BEYOND
ENGINEERING Schulich School of Engineering 2008-2013 Strategic Plan
THE BEST COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY IS THE EAR. Esther Dyson
Schulich School of Engineering 2008-2013 Strategic Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the dean
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The planning process
4
STUDENTS Hands-on education
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Goals and objectives
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Award-winning students
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RESEARCH Reseach partnerships
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Goals and objectives
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Leading research chairs
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INFRASTRUCTURE Expansion and growth
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Goals and objectives
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Research facilities
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LINKAGES Engineering associates program
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Goals and objectives
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Internship program
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A LAUNCH PAD IS A SAFE PLACE FOR SPACESHIPS, BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT SPACESHIPS ARE FOR.
A few years ago, the Schulich School of Engineering received an injection of funding, along with the inspiration to chart a new course. This transformational naming gift from Seymour Schulich has launched a new era in the school’s growth and development. It has come at a time when the city of Calgary is experiencing extraordinary economic growth, and when there is an unprecedented need worldwide for the kind of high quality engineers that Canadian universities produce. The Schulich School of Engineering has a strong foundation and is ready to make a significant leap in profile and reputation, supported by the research, teaching and community relationships of the people who make up the school and university. To achieve these goals, we need to align key elements – research expertise, academic programs, student experiences and external connections. This strategic plan forges this path.
There are dozens of engineering schools across the country and around the globe, many of which are strong and adapting to the changing needs in engineering education. In this mix, the Schulich School of Engineering is emerging with a unique character. It is a school that first and foremost produces excellent research – creating a climate for rigorous, bold and top quality results. It fosters innovation, leadership and teamwork, on top of technical expertise. It is an academic environment that values experiential learning, and encourages hands-on experiences outside of the classroom. It is a place where students are equipped with the skills that go beyond engineering: global awareness, versatility, risk-taking and communication skills that are central to success after graduation. These are the qualities we aspire to build in the Schulich Engineer, individuals whose skills and training lead to a role in the workplace – in society – that goes “beyond engineering.” This strategic plan aligns the internal commitments and resources of the Schulich School of Engineering with expectations of excellence and achievement of external partners and audiences. This is our map into the immediate future. Set your compass – along with all of the stakeholders in this premier engineering school, we are looking forward to a journey of high energy and accomplishment. Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, PEng, FCAE, FRSC Dean, Schulich School of Engineering
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THE PLANNING PROCESS The strategic planning process began with the awareness that the school embraces a role that extends beyond engineering.
Vision The vision of the Schulich School of Engineering is to be at the forefront in Canada in the development of engineering leaders, for internationally acclaimed research, academic innovation and excellence, and service to the community and the profession. This requires a strong understanding of the context in which it serves. Starting in the fall of 2006, we spent a year consulting in depth with the communities that make up and intersect with the Schulich School of Engineering.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
ROUND ONE: GATHERING INFORMATION First, each of the five departments was asked to develop a plan that encapsulated its strengths and directions in research, undergraduate and graduate student success, and outreach. This included: • Chemical and Petroleum Engineering • Civil Engineering • Electrical and Computer Engineering • Geomatics Engineering • Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Next, the interdisciplinary research centres with international reputations for research excellence were asked to prepare focused plans, including: • Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education • Centre for Environmental Engineering Research and Education • Pipeline Engineering Centre • Alberta Ingenuity Centre for In Situ Energy • Graduate Program in Project Management
Finally, broadly inclusive theme workshops that cut across disciplinary distinctions were held to look at experiences for stakeholders. Groups of 30 to 50 people from diverse backgrounds were assembled for working meetings to analyze strengths and weakness, and explore new opportunities in several areas: • Research environment • Undergraduate student experience • Graduate student opportunities • Academic program innovation • Outreach to the community
ROUND TWO: VALIDATING RESULTS After the input from departments, researchers and stakeholders was digested, it was summarized into the framework for this strategic plan, and taken back to the key groups to ensure that it accurately represented the input of stakeholders.
