October 2, 2012
Baltimore, MD - ABET's expanding global accreditation outreach has prompted the organization to implement new procedures that better assure the safety and security of its volunteers and staff members traveling to non-U.S. destinations.
"These new procedures have resulted in one accreditation team visit slated for fall 2012 being postponed due to security concerns," ABET Managing Director for Communications and Society Relations Charles Hickman said. "Geopolitical events that might impact other accreditation team visits scheduled in upcoming months are also under review."
Since 2007, ABET has accredited 324 programs at 64 institutions in 23 nations outside the United States. More than 430 volunteers have served as team chairs or program evaluators in conjunction with the non-U.S. accreditation visits, all without incident.
In 2011, the ABET Board of Directors determined that efforts to build global awareness of ABET, and encourage appropriate academic programs to seek accreditation, should be conducted on a more strategic and proactive basis. Development of the new safety and security procedures is part of the revised operations plan to support this outreach.
Under the new system, Global Rescue, a U.S.-based firm, is now contracted to:
- Supply ABET with medical evacuation and security advisory services both prior to and during non-U.S. accreditation visits;
- Provide medical referrals, as needed, in any country; and
- Conduct medical and security evacuations due to unexpected medical conditions, geopolitical issues, natural disasters, or other security situations as required.
Global Rescue provides similar services to many other prominent global organizations and corporations. Team chairs and program evaluators assigned to selected 2012-13 visits are currently receiving additional details about this service. ABET volunteers may log in for more information about Global Rescue and travel outside of the U.S.
Continuing existing practice, Hickman reiterated that no ABET volunteer will be assigned or required to participate in any activity being held in a location where he or she might not be comfortable.
About ABET
ABET, the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology, is a federation of 31 professional and technical societies representing these fields. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S., ABET has provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education for more than 75 years.
ABET currently accredits over 3,200 programs at more than 670 colleges and universities worldwide. More than 2,000 dedicated volunteers participate annually in ABET activities. ABET also provides leadership internationally through workshops, memoranda of understanding, and mutual recognition agreements, such as the Washington Accord. ABET is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.