Professionals, including alumni, provide advice and feedback from the perspective of their industry and expertise.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cThe IAC played a large role in establishing the need for our engineering automation classes to have an associated lab with the class,\u201d says McCann. \u201cThey also helped us select topics for individual labs, including a Programmable Logic Controller system that the students will wire up, test and troubleshoot.\u201d<\/p>\n
To help guide the future of MMA, its major areas of study\u2014Engineering, Marine Transportation\/Vessel Operations & Technology , International Business and Logistics (IBL) and Ocean Studies\u2014call on professionals, including alumni, to provide advice from the perspective of their industry and expertise.<\/p>\n
\u201cIACs are valuable in helping us maintain the currency of our curriculum as well as providing input for the strategic planning we do to anticipate future needs,\u201d says Dr. David Gardner, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe academic departments are leaning forward in the kinds of advice they are soliciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mission<\/h3>\n
The IACs keep the departments apprised of the changing needs of those who employ MMA graduates. They help keep programs relevant and aid the process of conceiving new educational programs based on industry needs.<\/p>\n
While the four major areas\u2019 IACs differ in configuration and charter, they generally meet bi-annually and on an ad hoc basis. Members may also spend time with students or employ them in field experiences.<\/p>\n
Engineering<\/h3>\n
\u201cWe also help MMA meet accreditation requirements by providing our meeting reports and evidence of IAC impacts,\u201d says Industry Chairman of the Engineering Department IAC, Attapol Sookma \u201996, Test and Evaluation Trials Coordinator for Bath Iron Works.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuggestions we\u2019ve made include changes in all programs; added environmental studies; updates to the electrical, electronic and automation tracks; additional engineering laboratory equipment; and technical communications courses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also suggested future topics like Infrastructure, Cyber Security, and the Internet of Things (connectivity, data handling, and automation response).\u201d<\/p>\n
Marine Transportation\/ Vessel Operations<\/h3>\n
![\"Safety](\"\/mariner\/issue2-2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/mto.jpg\")
Safety culture has been one of the primary Marine Transportation Operations (MTO) and Vessel Operations & Technology (VOT) IAC topics for the past two years. The department has been adapting classes to instruct students on evolving regulations and company policies including the \u201cStop Work Responsibility\u201d most companies have adopted, says department committee coordinator and Assistant Professor David Price \u201982.<\/p>\n
The MTO\/VOT committee has 10 members, a mix of alumni and non-MMA grads who Price says have been working well for the department. \u201cAll members have in their best interest helping the students and the school.\u201d<\/p>\n
The most recent meeting included discussions about the importance of safety and its emphasis as one of the most drastic changes in the industry.<\/p>\n
Price reports that safety awareness is now incorporated from day one of the freshmen curriculum, and further progress is expected.<\/p>\n
Gardner notes that TS State of Maine<\/em> Chief Engineer Sandy Cameron \u201984 has taken the lead in shipboard safety training in collaboration with faculty. This begins with basic familiarities with potential hazards such as navigating hatchways and extends to equipment and machinery operations and maintenance.<\/p>\n Key issues for the IAC include making IBL a preferred choice for potential students to increase female and other underrepresented groups at MMA. \u201cThis is a known issue,\u201d says Langford, \u201cand we are working with Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Elizabeth True, Admissions, and Athletics, but we need IAC input on this goal.\u201d<\/p>\n Langford is considering adding new concentrations to department offerings, as well as electives and \u201cstrengthening the faculty bench in IBL. IAC input is needed here as well.\u201d<\/p>\n One of more than a dozen members of the IBL IAC, Anthony Caruso Jr., Director of the Bangor International Airport in Maine, sees a vital role for the group and its unique ability to assist the department. \u201cAs professionals who work within different aspects of transportation and logistics, we can provide perspective from \u2018inside\u2019 the industry,\u201d says Caruso. \u201cWe offer updates on regulations or changes that have lasting effects.