SSE STRATEGIC PLAN
Cross Theme Workshops
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Research Environment Undergraduate Student Experience Graduate Student Outreach to the Opportunities Community Academic Program Innovation
Centre for Bioengineering
Research Centre Plans
+ Departmental Plans
Pipeline Engineering Centre
Centre for Environmental Engineering Project Management Alberta Ingenuity Centre for In Situ Energy
Chemical & Petroleum
Civil
Electrical & Computer
Geomatics
Mechanical & Manufacturing
ROUND THREE: CRAFTING THE PLAN This final strategic plan is a high level view of what the Schulich School of Engineering is setting out to accomplish. It lays out four primary strategic goals that, by their focus and clarity, represent the school’s aspirations. The strategic plan provides focus, and within that focus, there are concrete goals for what success will look like. These goals are guideposts, as there will be many more achievements in the climate that is created by this overall strategic plan. The four key strategies are: 1. Recruit high-achieving students with diverse talents and backgrounds, and educate them to become agile engineers for today’s workplace through high quality, innovative academic programs and diverse student experiences.
3. Build a dynamic learning and research environment through human and physical resources and school culture. 4. Increase the school’s linkages in the Calgary community and expand relationships across Canada and beyond. Each section in this strategic plan plots the way that these strategies will be realized, and recognized. Please note: Specific targets, and the measurable evidence that we are achieving these targets, are not included here. These details are captured in an annual business plan that documents the ways that these goals involve the thousands of students and researchers who make up this vibrant school.
2. Accelerate research excellence and the impact of that high-calibre research, measuring against the highest international standards in strategically targeted areas. 07
STUDENTS
STRATEGY 1
Recruit high-achieving students with diverse talents and backgrounds, and educate them to become agile engineers for today’s workplace through high quality, innovative academic programs and diverse student experiences.
A bomb disposal robot started classes at the Schulich School of Engineering this fall. The robot, delivered in a Calgary Police Service Tactical Team van, started school in pieces on the laboratory floor at the Schulich School of Engineering. It is getting an upgrade and complete overhaul by fourth year mechanical and electrical engineering students. According to Associate Professor Dr. Alejandro Ramirez-Serrano, supervisor of the project and an expert in “unmanned autonomous vehicles,” the robot rebuild provides a combination of experiences that prepare students for the professional world of engineering. “It integrates the knowledge the students have gained over the past three years and puts it into practice, and also gives the participating students a chance to interact with organizations like the tactical team and the Calgary Police Interpretive Centre and the very real challenge of managing resources and balancing the budget,” says Dr. Ramirez-Serrano.
(standing left to right) Jeff (Chon Hou) Wai, Aaron Beaulieu, Scott Ellard, Dr. Alejandro RamirezSerrano, (front row) Connie (Yufang) Wang.
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STUDENTS We cannot predict what issues and challenges will face engineers ten years from now, but we do know that the world will need creative thinkers with hands-on experience in solving problems. That is why we are committed to training imaginative problem-solvers, equipped to tackle what is yet unknown. Because it offers a top calibre technical foundation, and four years of team work, travel, and internship opportunity, the undergraduate experience at the Schulich School of Engineering will attract students from all kinds of backgrounds, male and female, who are seeking to make a world of difference.
