Establishing A Partnership To Deliver Baccalaureate Engineering Technology Programs To Location Bound Non Traditional Students

Ohio’s Upper Miami Valley is a rural region extending approximately 30-60 miles north of Dayton. The region is heavily industrialized with manufacturing representing 36 percent of employed persons aged 16 years and older. A 2001 survey of Edison Community College graduates and regional employers showed a strong demand for engineering technologists. Survey respondents expressed a need for a baccalaureate degree that would permit employees to continue with their job and family responsibilities. The University of Dayton, the only institution within a fifty-mile radius to offer baccalaureate engineering technology degrees, committed to investigate a partnership that would meet the needs of Edison’s service area. Representatives of the two institutions crafted an articulation agreement to link their respective engineering technology curricula. The University of Dayton Department of Engineering Technology subsequently committed to offer upper level classes leading to a baccalaureate degree in four of its engineering technology programs – electronic, industrial, manufacturing, and mechanical. During Summer 2002, equipment was installed at both institutions to facilitate IP-based videoconferencing, and in Fall 2002, the first classes were offered. Establishing this program has not been without incident, however both institutions are committed to its ultimate success. Issues dealing with coordinating schedules at both institutions, technology problems, and course logistics had to be overcome. Furthermore, since the University of Dayton programs are TAC/ABET accredited, assurances had to be made that students at both institutions are treated equitably, and the course outcomes would be achieved independent of the student’s location. Finally, faculty at both institutions have to be well versed in each other’s programs to assure that UD students enrolled in off-campus classes were properly advised. Overall, this partnership demonstrates a commitment to meeting the educational needs of a neglected population.