Dr. Tom Kurfess discussed the foundation for the curriculum, and the issue of breadth versus depth. We currently have two tracks - mechanical systems and thermal systems, and electives for the student to use for specialization. Because a student will take approximately two-thirds as many courses in a semester system, we must be concerned with course and concept integration. The Board supported breadth of subject coverage in the bachelor's degree, and no more specialization than the two-branch approach in the current program. Our writing program, according to Dr. Jeffrey Donnell, is different from those of other schools.
Communication is linked to the engineering projects in instructional labs and design courses.
The Board agreed it would be very useful if we could model a similar program around professionalism and ethics. Ms. Connie Parish, Director for Development, outlined the Campaign for Georgia Tech. Our objective is to have a campaign kickoff in the spring of 1997. He updated the Board on ME's participation in Georgia Tech Lorraine. This program will include three or four faculty, a master's program, simultaneous classes with a video conferencing center, and funds from the French government.