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November 2003

Accreditation to aid city’s economic development

Mayor John Peyton, far left, and President John Delaney listen to Dean Neal Coulter of the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction talk about the accreditation.

The accreditation of two programs in the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction has major implications for the First Coast economy.

President John Delaney announced at a ceremony last month that the bachelor’s degree programs in civil engineering and information systems have received national accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Delaney said the accreditations are important milestones for the University, as well as the First Coast.

“The path to becoming a licensed professional engineer in Florida requires graduation from an ABET-accredited curriculum, among other stringent education and employment criteria. Hence, ABET accreditation of UNF’s engineering programs assures its graduates an opportunity for professional growth and provides a pool of local engineering talent for First Coast companies,” he said.

Delaney added that UNF’s information systems program is a long-established one, but accreditation is a new development. UNF joins the charter class of only six ABET-accredited programs in the United States.

Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, who participated in the ceremony, said the accreditations will play an important role in economic development.

“We’re at an exciting time in Jacksonville — our potential for economic growth is stronger than ever. Now that these programs have been accredited, the work force we train right here will have even better credentials and that reflects well overall on our city,” he said.

He added that potential employers will view UNF in general and the accreditation of these programs in particular as significant assets in evaluating locations for new facilities on the First Coast.

UNF’s civil engineering program graduated its first students in August 2002 and was reviewed for accreditation in October 2002.

A program is not eligible for accreditation until a student has graduated.
This accreditation covers UNF’s initial class of civil engineering graduates. UNF joins more than 200 U.S. schools with accredited civil engineering degree programs.
Dr. Neal Coulter, dean of the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, said the ABET accreditation is the quality indicator for programs across the country.

“It says to students that a UNF degree is recognized by professionals in the field
as providing a solid career foundation. ABET accreditation is something we must achieve and maintain for our students and their employers,” he stressed.

Other ABET-accredited bachelor’s programs in the college are computer science and electrical engineering. UNF’s new mechanical engineering program will have ABET review in November, with final accreditation action in July.

The college’s bachelor’s degree in building construction management is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education.