Experiences with an Industrial Engineering Dual Diploma Program

This paper summarizes the experiences in designing, developing, and implementing a dual-diploma partnership between a university in the USA and a university in Turkey. The development of the program of study that would meet the graduation requirements of both institutions was a challenge as most international institutions do not have as strong general education component as U.S. institutions do. The organizational and academic calendar differences of both institutions and the remedies developed to overcome these differences are presented in the paper. The hard and soft variables that have influenced student academic performance are also discussed. The different offices such as registrar, bursar, housing, international, engineering student services and their role in successful implementation of the program are outlined. The student campus life along with observed cultural and social differences are discussed to highlight other than academic factors involved in such programs.