RECRUITMENT Growing Tomorrow’s Engineers High School Outreach Diverse Scholarship Program
ACADEMIC LEARNING
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
CAREER TRANSITIONS
Innovative Curriculum
Diverse Student Experiences
Career Services
Focus on Design Academic Support Excellent Teaching
Internship
Student Activities Fund
Key Skills Development
Leadership Development
Interaction with the Profession
THE SCHULICH ENGINEER
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1
Recruit students from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests who share a commitment to academic achievement and community engagement Objectives: • Expose a broad range of youth to the appeal of engineering through community and school-based outreach programs • Sustain and promote a competitive scholarship program that is among the largest in the country to attract diverse students with demonstrated academic achievements and community/ entrepreneurial impacts • Increase national profile of academic and research excellence to attract and recruit high school students from both Alberta and across Canada
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Ensure academic programs are innovative and relevant with strong instructional excellence and support Objectives: • Support diverse learning styles through a variety of academic resources and programs • Encourage, support and reward excellence in instruction and teaching assistance • Ensure academic programs are relevant and aligned to future stakeholder needs • Continuously enhance and develop the engineering curriculum to adapt to innovative teaching and learning methods • Ensure that engineering design principles are embedded throughout the curriculum
3 Provide opportunities for all students to
grow through stimulating experiences and challenges Objectives: • Support experiential learning through funding of student clubs and team activities with the Schulich Student Activities Fund • Encourage all students to take part in international learning opportunities through academic exchanges and study abroad • Support the development of leadership skills through a student leadership development program • Enhance student spirit and pride by supporting participation in school and student-sponsored events 4
Support career selection and transition through advising and experiential workplace opportunities Objectives: • Ensure students are aware of career opportunities and pathways through industry interaction and advising by exposing all first year students to student advising programs • Encourage all students to participate in experiential workplace learning through internship • Provide opportunities for students to interact with the profession through industry networking • Encourage all students to join the provincial professional engineering association, APEGGA
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Every year, one male and one female student stand out from all the first-year engineering students across the country. In 2007, the winning male student of the prestigious C.D. Howe Memorial Foundation Engineering Scholarship for outstanding leadership qualities was Jason Motkoski, a biomedical student in chemical engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering. “I am passionate about helping people. My passion is related to engineering because engineers are able to address the needs of our world and tangibly transform it into a better place,� says Motkoski. Born and raised in Edmonton, Motkoski choose the Schulich School of Engineering because of the reputation of the biomedical program, the Schulich Scholarships available, and the half-million dollar annual Schulich Student Activities Fund available for enriching the academic program through travel and events.
Jason Motkoski is an undergraduate student whose experience includes working as part of a bioengineering research team.
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STRATEGY 2
excellence and the impact of that high-calibre research, measuring against the highest international standards, in strategically targeted areas.
RESEARCH
Accelerate research
We all use the Global Positioning System (GPS) and rely on its accuracy but it’s no smooth ride for those signals as they travel through the atmosphere. As GPS signals travel through the atmosphere, they encounter weather-related moisture – think humidity – and get delayed. This in turn introduces errors into the readings. These have to be corrected if highly precise GPS readings are to be obtained, and precision is what it is all about. This is the area of expertise of Dr. Susan Skone and her research team. Dr. Skone’s research produces results in two directions: the team can correct for errors in GPS signals because they understand the effects of weather on signals and, by inverting the problem, they can gain an understanding of the weather through the behaviour of the signals. With her academic accolades, research experience, and reliable results, Dr. Skone and her team are invited to take part in numerous national and international partnerships, including strategic initiatives with the private sector involving commercial aircraft, and the public sector with Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada.
Members of Dr. Susan Skone’s research team (left to right) include Ossama al-Fanek, Zafer Sadeque, Fatemeh Ghafoori, Lance de Groot, Susan Skone, Feng Man and Rajesh Tiwari
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RESEARCH The first measure of an engineering school in the league of the Schulich School of Engineering is the calibre of its research. With over 160 faculty members, numerous research centres, 33 research chairs, and high-end laboratory facilities, the Schulich School has attracted some of the leading researchers in the world. Rising stars have room to spread their wings, and research leaders are attracted to the industrial partnerships that Calgary offers. The city is headquarters for many North American energy companies, and has burgeoning high-tech, biomedical, and environmental sectors in part due to university spin-offs, revenue and reinvestments that wealthy Alberta has fostered. ENERGY
ENVIRONMENT
Energy research focuses on the development of environmentally and economically sustainable technologies for the large unconventional hydrocarbon resources including oil sands and low permeability gas reservoirs. The challenge for unconventional resource development lies in maximizing recovery and economic value of the resources while minimizing fresh water usage, carbon emissions, fuel consumption and land surface disturbance. Research includes in-situ energy, enhanced oil recovery, conventional and unconventional gas production and processing, and pipeline engineering.
