Preparing a New Generation of Engineers

Faculty at seven higher education institutions are working together to prepare better engineers by strengthening students' educational foundations. The coalition links together these institutions:

• Arizona State University
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Texas A & M University
• Texas A & M--Kingsville
• University of Alabama
• University of Wisconsin--Madison
• University of Massachusetts--Dartmouth

Partner institutions are diverse in terms of size, age, public/private, student body characteristics, and experience in educational reform, but all share a commitment to the improvement of engineering education. Funded initially in 1994, the NSF Foundation Coalition just completed five years; UW--Madison and U Mass--Dartmouth are new partners for the second five years, 1999-2003.

VISION

The Foundation Coalition is a recognized leader in creating a new culture of engineering education that is responsive to technological changes and societal needs.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Curriculum integration -- Cooperative and active learning -- Utilization of technology-enabled learning -- Assessment-driven continuous improvement -- Recruitment, retention, and graduation of women and under represented minorities -- Teamwork and collaboration -- Management of change

OBJECTIVES

Establish inclusive learning communities -- Develop responsive curricula -- Develop and implement Coalition-wide evaluation -- Develop and implement institutionalization processes -- Share expertise, experience and evidence of success

For more information about the NSF Foundation Coalition here at UW-Madison, explore the World Wide Web at www.foundationcoalition.org; or contact John W. Mitchell, Professor, Mechanical Engineering and member of the NSF Foundation Coalition Management Team.