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Post-Audit Review For Occupational Programs Implemented Under the Provisions of Series 37

West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education

Institution: _Pierpont Community and Technical College_

Program (Degree and Title): _Mechatronics Technology, Associate of Applied Science_

I. Introduction.

Mechatronics Technology provides curriculum to prepare students for entry and mid-

level positions in a variety of industries including power production, gas production, coal

production and a multitude of automated manufacturing industries. Students develop a

comprehensive understanding of the theory and application of pneumatic and hydraulic

fluid systems, DC and AC electricity, computer hardware and operating systems,

industrial instrumentation and control, electrical machinery, and machine systems

programming used in industry. They achieve competency in programmable logic control

(PLC) language and other industrial programming languages. The students will also have

an introduction to robotics and automated manufacturing. Students completing the

curriculum will have an opportunity and option to obtain industry certifications in

Mechatronics or Control Systems.

Beginning fall semester of 2015, the Mechatronics Technology AAS Degree is being

incorporated into the Advanced Manufacturing track of the Advanced Process

Technology (APT) Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. This transition will allow

more students to cross-train in Mechatronics, Energy Systems Operations, or

Instrumentation & Control skillsets, broadening their knowledge base and enhancing

their marketability and allow for proactive tailoring to meet industry needs as they arise.

This quick response will allow us to place more of our graduates in the areas that most

need them.

II. Goals and Objectives.

The primary goal of the program is to provide local West Virginia student with the

knowledge and skills necessary to obtain employment in a variety of industries as entry

level technicians. A secondary objective is to provide placement assistance and

knowledge of industries that utilize the skill sets that will be acquired in this program.

III. Assessment.

A. Assessment Plan

Student learning and programmatic outcomes are assessed by performance in written

tests and hands-on lab exercises. Starting this year, students will take industry

certification tests to evaluate their learning against what is expected of a technician in the

field. Successful students will earn an industry certification. The tests chosen are from the

PMMI Mechatronics Certificates list. As further alignment between the APT curriculum

and PMMI test objectives is achieved, these tests will be used as ‘stackable credentials’

with benefits for both the students and the companies that hire them.

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B. Goals and Evaluation

Goal 1: Provide students with skills befitting an entry-level industry technician.

Assessment: Course finals and practical lab exercises.

Evaluation: Some course objectives (listed: Section C) need modifications in teaching

style to improve student learning

Goal 2: Provide students with skills befitting an entry-level industry technician.

Assessment: Industry Certification Test (PMMI).

Evaluation: PLC I exam- 1/7 pass Fluids Powers I exam- 3/7 (As further alignment

between the APT curriculum and PMMI test objectives is achieved, these tests will be

used as ‘stackable credentials’ with benefits for both the students and the companies that

hire them.)

Goal 3: Provide students with placement assistance and knowledge of industries utilizing

skill sets developed in this program.

Assessment: Post-Graduation hire data.

Evaluation: 100% of last cohort’s graduates were hired in an applicable industry within 1

year.

C. Program Updates/Revisions/Improvements

Example 1

Problem: Advanced Machinery Systems labs are unfocused and hands-on equipment does

not allow versatile teaching of concepts. Relationships between training equipment

operation concepts and industry practices are tenuous and overshadowed by unnecessary

over-complication inherent in the LabVolt training equipment.

Solution: Industry Simulation software (Factory I/O) is being purchased to allow

simulation of concepts that current hands-on equipment cannot facilitate. This will also

permit students experience programming simulated equipment in a factory setting.

Example 2

Problem: Students were not sufficiently attentive to LockOut/TagOut (LOTO)

procedures, as is necessary of an industry technician. This observation was a result of

hands-on lab exercises.

Solution: Two industry-grade LOTO stations were installed, and a procedure

implemented to facilitate a uniform application of LOTO procedures.

Example 3

Problem: Insufficient equipment for number of students resulted in low understanding of

hands-on concepts, as students were prone to appointing ‘workers’ for lab exercises,

rather than each student having hands-on experience.

Solution: Additional equipment was installed for larger class capabilities, and additional

course sections were implemented for situations where equipment was unavailable.

Student scores relating to hands-on exercises improved significantly, as did perceived

classroom engagement.

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IV. Curriculum

With the exception of two instances of two courses being combined into a single,

revised course, there have been no major changes to the former Mechatronics

Technology curriculum as it is transitioned to its new role as the Advanced

Manufacturing concentration within the APT degree.

A. Admission Requirements In order to be accepted into the Mechatronics Technology Program, students must

meet Compass testing criteria with scores of 36 in Math, 71 in English and 75 in Reading

or higher; or successful completion of remedial classes. ACT test scores in Math 19,

English 18, Reading 17, or higher will also be accepted.

B. Course List

See Appendix I

V. Faculty Data

See Appendix II

VI. Enrollment and Graduates See Appendix III

VII. Financial.

See Appendix IV

VIII. Advisory Committee

An advisory committee has been formed, and has met once in Fall 2014. Our program

has been advised that some internships would be advisable, and several partners are

currently working to facilitate these internships. Our committee members have also been

very communicative about openings for graduates in their organizations.

