ABET Accreditation and Artificial Intelligence

ABET recognizes the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, assessment of student learning and preparation for accreditation review. As AI technology evolves, ABET is committed to ensuring it is used responsibly within academic institutions and their programs, in support of ABET accreditation activities.

When implemented effectively, AI can enhance students’ educational experiences while also maintaining robust development of core fundamental knowledge, skills and abilities. Implementation of AI must uphold rigorous ethical standards, safeguard academic integrity and support the attainment of student outcomes. AI technologies are intended to support and enhance human judgement and interaction, not replace them.

This statement outlines ABET’s position regarding the implementation of AI-assisted tools and processes within institutions and academic programs and within ABET.

AI Policies and Practices  

• ABET will not prescribe whether or how institutions and/or programs develop policies related to use of AI technologies.
• ABET will not prescribe whether or how institutions and/or programs use AI systems to support and/or enhance student learning.

Accreditation Reviews Preparation 

• As desired, AI-assisted tools and processes may be used by ABET accredited programs to:
  • gather and summarize information in preparation for an ABET accreditation review,
  • support collection, analysis and evaluation of assessment data to facilitate the continuous improvement process,
  • assist in the development of support materials.
• All data and materials presented by programs and institutions for ABET accreditation review must be verified by qualified personnel for accuracy.
• AI must not replace human judgement in the continuous improvement process.

Accreditation Review 

• AI must not replace human judgement in any aspect of the accreditation evaluation process.
• All materials furnished for review purposes as well as documents and discussions related to the review and accreditation actions will be handled in accordance with ABET’s Confidentiality policies.
• As appropriate to the discipline, ABET’s accreditation commissions, with approval of the relevant governance body, may add curricular topics related to AI to the general or program criteria.

Internal Administrative Processes 

• AI tools used for administrative processes will be developed using verified data and will be thoroughly vetted prior to and monitored following implementation.
• AI tools used for administrative processes will be evaluated to ensure lack of bias and accuracy before implementation.
• Information used in support of AI-assisted administrative processes will be handled with security and fidelity in accordance with ABET’s Security and Confidentiality policies.