1 Developing a Successful Manufacturing Technology Program 2005 NTPN Conference – NSF ATE Preconference Career Pathways for Student Success September 28, 2005 Orlando, Florida

2 Presenter Anthony Ucci Principal Investigator – “Passport to Success” A Site-Based Pathways Program in Computer Integrated Manufacturing for Women and Other Non-Traditional Students – an NSF Advanced Technology Education Grant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Bristol Community College, Fall River, Massachusetts Chair, Engineering & Technology Department, BCC BCC Tech Prep Women in Technology (WIT) summer camp instructor

3 What is Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Technology/Engineering ? Utilizing computers in the efficient & economical design and building of products Includes – CAD – Computer Aided Design (Graphics, Modeling & Testing/Simulation) – CAM – Computer Aided Manufacturing (w/ CNC Machining) – CAE – Computer Aided Engineering (CAD/CAM + Handling & Transport) – Metrology & Statistical Process/Quality Control – Economical Decision Making & Production Planning

4 Objective Facilitate the Development of New Programs – Certificate – Engineering Technology – Engineering Science Evaluating or Redesigning an Existing Programs Serve the needs of your Students, Community & Local Industry

5 Challenges Program Name Creating & Redesigning Courses Balancing Academic & Vocational Goals Program Types: – Career Programs – Transfer Programs – Certificate Programs

6 Initial Stages Needs Assessment – Institutional and Program Needs – Partners Needs Feeder High Schools (Tech Prep) Transfer Colleges Future Employers – Local to International (IABs) Students! – Evaluate Costs & Available Resources Prioritize Your Goals

7 Initial Stages Recommendations Use Inclusive Process (HS, IAB, & 4 yr S) Utilize Experience - Institutions With Similar Programs Be Realistic About Time, Money And Personnel Constraints (Clerical & Recruiting Support is Essential) Keep Focused On Primary Goal Maintain On-going Process

8 What’s in a Name? First Impression – Accurate Representation – Balance Clarity And Marketability Transferability of your Program Marketability of your Graduates Level of Name Specificity – Single Industrial Sector – Universal Name - Widespread Lasting Appeal

9 Naming Recommendations Delineate Programs – Engineering – Science – Technology Avoid Sophisticated Language / Jargon Exciting and Current Terminologies Avoid Single Job Track Names Research Effective Names & Employment Opportunities Reevaluate Program Names Regularly

10 Creating & Redesigning Courses Target Population vs. Prerequisite Course Skill Level (Tech Prep) First Semester Courses (Minimal Prerequisites) Course Sequence – Prerequisites – Student & Faculty Semester Workloads Course in Multiple Programs (Interdisciplinary Projects) Laboratory or Hand-on Component Articulated With High & Vocational Schools Courses (Tech Prep) & Existing Preparation Programs (Women in Technology) Transferability of Courses

11 Course Development Recommendations General Course Description – Avoid Specifying Software (Articulation & Transfer Issues) – Allows For Future Updating. Research Transferability at Multiple Institutions Consider High Schools Articulation Agreement (Tech Prep) Primary Goal - Course Content = Program Needs Evaluate and Update Courses Regularly

12 Balancing Academic & Vocational Content Time Frame and Number of Courses Limitations Limits Career & Transfer Course Sharing – Dual Academic Track – Inclusion of Electives Importance Of Communication, Math & Science Skills – Academic Performance – Marketable & Capable Employee Communicate Needs to Feeder Programs (Tech Prep)

13 Content Balancing Recommendations Rigorous Placement Testing – Review Sessions – Academic Advisement Early/Prerequisite Academic Subjects (Tech Prep) Use Different Academic Courses for Career and Transfer when necessary or create Bridge Courses Support General Education Requirements Involve Academic Departments In Development

14 Career, Transfer & Certificate Programs Diverse Programs Offering – Diverse Target Audiences – Diverse Employment Opportunities Cost vs. Reward (Recruitment & Retention) Benefits of Commonality – Allow For Internally Transfer – Classroom Reflective of the Workplace

15 Program Recommendations Proactively Advise Students on Program Differences & Limitations (Tech Prep) Certificate Programs: Certificate Programs Articulate To Degree Programs Less Academic Rigor than Degree Offerings Strong Vocational Component Completed in One Year (Assistance Programs) Utilize Industry Standard Certification Tests

16 Program Recommendations cont. Career Programs: Rely Heavily On Local Industry (IAB Guide) Avoid Unnecessary Academic Rigor Create Strong Links to Workplace Importance of Evening Programs Transfer Programs: Develop for Transfer to Multiple Institutions Develop Program Based vs. Course Based Agreements

17 Program Examples at BCC Two-year Associate of Science Degree in CIM Technology with career placement Two-year Associate of Science Degree in MET with transfer to baccalaureate in manufacturing/mechanical engineering technology One-year certificate in Applied Manufacturing Technology (CNC) One-year certificate in CAD

18 Conclusion Question & Answer Additional Resources – Passport to Success Guide Thank You and enjoy the rest of the conference