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February 18, 2002
Contact: Bob Bruce, 503-725-5700
Source: Bob Dryden, 503-725-5705
Engineering Education Web Site Launched to Boost Enrollment
PORTLAND - A new Web page dedicated to helping Oregonians of all ages learn about engineering education opportunities
in the state was launched today by the Oregon University System.
Debuted in time to coincide with National Engineers Week, the new home page - OregonEngineer.org - is designed
to be a resource guide for students and professionals, says Robert D. Dryden, Vice Chancellor for Engineering and
Computer Science.
"We are responding to Oregon industry - particularly the state's high-technology sector - which wants Oregon
universities to increase the quality and number of engineering graduates," Dryden says. "The Oregon University
System has committed to doubling the number of students with engineering or computer science degrees by 2007."
"The Oregon University System decided in December to design and launch the Web page in time for National Engineers
Week (Feb. 17-23)," Dryden adds. (Organizers in Oregon celebrate the entire month with a massive visitation
by engineers to about 1,000 K-12 classrooms.)
OregonEngineer.org emphasizes two-way communication, Dryden notes.
Next month, the site will begin the Engineering Education Roundtable, a series of online surveys over the coming
year about engineering education needs in Oregon. Engineering and human resources managers, as well as trainers,
from across the state are being recruited to be part of the virtual roundtable. Nearly 100 professionals already
have agreed to participate in the "E-Roundtable," Dryden says. Survey results will be posted on OregonEngineer.org
at regular intervals.
"We are working closely with industrial and trade associations to alert Oregonians about this new resource,"
Dryden says. "At the same time we are introducing a companion newsletter, "OregonEngineer" to keep
business leaders and educators informed about monthly features on the Web site as well as our efforts to increase
enrollment."
"Our goal is to strengthen our partnership with industry and to be an advocate for engineering education and
career development in Oregon," Dryden says.
To boost engineering enrollment at Oregon universities, the new Web site offers information about:
- How K-12 students may become involved in science and math groups such as Saturday
Academy or the Sally Ride Club.
- How youth may find out about engineering as a career and connect to professional
organizations for more information.
- Courses available for graduate and undergraduates in 10 engineering disciplines
at Oregon public universities.
- News about scholarships and mentoring programs, such as the Oregon University
System's partnership with the AeA/Oregon Council (formerly the American Electronics Association).
- Continuing education opportunities for working professionals offered on a multi-institutional
basis through programs such as the Oregon Center for Advanced Technology Education and the Oregon Master of Software
Engineering program.
Editor's Note:
The Oregon University System established the Vice Chancellor for Engineering and Computer Science in 1997 after
the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 504. The legislation set investment guidelines for increasing the quality
and output of engineering education in Oregon. The office's responsibilities include engineering advocacy, industry
relations and delivering programs to working professionals. For more information, contact the vice chancellor at:
bob_Dryden@ous.edu or by calling (503) 725-5705, or see "What's Happening" on the vice chancellor's Web
site: www.OregonEngineer.org.
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