The engineering program at Wilkes has recently been reaccredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
The ABET has been reviewing and approving programs for higher education engineering programs since 1932. The Wilkes program has received a six-year accreditation, the full amount that the ABET can give.
Accreditation by ABET means that a program follows seven student criteria points, making a six year period a statement to say that a program excels in all seven categories.
These seven categories must be shown as being well taught to the students and must be large themes for the program as a whole. e seven points cover a wide range of fulfilments that include but are not limited to, public speaking skills, problem-solving, economic consideration, environmental consideration and teamwork.
Dr. Edward Bednarz, Class of 2001, was a full-time student at Wilkes. After spending
12 years in the army, he became a professor at Wilkes. Having helped and seen the accreditation process as a whole, he has seen the growth of the department.
“Our program is a really great experience for our students. ey get to come up with their own inventions and work as a team. Some of our senior projects have gone on for patents and have created companies,” said Bednarz.
He explained how the reaccreditation is important as the accreditation keeps Wilkes competitive, giving something for high school students to look at. An area of the program that he feels especially highlights Wilkes competitiveness is the senior projects.
Senior projects are done in two semesters at Wilkes, with the first being about the creation of an idea and the planning for which to build that idea. The second part is the building, testing and full creation of said project.
Brad Hepner, a senior mechanical engineering major, is currently in the process of getting a research article fully published in an academic journal.
”I’ve had a great experience with the students and faculty in the department over the past three and a half years. The professors are extremely nice and wish for your success and are a big help along the way,” said Hepner.
The belief in the program is echoed by students and faculty. Hepner said the camaraderie between all the students and how everyone can work together is his favorite part, while Dr. Bednarz loves the growth of students.
“I truly stand behind our program. I think our students leave here prepared for the real world. They get the lecture experience, one-on-one attention, and especially lab experience,” said Bednarz.