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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.