Environmental research tackles the development of new technology that will minimize the impact of engineering activities on our surrounding land, air and water. The research performed goes beyond remediation techniques by being proactive, instead focusing on the development of innovative environmental solutions early on as new emerging technologies are developed. Example research areas include wastewater treatment and soil remediation, innovative and cost-effective technologies for air pollution control, “biocell� for methane oxidation, greenhouse gas emission control, and alternative energy sources.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE All four core research themes are integrated through a cross-cutting theme of "sustainable future." This includes the integration and application of research and technology to ensure the sustainability and betterment of society. Research across all areas and departments will ensure that the requirements of society – physical infrastructure, resource use, health and wellness, and information technologies – are environmentally sound, sustainable in the long term, and can account for the changing demands of society.
BIOMEDICAL Biomedical engineering research applies engineering principles to solve problems in medical and health care system applications. The research ranges from understanding basic mechanisms underlying healthy and diseased conditions, to developing and evaluating devices and products to assist in treatments and health care delivery. The key enabling technology platforms include: medical imaging and instrumentation, biosensors and biostimulators, and novel therapeutics and devices. These technologies are applied to numerous application areas including the musculoskeletal system, the brain and neural system, the cardiovascular system, as well as cancer and tissue regeneration.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ICT research uses engineering principles to develop exciting and innovative ways to provide global access to information, learning and support (education, health care, videoconferencing and distance learning). Information systems include any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, global navigation satellite systems, earth observation technologies, as well as the various services and applications associated with them. The key enabling technology platforms include: communications and radio system, digital imaging, micro-nanotechnology, geographic information systems, multi-sensor systems, positioning, navigation and wireless location, and software engineering.
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RESEARCH
ENERGY ENVIRONMENT
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE BIOMEDICAL ICT
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1
Focus research priorities in key strategic areas
3 Attract increased external resources to
enhance the research enterprise
Objectives: • Focus on five key areas – energy, environment, information and communications technologies and biomedical, with the sustainable future as a cross cutting theme • Develop critical mass through research centres and interdisciplinary teams 2
Objectives: • Maintain and grow links with industry and government to facilitate communication of research priorities and needs • Ensure strategic research plans are in place for key areas and link these to large funding programs • Expand advisory boards comprised of internal and external stakeholders for the school, research centres and chairs • Utilize the Office of Research Facilitation to enhance support to researchers in proposal development, research funding identification, and encouraging collaborative partnerships
Grow research teams that can deliver internationally recognized research programs and impacts Objectives: • Establish and recruit 15 new chairs in research areas of focus to provide intellectual and strategic leadership • Encourage ongoing development of teams through recruitment of faculty to build critical mass in research capacity • Provide funding and space for new and existing faculty through capital campaign projects and renovations • Measure research performance and impacts against international benchmarks
4
Recruit highly qualified graduate students and provide exposure to innovative learning and training programs Objectives: • Attract graduate students through enhancing the school’s international reputation for research excellence • Focus on increased recruitment of graduate students in strategic areas • Ensure graduate courses are diverse, challenging and relevant • Provide graduate students with exposure to the innovation system and industry to grow skills and knowledge • Ensure graduate students have training opportunities to increase effectiveness in such areas as teaching and communication • Attract additional funding from key stakeholders to expand the graduate recruitment and scholarship program • Provide minimum graduate student funding which is competitive with other jurisdictions
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Around the world, in the bedrock of the earth’s crust, are enormous resources of natural gas – locked in tight formations. These resources may rival the volume of conventional natural gas, but are largely untapped, due to obstacles that must be overcome to economically and efficiently produce them. After over 30 years of consulting in industry, after teaching and working in 50 countries around the world, Dr. Roberto Aguilera has chosen Calgary as home-base to tackle the obstacles that will make the development of these massive gas resources possible. The challenge for Canada is important, because it is the second largest exporter of natural gas in the world, but has the highest cost of finding and developing it. “We are covering the whole spectrum of this problem, with streams of work from different disciplines, coming together to produce results that will work in the real world, and be useful to industry,” he says. The team of almost 30 people – faculty members and industry-based researchers, a dozen graduate students, several postdocs, all guided by an industrial advisory council – is rallying around this problem. The $2.25 million research effort is funded in equal parts by ConocoPhillips, NSERC, and the Alberta Energy Research Institute, with additional support from the Schulich School of Engineering. Researchers leading the tight gas team include (left to right) Ron Wong, Roberto Aguilera (chairholder), Tom Harding, Ian Gates, Mehran Pooladi-Darvish, Federico Krause, Chris Clarkson, Tony Settari, and Apostolos Kantzas. Missing: Geir Hareland.
