ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS REPORT

Engineering Technology Department

June 4, 2002

 

Publications and Presentations – During this academic year, department members published 38 papers in refereed journals.  They also had 12 publications/presentations in conference proceedings and similar events.

Grants and Funded Proposals – For 1999 – 2000, new, externally funded research in ET was $265,200.  For 2000 – 2001, new funding was $491,792, and for 2001 – 2002 (to date), $643,886.  Current ET total for ongoing externally funded research is $1,027,409.

Significant Activities:

            Awards – Dr. Falih Ahmad was awarded the John H. Maxheim Faculty Fellowship, this year, for $5000.

            Curriculum and Course Development – The Department has developed curricula and plans for four-year BSET programs in the four current disciplines.  The ET faculty voted their approval of the new programs, to run in parallel with the current 2+2 program.  Those plans have been forwarded to Dean Johnson for his action.

            Distance Education Pilot Project – The Pilot Project for Distance Education in Electrical Engineering Technology started in the fall of 1997.  A total of 71 students initially enrolled, with 46 students remaining after the first few weeks.  By the end of the four-year project (Fall 2001), 37 students were completing degree requirements.  Most of those students were graduated at the end of the second 2001 Summer Session.  A few (three to five) are cleaning up last minute items and retaking failed classes.  At least 35 of the 37 should graduate, eventually.  Thirty-five of 46 serious students yields a graduation rate of more than 75%.  As the national average for completion of distance education is around 20%, this success indicates the level of support and effort provided by the students, the teachers, and the support system provided by the university.

            International Exchange Programs – The College exchange program is thriving.  The William States Lee College of Engineering sent three students to Limoge, FR; one to Bethune, FR; and several to Cantabria, Spain.  Six students from Limoge and Bethune are visiting UNC Charlotte

            Internet Based Distance Education – Initial enrollment for the program starting in fall 2000 was 49 students.  New student enrollment in fall 2001 was 22.  Approximately 43 students are continuing in the program with 24 enrolled in summer 2002 laboratories and general education classes.  Fall 2002 enrollment is ongoing.  Retention, so far, exceeds 50%.  We are working with MAPS on IA SI to help retention.

            Recruiting – Dept. is working with Stephen Myers, MAPS Office, and with Ms. Englebert in Distance Ed to coordinate our recruiting efforts.  Visits were made to Savannah Tech in GA and Trident Tech in SC as well as numerous NC community colleges.  The Dept. is working on an up-to-date list of community colleges and contacts.  Plans are to request names and addresses of recent graduates and graduating classes of various community colleges.  Individual contacts will be made via post card or electronic means.  The intent is to continue to recruit from schools where we get students and to identify schools with significant numbers of prospects but where we don’t now get very many transfers.

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