Committee Members:

David Everly everlyd@wvuh.com WVU Hospital

Jason Hawkins jason.e.hawkins@saint-gobain.com Corhart

Steve Mick steve.mick@novelis.com Novelis

Rex Ray cray@eqt.com EQT

Brian Wilmoth brian.wilmoth@resolutefp.com Resolute Forest Products

Don Wilson don.wilson@pwc.ca Pratt Whitney

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IX. Accreditation

There is currently no national accreditation for Mechatronics at the AAS degree level.

In an effort to align with industry expectations, Pierpont has partnered with PMMI for

assessment and accountability purposes.

Founded in 1933, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing

Technologies, is a trade association made up of more than 700 member companies that

manufacture packaging, processing and packaging-related converting machinery,

commercially-available packaging machinery components, containers and materials in

the United States, Canada and Mexico.

PMMI offers a series of Mechatronics Certificate Tests that assess the skills required

by manufacturing industry employers. These tests allow students to earn a certificate

verifying their knowledge of core concepts required of a Mechatronics Technician.

The Mechatronics programs at community colleges throughout WV have agreed upon

PMMI testing as a standard for Mechatronics because the PMMI Mechatronics

Certificate Programs are grouped in the four key areas identified as relevant to

Mechatronics: mechanical, electrical, logic controls, and computer science. These tests

are also the only nationally-recognized skills certification system for Mechatronics. This

system is one of many endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

Test Utilization:

Test Expected Implementation

PLCs I Spring 2015

Industrial Electricity I Spring 2016

Fluid Power I Spring 2017

Industrial Electricity II Fall 2017

Mechanical Components I Fall 2016

Motors & Motor Controls Fall 2017

PLCs II Within 2 years of test release

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APPENDIX I

Course List

Course Number Course Name Hours Delivery

MATH 1003 Applied Math for Industry 3 F2F, Lecture

MATH 1004 Applied Math for Industry 2 3 F2F, Lecture

DRFT 1200 Print Reading 1 F2F, Lecture

ENGL 1005 Written English for Industry 3 F2F, Lecture

ENGL 1109 Technical Report Writing 3 F2F, Lecture

ENRG 1010 Fluids I 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

MECT 2010 Fluids II 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

ENRG 1020 Mechanics I 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

ENRG 2020 Mechanics II 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

ENRG 1030 Electrical Machinery I 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

ENRG 2030 Electrical Machinery II 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

ENRG 2040 Industrial Safety 3 Online

MECT 1040 Computers for Technicians 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

MECT 1050 Electronics 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

MECT 1060 Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) I 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

MECT 2030 Instrumentation / Process Control 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

MECT 2050 Introduction to Robotics 2 F2F, Lecture/Lab

MECT 2995 Automated Machine Systems 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

PWPL 1165 Basic DC Circuits 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

PWPL 1166 Basic AC Circuits 3 F2F, Lecture/Lab

PWPL 1168 Technical Physical Science 3 F2F, Lecture

TOTAL 60

F2F = Face to Face

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APPENDIX II Faculty Data

(No more than TWO pages per faculty member)

Name_Ronald Gene Turchin________Rank____Instructor __________ Check one:

Full-time____ Part-time_____ Adjunct__X___ Graduate Asst._____ Highest Degree Earned _MS______ Date Degree Received ______________________ Conferred by__West Virginia University___________________________________ Area of Specialization_____Software Engineering___________________________ Professional registration/licensure _____ Yrs of employment at present institution __2___ Yrs of employment in higher education _12_ Yrs of related experience outside higher education _25___ Non-teaching experience _____

To determine compatibility of credentials with assignment: (a) List courses you taught this year and those you taught last year: (If you

participated in team-taught course, indicate each of them and what percent of courses you taught.) For each course include year and semester taught, course number, course title and enrollment.

Year/Semester Course Number & Title Enrollment

2014 Fall MECT 2030 Instrumentation & Process Control

7

2014 Fall MECT 1060 PLCs I 7

(b) If degree is not in area of current assignment, explain.

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Faculty Data

(No more than TWO pages per faculty member)

Name:_Mitchell William Jordan__ Rank:_Temporary Instructor/ Acting Coordinator_ Check one:

Full-time__X__ Part-time_____ Adjunct_____ Graduate Asst._____ Highest Degree Earned _BS______ Date Degree Received _____05/2012_______ Conferred by__Fairmont State University_________________________________ Area of Specialization_____Electronics Engineering Technology_______________ Professional registration/licensure _FE_ Yrs of employment at present institution __3___ Yrs of employment in higher education _3_ Yrs of related experience outside higher education _2___ Non-teaching experience _2_

To determine compatibility of credentials with assignment: (a) List courses you taught this year and those you taught last year: (If you participated in

team-taught course, indicate each of them and what percent of courses you taught.) For each course include year and semester taught, course number, course title and enrollment.

