Composition

   There  is  no  set  size  for  the  advisory  board,  but it will be small enough so that it can work
   effectively  and  efficiently but large enough to represent the diversity of companies and industries
   associated  with  the mechanical and nuclear engineering professions. The target size of the advisory
   board   is   approximately   10   members  from  companies  and  organizations.  Representation  from
   companies/organizations  that  employ a large number of our graduates, that have been a major sponsor
   of  our  research  programs,  or  that  have  other  strong  ties  to  the department is particularly
   encouraged. In the case of formal votes, each represented company will have one vote.

   The  people making up the Board will have a diverse range of professional experience that encompasses
   undergraduate  and  graduate-level  research  expertise.  The  Board  members should be familiar with
   current  day-to-day activities of engineers. They should also be familiar with the big picture within
   their company and their industry, understanding the role engineering plays and how engineers interact
   with  other  professionals.  Entrepreneurs  who  have started their own companies or who played major
   roles  in  company  development  will provide valuable insight. The Board members help the Department
   stay at the forefront of mechanical engineering education and research activities.

   The  head  of the Department appoints the members with advice from current Board members and from the
   Department  faculty.  The  term of membership is three years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
   Terms  will  be  staggered  so  that  up  to  five members will be appointed / reappointed each year.
   Retiring  members  are eligible for reappointment after a one-year period. The membership year begins
   at  adjournment  of  the  Annual  meeting  of the Board and extends to adjournment of the next Annual
   meeting. The presence at a meeting of a majority of the members will constitute a quorum.

   The  Board  may  at  any  time  establish  subcommittees  to assess and improve the undergraduate and
   graduate  research  programs  within the Department. The undergraduate subcommittee may discuss items
   such  as  ABET,  the  curriculum,  and program assessment / evaluation. The graduate subcommittee may
   discuss  issues  such  as the Department's research demographics, funding levels, student and faculty
   recruiting,  and  distance education programs. When established, the subcommittees will report to the
   full committee at the Annual meeting.

   The  head  of  the  Department  is  an  ex-officio  member  of  the Board. The Department acts as the
   secretariat for the Board.