Institutional Effectiveness Report -
Machine Tool Technology
COMPONENT ASSESSMENT REPORT
College: Northeastern
Technical College
Component Assessed: Machine Tool Technology (2001)
Contact Person:
Sandra H. Barbour, Vice-President for Instruction
Section
1: Background Information
The Machine Tool Technology Program
provides students the opportunity earn Associate Degree in Industrial Technology
in Machine Tool Technology, approved in 1974. The diploma program is a stop-out
program; the certificate for Machine Operator was implemented in 1983 and the
Computer Numerical controls certificate was implemented in 1984. In 1987, Title
III funds were used to review the curriculum and purchase appropriate Machine
Tool equipment. In 1988, an Apprenticeship Program with INA Bearing Company was
developed to meet the company’s recruitment needs for machinists, and later in
1992, for set-up persons.
The program and course descriptions were reviewed for the
implementation of semester conversion in 1992. Faculty are also responsible for
reviewing and updating all course outlines annually, utilizing advisory
committee recommendations and industry developments.
Section 2: Summary Statement
The Machine Tool program enrollment
steadily increases, attracting more non-apprenticeship students plus enrolling
more apprentices, based on increased company needs. In 1998, the College
employed a second permanent Machine Tool instructor to meet the enrollment
demands of the program. Placement of students averages over 95% for the past 5
years, reflecting the placement of the apprenticeship students and the need for
these skilled employees by other local industries. Sufficient, modern equipment
is needed to continue to offer a current, relevant program.
Section 3: Description of Program
Being Assessed
The Machine Tool Technology Program is an Associate Degree
program in Industrial Technology in Machine Tool Technology, approved in 1974.
The diploma program is a stop-out program; the certificate for Machine Operator
was implemented in 1983 and the Computer Numerical controls certificate was
implemented in 1984. This program prepares skilled workers for the metalworking
industry for jobs including machine operator, machinist, tool and die maker, CNC
operator, and many related positions. In 1988, an Apprenticeship Program with
INA Bearing Company was developed to meet the company’s recruitment needs for
machinists and tool and die makers, and later in 1992, for set-up persons.
Section
4: Achievement of Previous Action Plan Objectives
1.Add a second
permanent instructor to reduce dependence on part-time faculty.
ACHIEVED.
The second permanent faculty member was employed in 1998. By adding this
position, first and second year machine tool shops are fully utilized and
students have improved access to instructional assistance.
2.Expand “first
year” shops equipment to relieve crowding.
ACHIEVED.
Faculty developed detailed plans for shop improvements; through a combination of
local and foundation funds, several lower cost equipment items were added to the
first year shop. Additionally, NETC has worked with Special Schools Division
and other technical colleges to transfer their surplus equipment to the first
year shop. Adding equipment and adjusting scheduling of shops have minimized
crowding problems.
3. Develop list of immediate and
long-term equipment needs, with cost estimates. ACHIEVED.
Faculty have developed detailed listings of priority equipment needs, floor
plans, safety needs and corresponding prices, for presentation to industry
representatives, foundation board, and other appropriate persons who may be
willing to support equipment acquisitions to enhance the Machine Tool program.
Section 5: Description of Current
Study
The assessment of the Machine Tool
Technology program used the IQR (Institutional Quality Review) information
developed by NETC in 1993. The IQR format provide qualitative and quantitative
information for program review, including summary date regarding enrollment,
faculty, budget; the College also uses advisory committee input and current
industry practices to determine currency and relevance of the program.
Section 6: Major Findings of the
Assessment Study
The Assessment Study indicates that
Machine Tool Technology is a healthy program, with sufficient faculty who meet
SACS Criteria. Adjunct faculty with appropriate skills and training are also
available to meet instructional needs. Operating costs of the program are
appropriate for a program of this type that requires costly supplies and machine
maintenance.
Enrollment has increased steadily
over the past 5 years, due to a small increase in apprenticeship enrollment and
enrollment of non-apprentice students who realize the validity of the program
with industry. Additionally, faculty members have developed working
relationships with high school faculty, industry personnel that have resulted in
increased student enrollment. Marlboro County High School is one such
partnership, from which articulation agreements, program shadowing days, student
tours and other information sessions have been developed. Demographics of
students remain typical of technology programs in technical colleges; average
age is mid-to-high 20;s, white males from Chesterfield or Marlboro counties.
Most students attend day classes. The female and minority enrollments is this
program have increased during this period.
Placement in this program exceeds the SBTCE minimum of 50%;
due to the apprenticeship program, the majority students are employed prior to
graduation (enrollment is part of their employment). Non-apprentice student
placement is also excellent.
Facilities for Machine Tool Technology program are
appropriate and have been modified to provide two shops with sufficient space to
provide a safe working environment for students. Although far from
satisfactory, equipment needs are addressed at every opportunity. With a
donation from the College foundation, with equipment loaned from Special Schools
and with transfers of other colleges’ surplus equipment, the program is much
better equipped to provide sufficient hands-on activities for the students.
Section 7: Action Plan Objectives
for 2002-2006
1. Continue to update equipment lists
to reflect short- and long-term equipment needs.
2. Provide professional development opportunities for faculty in order to assure
that program is current and relevant.
