The Center for Engineering Education and Practice: Rethinking Engineering Education

Abstract

Engineering faculty should have close contact with those in business, industry, and government who are practitioners, yet the university typically rewards research publications as opposed to collaboration with practicing engineers. To counteract this problem, the University of Michigan- Dearborn's School of Engineering has established a Center for Engineering Education and Practice that has the goal of combining teaching, research, and practice in a joint effort with industry. Multiple projects are funded each year that serve to answer real questions in the engineering community, enhance the school's curricula, and provide hands-on experiences for students. The Center has made a dramatic impact on the school, both in terms of relevance of the program, and in increased student enrollment.