DEAN’S RESPONSE
Planning and Review Committee
Program: BS in Plastics Engineering
College: College of STEM
Year: 2012/13
Recommendations for the Program Director:
Issue/Concern:
Make a continuous effort to secure donations of equipment, machinery, and software in
partnership with industry to maintain up-to-date program curriculum and laboratories to
successfully prepare students for the workforce.
Response from Program Director:
To date, the Plastics Engineering program has done a great job of securing equipment and software
donations. Through continued collaboration with industry, involving senior capstone projects, industry
tours, and invited speakers, we plan to continue to push this as an issue with our industrial partners. In
addition, as more students graduate from the program and enter the workforce, we anticipate even more
opportunities for securing equipment donations to maintain a state-of-the-art laboratory.
Issue/Concern:
Search for additional qualified faculty with industry connections and up-to-date hands-on training to
maintain the strength of the hands-on/minds-on coursework.
Response from Program Director:
As the Plastics Engineering program grows and/or changes are made to program faculty, the program
director will work with the Chair of the Engineering and Technology Department as well as the Associate
Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to monitor the need
for additional faculty resources and respond accordingly to ensure program quality is maintained.
Issue/Concern:
Market and grow admissions through direct industry partnerships, outreach programs, internships,
and employment.
Response from Program Director:
This topic was raised at the last Plastics Engineering Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting in
December 2012. The STEM recruiter was brought in to work with the committee to brainstorm ideas to
help increase enrollment in the Plastics Engineering program. Continued efforts to promote the program
with our industrial partners will continue, and as more students graduate and move into the workforce, it
is anticipated this will help to bolster enrollment. Currently, internships are a required component of the
Plastics Engineering program, and it is planned to remain that way. Lastly, the Plastics Engineering
program works closely with Admissions to provide on-campus lab demonstrations for students interested
in STEM field. It is anticipated that this will continue in order to increase exposure to the Plastics
Engineering program.
Recommendations for the Department Chair:
Issue/Concern:
Make a continuous effort to secure donations of equipment, machinery, and software in partnership
with industry to maintain up-to-date program curriculum and laboratories to successfully prepare
students for the workforce.
Response from Department Chair:
It is the chair’s intention to spearhead a capital campaign for the purpose of supporting the programs most
aligned with the department. Securing donors, who provide financial assistance for purchasing software
and hardware, is of foremost concern. The faculty will also participate in professional development
activities to maintain their acumen regarding state-of-the-art practices and equipment.
Recommendations for the Dean:
Issue/Concern:
It is advised that the Department Chair works with the Program Director and Dean to make a
continuous effort to secure donations of equipment, machinery, and software in partnership with
industry to maintain up-to-date program curriculum and laboratories to successfully prepare students
for the workforce.
Response from Dean:
The Dean will work with Chairs and Program Directors to help secure donations.