Dean’s Council Meeting
Industrial and Engineering Technologies
November 9, 2004
10:30 a.m.—Room C-110
Members Present: Albert Bolin, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Mechanics
Barbara Boyd, Automotive Technology
Norman Emler, Industrial Electricity/Electronics
Danielle Hoyles, Electronics Engineering Technology
Kyle Jacobs, Automotive Technology
William Oliver, Industrial Maintenance Technology
Andy Riese, Teleproduction Technology
Bryan Smith, Machine Tool Technology
Randy Wolfgang, Computer and Electronics Engineering Technologies
The 2004-2005 Dean’s Council met during Activity Period on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 in Room C-110. Dr. Cree Stout, Electronics Engineering Technology Department Manager, conducted the meeting in the absence of Dr. Marc Tarplee, Dean of the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Division, who was attending an off-campus function. Dr. Stout introduced herself to council members and welcomed them to the meeting. Dr. Stout explained that the Dean’s Council provides students with an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns, and offer recommendations on how the College may better serve its students. Dean’s council members also serve as representatives for their classmates.
Mr. Wolfgang, a second-year member of the Dean’s Council, noted that council members and students are not formally notified if the issues brought up in the meetings are resolved. Dr. Stout asked if anyone would like to suggest a method of reporting outcomes. Recommendations included posting information in the Student News or on Campus Cruiser.
Ms. Boyd and Mr. Jacobs reported that their classmates would like for automotive classes to be offered during the evenings. They said that there is a demand for evening classes, especially with many students working first-shift jobs. Dr. Stout recommended that they discuss the need with Mr. Jamey Abercrombie, the Automotive Department Manager, as well as petitioning for evening classes.
Mr. Emler questioned the low prices offered for book buybacks on behalf of a classmate. His classmate was offered $17 for a 2002 National Electric Code book that he originally paid $100. Dr. Stout said that it is difficult to resell books that have been replaced with updated editions. Dr. Stout said that Barnes and Noble Booksellers recently purchased the College’s Book Store and offer books at competitive prices.
Mr. Emler also spoke on behalf of two of his electricity course classmates who are ACR (Air Conditioning) majors. He reported that the ACR students have a more difficult time compared to the EEM (Industrial Electricity/Electronic) majors because they do not have the same electrical experience/background. The course is offered in the short eight-week mini-semester format, and the students believe it would be helpful to them if it were a sixteen-week course. This would allow more time for them to grasp the content. Mr. Bolin pointed out that the new ACR diploma program does not require the electricity courses, however the degree does. Dr. Stout said that she would follow up on the matter with Mr. Rod Trump and Mr. Mike Brumbach, Air Conditioning and Industrial Maintenance Department Managers respectively.
Mr. Oliver requested that trailer trucks delivering equipment to the Institute for Manufacturing Productivity park somewhere other C Parking Lot because they take up too many spaces, and make it difficult for students to find parking.
Mr. Smith expressed his disappointment in learning that students in the MTT (Machine Tool Technology) Program would not have access to training on the high-tech equipment in the Institute for Manufacturing Productivity. He emphasized that he was never misled into believing that he would be trained on the equipment, but that it is a let-down to him and the other students. Mr. Riese agreed and said that he too originally thought MTT students trained on the equipment. Mr. Smith said that it would be good for students to at least see the equipment demonstrated. He also expressed a concern over the limited number of CNC machines compared to the number of students. He said there are two CNC machines and possibly nine to eleven students in the class.
Mr. Riese recommended that specialized certification programs be offered in conjunction with the TPT (Teleproduction) curriculum. Specialized training would be especially attractive to employers. He offered Avid certification as an example. Avid is a professional editing software program. Mr. Riese reported that his first-semester classmates in the TPT Program have different experience levels. He said that he and some other students with experience in the field are finding the program to be moving slowly. He said that some of the material and equipment is outdated. Mr. Riese also remarked that an additional instructor would be helpful in the hands-on studio/lab setting.
Mr. Wolfgang said that students often gather in doorways during class breaks, which is a nuisance. He suggested that areas be designated for people to congregate, and/or something be done to prevent the doorways from being blocked.
Ms. Hoyles asked why there is no week-long break scheduled during the Fall Semester. Dr. Stout said the question would be referred to the College’s Calendar Committee. A discussion on Spring Break ensued. Dr. Stout polled the group and six out of nine students prefer to have Spring Break scheduled at mid-term rather than at the Easter holiday.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Emler requested lockers for students in their programs to store tools and equipment, which are required.
Dr. Stout announced that representatives from Duke Energy would visit the College on November 17 to discuss job opportunities with students. Interested students should contact Chris Cimino or Beth Darby with the Job Placement Office located in the Student Services Building.
Dr. Stout thanked the students for participating on the Dean’s Council, and for sharing their thoughts and concerns with her. She welcomed students to stop by her office in B-13 or to see Dr. Tarplee in C-114 should they want to discuss anything or have questions. Dr. Stout said that she and Dr. Tarplee would look into and respond to all issues brought up in the meeting. She said that she could not guarantee that problems could be resolved as requested, but every effort would be made to offer an acceptable explanation. The next meeting is scheduled on March 17 at 10:30 a.m., but students are encouraged to contact Dr. Tarplee with issues at anytime.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Neely
Office Manager
Industrial and Engineering Technologies