\u201d<\/p>\n In the highly regulated aviation industry, specifically, there are constant changes related to security, inspection services, aircraft operations, and international passenger and freight logistics. \u201cWe provide insight to the industry that is not available elsewhere,\u201d says Caruso.<\/p>\n The committee meets with IBL students, which provides an exceptional opportunity to interact, gauge their understanding of relevant professions and gain feedback on the IBL program, which is conveyed to enhance program development.<\/p>\n The diverse backgrounds and professions represented in the Ocean Studies IAC are one of its primary strengths.<\/p>\n Among this diverse group is Dr. William Ellis, Associate Professor of Oceanography and Associate Director of the University of Maine (Orono) School of Marine Science. Ellis is also a former MMA Ocean Studies faculty member. \u201cI don\u2019t consider MMA and UMaine competitors for students because our programs are different in good ways,\u201d he says. \u201cMMA has a pretty unique niche in that it offers degrees with vessel operations certifications and an emphasis on academics combined with on-the-water experience. We compare notes on a variety of issues, and it\u2019s mutually beneficial.\u201d<\/p>\n Ellis notes that the alumni connection is a strong element of the committee. \u201cThe opportunities provided by the group are a big plus,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019ve been at the table when someone will say, \u2018I\u2019m a graduate of the program, and I want you to send me students.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n The committee has advocated for the department\u2019s acquisition of the newest technologies, instrumentation, and vessel research equipment. \u201cWe\u2019ve urged adapting the curricula to include more on climate issues and aquaculture,\u201d says Ellis. \u201cA lot of people view aquaculture as a hands-on version of marine science, and MMA is known as a hands-on education institution.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is agreement that the academy needs to stay engaged with aquaculture.\u201d Message received: a Gulf of Maine Research Institute committee includes MMA President, Dr. William Brennan.<\/p>\n Harnessing the power and potential of the IACs is a challenge, \u201ca good challenge,\u201d says Engineering Professor and IAC coordinator Barbara Fleck. \u201cThe committee meetings provide a chance for Program Coordinators to report on the issues they see, such as the need to incorporate environmental issues and sustainability into existing courses, and a good place for discussion and brainstorming.<\/p>\n Industry trends that IACs have emphasized include safety in marine transportation and vessel operations; opportunities for jobs and research in aquaculture; and changing regulations and logistics requirements in the airline industry.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cI would love to have the IAC leading curriculum changes to reflect what they see in the workplace. Another idea would be for IAC members to submit case studies or practical problems that come up from their work experiences that can be used in the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n MMA serves a vital role in providing industry with a well-educated and informed workforce. Without the link back to industry and what the current and future demands are via the IACs, the MMA curriculum and the future workforce would be out of sync and irrelevant compared to competitor schools.<\/p>\n \u201cMMA and the IACs together provide the leadership role in keeping up our reputation and brand,\u201d says Sookma. \u201cThere are more ways industrial involvement can help shape MMA\u2019s relevancy, but I believe the IACs are most effective since essentially they provide feedback from the customer.\u201d\u2588<\/span><\/p>\n Photos: BILLY R. SIMS, SHUTTERSTOCK<\/span><\/p>\nInternational Business and Logistics<\/h3>\n
![\"airplane](\"\/mariner\/issue2-2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/ibl-illustration.jpg\")
Kirk Langford became Chair of the International Business and Logistics school last year. \u201cWe are back on track and moving forward. So I want to step up engagement with the IAC in the year ahead,\u201d he says.<\/p>\nOcean Studies<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"\/mariner\/issue2-2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/os-illustration.jpg\")
\u201cI\u2019m often asked by prospective students and their parents, \u2018What jobs are out there for your graduates?,\u2019\u201d says Dr. Ann Cleveland, outgoing chair of the department. \u201cI can point to members of our advisory committee as examples. We have researchers, teachers, activists, a Senate staff member, a technician, and a nonprofit leader who runs a science club for girls.\u201d<\/p>\nEvolution<\/h3>\n
Feedback<\/h3>\n
\n