Members (returning): Schelvan, Hoover, Knar, Olson, Cowan
Faculty: Abedini, Bauch, Girouard, Parisay, Rosenkrantz, Sadat, Zook
1. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Schelvan with a round of
self introductions..
2. The IME Department report was presented by Professor Rosenkrantz
New Department IME Department Chair - Professor Rosenkrantz announced that he had resigned
as department chair and had been replaced by Dr. Sadat. The announcement
was greeted with a round of applause for his performance and for Dr. Sadat's
success. Professor Rosenkrantz outlined his special duties beyond teaching:
continue as unofficial Assistant Department Chair, be responsible for the
IAC, coordinator for the new building for the department, and coordinate
all the efforts connected with the Taguchi Center.
Donation
- Parker-Hannifin has donated $14,000 in cash to the department toward
the lab revitalization efforts.
New Engineering Building - proceeding at a "glacial rate." The discovery
of an earthquake fault required a redesign and the bureaucracy moves slowly.
The untimely death of the building coordinator, Russ Pielstick, has also
contributed to the slower progress.Demolition of the old buildings will
start in April. The new building will include a Plastics and Electronics
Mfg. Lab. The department has no expertise in this area, and needs assistance
from the IAC in the design of such a lab. The department is searching for
two new faculty members with theses specialties. The committee was invited
to tour the interim IME lab facilities. It was noted with pleasure that
Mitatoyo had donated about $90,000 worth of new gaging equipment, with
a promise of more to come.
Academic programs
- A grant was received from SME for the development of options in the MFE
curriculum in the area of Quality. The IAC was asked for its assistance
in this area as well. Professor Zook discussed the department's strategy
for quality. Working with ASQC at attempt is being made to have the society
become an accepted member of ABET. One item necessary for acceptance by
ABET is a university program which teaches Quality Engineering. The plan
is for Cal Poly Pomona to develop that program along with the efforts of
ASQC to become an accredited member of ABET. The success of this effort
would be a real feather in the department's hat.
Western Taguchi Center Activities - Further in the quality area are efforts with the
American Supplier Institute. A joint Taguchi Conference is scheduled for
November 1998. Two one-day seminars are planned for May with Dr. Taguchi.
One seminar would be planned for industry and business; the other would
be planned for those academics interested in the field. There is a market
for continuing education in the quality area.
IME Enrollment
- Enrollment is flat. The department needs ideas for improving. A luncheon
is planned for March 12 to discuss recruiting efforts. A WEB page has been
constructed for the Engineering Colloquium. Speakers are needed.
Evergreen education program. -To fill the gaps between Technology, Science and Engineering, and to fill the gaps between Technology, Engineering and Production. Courses could be offered on the Internet and on campus. Certificate at completion. Students could be attracted by "name instructors" when on campus. An extensive discussion was held with the IAC members pointing out the various options and their ramifications. Strong support was given toward having substantial certificate programs available. Certificate programs from reputable institutions are highly regarded by many companies as ways that employees can demonstrate they have remained current in a particular field.
3. Meeting adjourned at 10:25 am
4. Calendar for future meetings:
May 20, 1998
August 19, 1998
November 4, 1998 (Note: the normal third Wednesday coincides with the
Fourth Annual Product Development Symposium, Nov 17-20. The second Wednesday,
November 11, is the traditional Veteran's Day. Therefore, for 1998 only,
we will hold our meeting on the first Wednesday, November 4.)
Submitted by Bill Girouard, Secretary