UW-Stevens Point: Paper science and engineering department now an accredited engineering program

The paper science and engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., the recognized accreditation firm of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology.

UWSP is the fifth UW System campus with an accredited engineering program, according to Gerry Ring, chair of Paper Science and Engineering.

“This accreditation is a testament to College of Natural Resources Dean Christine Thomas, Gerry Ring, and others who made this become a reality,” said Interim Chancellor Mark Nook. “Students and industry alike will reap the benefits as Point strengthens its engineering credentials.”

“We are very proud to have received ABET accreditation of our Paper Science and Engineering program,” said Dean Thomas. “It recognizes the high quality program that the department has developed and has been delivering. It will be a big boost to our enrollment and an honor to those students who graduate from the program.”

ABET accreditation demonstrates a program’s commitment to providing its students with a quality education. Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review process that requires programs to undergo comprehensive, periodic evaluations conducted by teams of volunteer professionals working in industry, government, academe and private practice within the ABET disciplines, focus on program curricula, faculty, facilities, institutional support and other important areas.

One of the key elements of ABET accreditation is the requirement that programs continuously improve the quality of education provided. As part of this continuous improvement requirement, programs set specific, measurable goals for their students and graduates, assess their success at reaching those goals, and improve their programs based on the results of their assessment.

In addition to providing colleges and universities a structured mechanism to assess, evaluate, and improve their programs, accreditation also helps students and their parents choose quality college programs, enables employers and graduate schools to recruit graduates they know are well-prepared, and is used by registration, licensure, and certification boards to screen applicants. More information about ABET, its member societies, and the evaluation criteria used to accredit programs can be found at http://www.abet.org.

The UWSP Paper Science and Engineering program is committed to preparing students for successful technical careers in the pulp, paper and allied industries. This mission is accomplished by promoting excellence in instruction, undergraduate research opportunities, industrial internships, and involvement in professional organizations. Students in this program study mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering as well as the science and technology associated with the manufacture of pulp and paper.