School of Sustainable Design Engineering receives CEAB accreditation
The School of Sustainable Design Engineering (SSDE) at UPEI has been granted accreditation from the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). The CEAB accredits undergraduate engineering programs to ensure they provide the academic requirements for licensure as a professional engineer in Canada.
Wayne MacQuarrie, national chair of the CEAB, is an alumnus of UPEI and a member of the first graduating class of engineers, receiving his diploma in 1972.
“One of the things that’s unique about this particular program is the whole concept of project-based learning—essentially a move away from your traditional engineering education in a classroom setting,” said MacQuarrie. “And what we’re seeing, when we’re doing our accreditation visits across the country, is more and more moving away from traditional engineering instruction and more and more project-based learning, so UPEI is really on the cutting edge. I think what we’ll find, now that the program is accredited, there will be many more institutions looking at this particular model.”
“This has been a tremendous journey and I am so pleased that our School of Sustainable Design Engineering has been granted accreditation,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI. “Our program is second-to-none and it's been a real pleasure working with faculty, staff, and students to create this future-focused school.”
“The accreditation of our program by the CEAB is the final stamp of approval on our unique educational model,” said Dr. Nicholas Krouglicof, associate dean of the SSDE. “This isn't your grandfather’s engineering. Our students learn in an activity-oriented, project-based learning environment. They’re engaged in real-world design projects with external clients for every semester of the program.”
The CEAB exists to ensure Canada’s engineering education system remains amongst the best in the world. It sets national standards for engineering education and provides expertise and efficiency in assessing engineering education on behalf of the provincial and territorial engineering regulatory bodies.
UPEI’s School of Sustainable Design Engineering is for students who are eager to put their skills and knowledge to work. Students are part of a unique learning experience that is hands-on, team-focused, project-based, and industry-linked.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
