The College’s External Advisory Board helps me think about where we’re going over the next five to 10 years and helps us make strategic connections.
College of Computing external advisory boards, composed of industry leaders and distinguished alumni, share open and honest feedback about the quality of the College’s academic programs and other scholarly activity. Essential for continuous improvement and required by undergraduate program accreditation bodies, this input ensures that College programs remain relevant and in keeping with current industry needs and expectations.
“The College’s External Advisory Board helps me think about where we’re going over the next five to 10 years and helps us make strategic connections,” says Dean Dennis Livesay. “Recently we’ve discussed high-level topics including ‘What does being an industry engaged University and/or College look like?’ and ‘How do we ensure the professional success
of our graduates?’”
“The key word here is advisory,” adds Livesay. “Unlike corporate boards, the role of the advisory board members is to be consulted and make recommendations.”
Department Chair Dan Fuhrmann explains that the two applied computing industrial advisory boards evaluate proposed curriculum updates and offer recommendations to ensure their relevance to industry needs. They also share advice on department leadership, organization, and processes.
Advisory board members also perform a valuable service by acting as judges for projects in the Senior Design and Enterprise Programs.
“We also look to board members for advice on gaining financial support for our activities, such as capstone design projects, and in some cases the board members represent companies
that are providing this financial support,” says Fuhrmann.