information retrieval systems, computer
networks, classrooms, and offices are adequate to support the objectives of the program.
Select one:
A. The program meets the above intent by satisfying all the standards.
B. The program meets the above intent but does not satisfy all the standards.
C. The program has a weakness with respect to the category.
D. The program does not meet the above intent.
If B, C, or D is checked, explain below:
For each standard indicate whether it is satisfied and discuss the relevant evidence collected. Where
convenient, point to previously completed sections of theVisit Report form. Avoid repetition.
Standard
VIII-1
VIII-2
VIII-3
VIII-4
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
The library that serves the
information systems
program must be
adequately staffed with
professional librarians
and support personnel.
The library’s technical
collection must include
up-to-date textbooks,
reference works, and
publications of
professional and research
organizations.
Systems for locating and
obtaining electronic
information must be
available.
Classrooms must be
adequately equipped for
the courses taught.
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Standard
VIII-5
S,C,C*,AI,
AI*, NS
Evidence collected
Faculty offices must be
adequate to enable faculty
members to meet their
responsibilities to students
and for their professional
needs.
Describe any alternate methods of meeting the intent of this Criteria category that replace one or more of
the standards.
Description of alternate implementation
Evidence collected
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Exit Interview
Please attach the notes made in preparation for the exit interview to this form.
During the exit interview it is useful to remind the institution of the options it has to submit supplemental
information during the 14-day post-visit period, in its Due Process Response to the Draft Statement, and
even up until the time of the annual meeting of the CAC. The applicable Criteria section is Part One:
Policies and Procedures, Section IV. Procedure, Part B. Visit and Report, Paragraph 2:
Between the time of the visit and the annual meeting of CAC, the responsible administrative
officer of the institution may submit to the commission any supplemental information that he or
she believes may be useful to the commission in its consideration and appraisal of the evaluation
team's report. In considering formal responses from institutions to the Draft Statement, CAC will
retain a flexible attitude but, in general, will base its accreditation actions on the status of the
program at the time of the on-site visit. The primary purpose of the response is to correct errors of
fact or observation that may have been made at the time of the visit. Deficiencies existing at the
time of the visit are considered to have been corrected only when the correction or revision (a) has
been completed during the year of the visit, and (b) is substantiated by official documents signed
by responsible administrative officers. Where action has been initiated to correct a problem but
has not yet taken full effect, or where only indications of good intent are given, the effectiveness
of the corrective action cannot be considered until the next scheduled visit or progress report.
Examples of incomplete actions are planned employment of a new faculty member, proposed
addition of new course work, and anticipated additional funding or new equipment.
What responsibility did you have during the exit interview?
Please list the individuals present, include their position or title.
Deficiencies, Weaknesses, and Concerns
Please write in separate lists the deficiencies, weaknesses, and concerns that the team mentioned during
the exit interview (even though you may have elaborated on some of these above).
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Summarize the dialogue with the institutional officials present at the exit interview.
What is your recommended accreditation action?
NGR
IR
IV
SC
RE
VE
SE
NA
If the recommended accreditation action is IV, what is the recommended team size for the interim visit?
Final comments and notes
(Signature and date)
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