Continuous assessment is the key for
quality assurance at the university. The aim of assessment is to
understand how educational programs are working and to determine whether
they are contributing to student growth and development. Program
assessment focuses on programs rather than on individual students. It
provides information on whether the curriculum as a whole provides
students with the knowledge, skills and values that graduates should
possess in accordance with its mission and set goals and learning
objectives.
The new trends in accreditation criteria
have brought outcome assessment to focus. Accrediting agencies such the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (ACCSB), the
Computer Science Accreditation Board (CSAB) and the National
Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) require programs or colleges
seeking accreditation to have self-assessment. Industry push and
competitive job markets have also contributed to the need for continuous
program quality improvement that focus on student learning and
preparation for professional practice after graduation.
The Program Assessment Center (PAC) at
KFUPM strives to achieve its mission towards developing quality
education that meets local industry needs following reputable
international standards. It provides the necessary services and support
for the various academic programs and research units at the University.
It also facilitates and coordinates their efforts to meet their
objectives and institutional goals.
