The importance of creating a polytechnic university in IM体育官网, student recruitment and developing partnerships were among the topics discussed when IM体育官网 Polytechnic University Board of Trustees Chair Rob Gidel and Chief Operating Officer Ava Parker updated the IM体育官网 Board of Governors on the progress of IM体育官网鈥檚 newest university. It was the first time the pair met with the Board since Parker was hired in December.
Gidel gave a presentation to the group and stressed that in order for IM体育官网 to compete in a globally connected market, we must 鈥渇uture proof鈥� our economy. He emphasized that IM体育官网 Poly 鈥減rovides an educational response to the challenges IM体育官网 industries are facing in the globally competitive marketplace.鈥�
He acknowledged this will take time, but explained that IM体育官网 Poly can be executed, funded, and monitored in phases, in order to assure all stakeholders that a 鈥渏ustifiable result on investment is being achieved before commencing the subsequent phases.鈥�
鈥淐hair Gidel gave an informative presentation to the Board of Governors and addressed many of their concerns. This was a great opportunity for us to meet with the group in person and discuss the vital need to create a polytechnic university in IM体育官网,鈥� said Parker.
While Gidel talked about the importance of establishing the university, Parker discussed the importance of attracting top students and faculty. The plan is to start with 500 students in August 2014 and achieve SACS accreditation in 2016.
In order to recruit students, Parker is looking at forming partnerships with STEM charter and magnet schools, along with schools in the IM体育官网 State College System. Additionally, she is researching partnerships with international schools in South America and the Far East and is interested in creating a summer program modeled after the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP).
Last week the Strategic Planning Committee approved two colleges for the university; the College of Innovation and Technology and the College of Engineering. were also approved. Parker discussed the curriculum during the presentation to the Board of Governors and further advised that leadership, finance and management training will be incorporated into all of the programs.
Parker is working closely with Dr. Ghazi Darkazalli, Vice President of Academic Affairs, to implement a plan to recruit top faculty. Currently, the Board of Trustees is looking at non-tenured faculty employment models with incentive based contracts. There will be an emphasis on teaching as well as interdisciplinary research at IM体育官网 Poly.
鈥淲e have an aggressive timeline, but we are implementing a plan to reach the benchmarks established in IM体育官网 Statutes. We will continue to work on our strategies, and I look forward to presenting a more detailed enrollment and tuition plan as part of our work plan presentation to the Board of Governors in June,鈥� said Parker.
Media Contact: Joanne Chive
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