News and Information
Computing Programs Earn Reaccreditation
November 11, 2015
From the Grand Valley State University's newsletter: Forum
The Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineers and Technology, Inc. (ABET) has granted reaccreditation to programs within the School of Computing and Information Systems at Grand Valley.
The accreditation is based on an assessment of each program’s objectives and outcomes and how they are met. The review process is an ongoing endeavor and takes more than a year to complete. It concludes with a visit from ABET representatives to the university to tour facilities and meet with faculty members and students. Both undergraduate programs, computer science and information systems, received the maximum accreditation term of six years.
Paul Leidig, director of the School of Computing and Information Systems, said being accredited shows to potential students and employers that Grand Valley’s programs meet the highest standards.
The CAC noted the required internship experience of students as the key strength of the programs.
The reaccreditation comes as the school celebrates a record number of students this fall semester. CIS enrollment in key required courses increased by 30 percent from last year; there are more than 700 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students.
Leidig said Grand Valley graduates are filling a severe talent need in the technology industry.
"The industry is growing very quickly and talent shortage in IT is very severe, so employers are struggling to find technology-competent professionals for roles in positions such as software development and programming," said Leidig.
Leidig said accreditation, curriculum, facilities and professional relationships with area employers directly contribute to the nearly 100 percent job placement rate of Grand Valley’s computing graduates.