Plastics Engineering Technology

Educational Objectives - March 2008

Graduates for the Plastics Engineering Technology program at Pittsburg State University will have the ability to:

Objective 1: Support and manage plastic manufacturing operations including product development, plastics processing, project management, equipment selection, tooling selection..
Objective 2: Work effectively in diverse teams and as individuals.
Objective 3: Use appropriate scientific/mathematical and computational skills necessary for plastics applications.
Objective 4: Use oral, graphical, and written communication skills to present and exchange information effectively, and to direct plastics processing operations.
Objective 5: Think critically and identify, evaluate and solve complex technical and non-technical problems.
Objective 6:  Understand and apply professional, ethical, and quality standards of excellence consistent with the plastics industry (SPE Code of Ethics).

Educational Outcomes - March 2008

Each Plastics Engineering Technology graduate will be able to demonstrate desired attributes before graduation (related to the TAC/ABET Criteria 1 a-k). The graduate will have:

Outcome 1: Skills that prepare them for immediate employment in the plastics industry involving project planning, process planning, tooling/part/mold and product design, material analysis and selection, cost analysis, testing and characterization of materials (Criterion 1a)
Outcome 2: Demonstrated understanding and application of fundamental science and engineering principles related to plastics and engineering technology (TAC/ABET Criterion 1b, 1f).
Outcome 3: Participated in creative, integrative activities related to plastics manufacturing and product design. (TAC/ABET Criterion 1e, 1j, 1k, 1c, 1f)
Outcome 4: Knowledge of continuous improvement techniques and an understanding of lifelong learning. (TAC/ABET Criterion 1h, 1k)
Outcome 5: Functioned effectively in team environments.TAC/ABET Criterion 1e)
Outcome 6:  Developed the ability to express ideas in written and oral form (TAC/ABET Criterion 1g, 1d)
Outcome 7:  Demonstrated a knowledge of safety and environmental awareness relative to the plastics environment along with an ability to understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities. (TAC/ABET Criterion 1i)

Academic Unit: Plastics Engineering Technology
Strategic Planning Document

Mission: To provide plastics graduates for industry who are prepared to use their knowledge and skills of plastic materials, processes and related technology.

Vision Statement: It is the vision of the Plastics ETECH Program to provide the students with a quality education that will prepare them for a successful career in the Plastics industry.

Goal 1: To establish the PSU Plastics ETECH program as a leader in Plastics Engineering Technology education.

• Objective 1.1 - To provide students with the best and most current knowledge of plastics materials, processes and related technologies.
• Objectives 1.2 - To seek and establish additional funding for program needs from administration, alumni, and through seminars.
• Objective 1.3 - To encourage industrial contacts and alumni to share their knowledge with students through guest lectures, lab demos, and planned tours.
• Objective 1.4 - To continue to strive for 100% job placement.
• Objective 1.5 - To maintain operational and current laboratories.

Goal 2: To market and promote the Plastics' ETECH program with a continuous recruitment effort and an emphasis on retention.

• Objective 2.1 - To recruit prospective students using alumni.
• Objective 2.2 - To market program to high school and community college transfers.
• Objective 2.3 - To promote mentoring of students.
• Objective 2.4 - To develop and transfer of program promotional material to prospective students.
• Objective 2.5 - To promote mentoring of students.
• Objective 2.6 - To establish an informative web site on the program.           

Goal 3: To increase efforts to acquire external funding, as well as provide state of the art equipment for student use.

• Objective 3.1 - To increase contact and recruitment of plastics' companies to provide equipment and/or materials as a gift and/or loan.
• Objective 3.2 - To provide technical seminars for industry on current advances and practices to provide funding for labs and other student needs.
• Objective 3.3 - To continue the relationships with SPE and SAMPE and their respective chapters in providing scholarships.
• Objective 3.4 - Solicit donations from alumni though newsletters/ direct contact.

Goal 4: To solicit industrial feedback to ensure that graduates are performing at the optimum work level.

• Objective 4.1 - To conduct advisory board meetings twice a year and promote additional contact between meeting- get members involved.
• Objective 4.2 - To maintain records of student feedback from e-mail, phone, and personal visits.
• Objective 4.3 - To maintain records of Industrial/ employer feedback.
• Objective 4.4 - To develop additional industry sponsored Research/Projects for students (Capstone Course.)

Goal 5: To maintain TAC/ABET accreditation.

• Objective 5.1 - To continuously review PSU plastics program for compliance with TAC/ABET standards and recommendations.  Access goals and objectives of each course.
• Objective 5.2 - To review curriculum for currency and relevancy.
• Objective 5.3 - To conduct Research/industry support projects for interested faculty and students. (Senior Projects)
• Objective 5.4 - To encourage and seek support for faculty development from university administration and industrial supporters.