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STRATEGY 3
Build a dynamic learning and research environment through human and physical resources and school culture. INFRASTRUCTURE
By 2009, the number of undergraduate engineering students will increase by 20 percent, and the Schulich School will recruit an additional 35 scholars to teach them. To meet the needs of this growth, and as part of the University of Calgary’s biggest single capital expansion in its history, plans are in development for the Schulich School of Engineering Teaching and Innovation Centre, a rich learning environment for undergraduate students and the front door to Canada’s emerging leader among engineering schools. Along with extensive renovations to the existing buildings, it is hoped that the new centre will make room for more students and their hands-on learning, self-directed lab work and team projects. This ambitious plan is the largest capital project proposal undertaken by the engineering school at the University of Calgary.
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INFRASTRUCTURE We need room to grow. By creating a new kind of space that supports the hands-on learning of students, the Schulich School will at once make room for more research and support the innovative new face of engineering education. While top research facilities now exist in two new engineering buildings added to the core complex over the past decade, additional space is required to meet the research and learning objectives of the school. In addition to its increased engagement with student experiences – clubs and teams, leadership programs, work-study opportunities – the Schulich School of Engineering is increasing its engagement with the community. The research collaborations, consultations with industry, public events and lectures, and bridges between research and community improvements, all require a new public-oriented space. We look forward to welcoming you at the threshold of this new building in the coming years.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1
Support the development of world-class research infrastructure in key strategic areas
3 Create improved and expanded student
study and interaction spaces Objectives: • Expand student study spaces to support individual and team academic learning • Create spaces for students to improve interaction, class cohesiveness and leadership development • Ensure sufficient space for engineering clubs and teams • Enhance common spaces and hallways to showcase engineering innovation and leadership
Objectives: • Increase laboratory space and unique research facilities by 15,000 sq metres • Ensure recruited faculty have access to equipment and infrastructure to build successful research programs • Provide quality graduate student space for individual and collaborative work • Support major funding applications for infrastructure in priority areas 2
Enhance the learning environment through expanded experiential learning facilities and instructional spaces Objectives: • Increase undergraduate teaching, learning and support space by 12,000 sq metres • Develop innovative teaching labs with state-of-the-art engineering equipment • Provide opportunities for smaller tutorials, one-on-one tutoring, and support for student interaction • Expand design labs to ensure they support teaching objectives and maximize learning opportunities • Provide for expanding space needs for student services, internship programs and homerooms
4
Foster internal community spirit by involvement of members of the school in events, programs and open communication Objectives: • Solicit input and guidance from faculty and staff members on key community direction and initiatives • Support social events and programs that build school spirit • Create a safety culture within the school to ensure a safe working environment for staff and students and compliance with regulatory policies • Maintain broad and open communication with faculty, staff and students
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A major expansion to an engineering research facility will open at the University of Calgary in the early summer of 2009. The proposed three-story addition will allow researchers to go full bore on “in situ” upgrading research. With the new space and equipment, the in situ energy research team will deliver on its quest for a new generation of economically and environmentally sound technology for extracting and processing Canada’s oil sands energy resources. The facility will house a high head research lab, two analytical labs, support spaces for technicians and engineering staff, and a machine room. The third floor will be shell space for future development as graduate student offices and dry lab research space. The research project is led by Drs. Pedro Pereira Almao from the Schulich School of Engineering and Steve Larter from the Faculty of Science, co-directors of the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for In Situ Energy. The expansion is part of a $23 million equipment and upgrade investment from the Canada Foundation for Innovation with matching funds provided by the Alberta Government through the Alberta Science & Research Investments Program and the university’s capital projects budget.
Schematic of research facility expansion courtesy of Cohos Evamy Integrated Design
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STRATEGY 4
Increase the school’s linkages in the Calgary community and expand relationships across Canada and beyond.
LINKAGES
Over 120 industry associates are closely involved with the Schulich School of Engineering in advisory and other support capacities. This community of experts, known as the Engineering Associates Program, meets throughout the year for professional development functions, planning sessions and special events. This rich interaction between the Schulich School of Engineering and Calgary’s engineering community – Canada’s engineering capital – is an important cornerstone in the school’s ability to educate the engineers of tomorrow, and to undertake innovative, relevant and long-term research. The members of the Engineering Associates Program: • discuss collaborative research opportunities and partnerships where appropriate • consult on new initiatives and courses • fund student awards through their membership fees • provide internship opportunities for undergraduates • interact with students as role models
Engineering Associates Program breakfast meeting
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LINKAGES The Schulich School of Engineering is in the enviable location of the “engineering capital of Canada.” There is a higher concentration per capita of engineers in Calgary than in any other North American city of this size. In addition, the engineering school has graduated many engineers who have since gone on to become leaders around the globe. It is time to assume a greater and more visible leadership role that is in keeping with the nature of the relationships already built. We have a growing obligation to share the school’s expertise and results with the community locally, provincially and nationally. While the engineering school has strong connections not only with companies in the energy sector, but also in the growing technology, biomedical and environmental areas, there is room to grow to keep step with the success of the graduates now in key roles in Calgary and internationally. These relationships can open two-way communication that strengthens the school and elevates the profile of the Schulich School of Engineering.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1
Grow our interactions with industry and the profession to ensure that we receive strategic input and advice Objectives: • Utilize the Schulich Industrial Advisory Council to obtain strategic advice and enhance community linkages • Expand the Engineering Associates Program to ensure that key stakeholders are represented • Maintain strong linkages to the profession through associations such as APEGGA and Engineers Canada • Expose more high school teachers to engineering education, research and trends by facilitating interaction with faculty and industry
2
3 Liaise with municipal, provincial and federal
government agencies to communicate our key directions and needs Objectives: • Communicate regularly with appropriate levels of government on strategic direction and priorities • Participate in and provide leadership to key government agencies and boards • Establish strong linkages with the City of Calgary, through the Urban Alliance, to develop programs of mutual benefit and impact 4
Objectives: • Increase membership in the alumni chapter in the Calgary area through relevant and enjoyable activities • Develop and support alumni chapters in key areas of alumni concentration • Support on- and off-site alumni events to showcase the school’s programs and progress • Grow participation of alumni in supporting future plans and programs
Foster internal community spirit by involvement in events, programs and open communication Objectives: • Solicit input and guidance from faculty and staff members on key community direction and initiatives • Support social events and programs that build school spirit • Increase support for, and impact of, health and safety initiatives • Maintain broad and open communication with faculty, staff and students
Increase communication and interactions with alumni locally, nationally and internationally
5
Develop strong international links to support key strategic initiatives Objectives: • Develop and support research and academic exchange agreements with key institutions nationally and internationally • Increase international internship placements and opportunities • Develop international graduate programs in strategic areas of focus
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Student engineers are becoming superior graduates and earning a healthy salary while taking an internship year. Each year, an average of 300 engineering students go to work for 12 to 16 months at companies in Calgary, across Canada, and internationally. Typically taken after third year, the Schulich School of Engineering Internship Program is the largest of its kind in the country and is recognized for the exceptional opportunities it has cultivated with the engineering sector in Calgary and around the world. As a testament to its value, almost 70 percent of all Schulich engineering students graduate with internship. In the process, this full-time year of employment, relevant to their degree programs, provides them with practical experience, industry contacts and networks, as well as a broad range of skills and knowledge that can only be learned outside of the classroom. Employers benefit from highly motivated employees for a select term with the possibility of immediate permanent employment upon graduation. Internship is recognized as part of the Engineer in Training requirements for the professional engineer (PEng) designation.
Jenna Archer at work with Marcel Stalder during an internship in Switzerland
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This strategic plan is the result of a broadly consultative process. We are grateful for input from all participants.
Dean’s Office Schulich School of Engineering University of Calgary ENC 202 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4 tel (403) 220-5738 www.schulich.ucalgary.ca