Year/Semester Course Number & Title Enrollment

2015/Spring ENRG 1030 – Electrical Machinery I 18

2015/Spring ENRG 2030 – Electrical Machinery II 8

2015/Spring ENRG 2020 – Mechanics II 2

2015/Spring MECT 2010 – Fluids II 4

2015/Spring MECT 2050 – Robotics 9

2015/Spring MECT 2995 – Advanced Machinery Systems 7

2014/Fall ENRG 1010 – Fluids I (2 sections) 27

2014/Fall MECT 1040 – Computers for Technicians 4

2014/Fall MECT 1050 – Electronics 7

2014/Fall PWPL 1165 – Basic DC Circuits 16

(b) If degree is not in area of current assignment, explain. As an Electronics Engineering Technology graduate, my task in industry would be to

perform engineering tasks up to and including design and implementation, but I am also trained in the electrical and automation tasks befitting an industrial technician. With my mechanical experience and experience as a factory worker and commercial electrician, I bring a well-rounded skillset to my work, and I encourage this versatility in my students.

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Faculty Data

(No more than TWO pages per faculty member)

Name_Jhaye Jones________Rank___Adjunct Instructor______ Check one:

Full-time____ Part-time_____ Adjunct__X___ Graduate Asst._____ Highest Degree Earned __BS_____ Date Degree Received__12/2008_____________ Conferred by_Fairmont State University__ Area of Specialization__Electronics Engineering Technology______________ Professional registration/licensure _____ Yrs of employment at present institution _1.5__ Yrs of employment in higher education __1.5_ Yrs of related experience outside higher education __ Non-teaching experience _11__

To determine compatibility of credentials with assignment: (a) List courses you taught this year and those you taught last year: (If you

participated in team-taught course, indicate each of them and what percent of courses you taught.) For each course include year and semester taught, course number, course title and enrollment.

Year/Semester Course Number & Title Enrollment

2015/Spring PWPL 1166 – Basic AC Circuits 39

2015/Spring ENRG 1020 – Mechanics I 10

2014/Fall ENRG 1030 – Electrical Machinery I 8

2014/Fall PWPL 1165 – Basic DC Circuits 11

2014/Fall ENRG 1020 – Mechanics I 11

(b) If degree is not in area of current assignment, explain.

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Faculty Data

(No more than TWO pages per faculty member)

Name_Dave Brown________Rank___Adjunct Instructor___________ Check one:

Full-time____ Part-time_____ Adjunct__X___ Graduate Asst._____ Highest Degree Earned _AAS____ Date Degree Received _05/1980___ Conferred by___West Virginia University - Parkersburg_________________ Area of Specialization__HVAC_________________________ Professional registration/licensure __X_ Yrs of employment at present institution 0.5__ Yrs of employment in higher education __0.5_ Yrs of related experience outside higher education _30___ Non-teaching experience __9___

To determine compatibility of credentials with assignment: (a) List courses you taught this year and those you taught last year: (If you

participated in team-taught course, indicate each of them and what percent of courses you taught.) For each course include year and semester taught, course number, course title and enrollment.

Year/Semester Course Number & Title Enrollment

2014 Fall MECT 2020 Mechanics II 7

2014 Fall PWPL 1165 Basic DC Circuits 17

(b) If degree is not in area of current assignment, explain. Adjunct has 21 years experience teaching technical subjects in a Vo-Tech setting. Adjunct is also a licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic.

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APPENDIX III ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATES

A. Enrollment and Graduates Current students: Cohort 3: 7 students enrolled, projected graduation date May 2015 Cohort 4: 4 students enrolled, projected graduation date May 2016 Graduated students: Cohort 1: 3 students graduated May 2013 Cohort 2: 5 students graduated May 2014 B. Employment All graduates of the cohort graduating May 2014 were employed at the time of this report. Details, if known are supplied below.

Graduate employed in Michigan as Industrial Technician with Gestamp, earning ~$50k/year.

Graduate employed initially in CO, now in WA, installing alternative energy systems in residential/retail environs.

Graduate employed at Harrison Power Station as an electrician earning $25/hr.

Two graduates have reported employment, but no details were forthcoming. No graduates of the May 2013 cohort have reported their employment or earnings, despite numerous attempts to reach them through phone, email, and social media. C. Success of graduates in BA/BS programs of study The current program was designed as a standalone program without consideration to future education. Some changes have been implemented in the program so that some coursework will become transferrable and thus allow a degree of matriculation to a bachelor’s degree program. Most notably, English and Math Courses of a higher level (ENGL 1104, MATH 1112, MATH 1115) are accepted, facilitating easy transfer to 4-year programs.

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APPENDIX IV

3-year Program Sustainability Calculation Mechatronics Technology Program (MECT) - AAS Degree #1

ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS / CREDIT HOUR GENERATION/TUITION GENERATED

YEAR Program

enrollment *

# Students

lost to

attrition

# Students

expected to

graduate

Cumulative

FTE program

enrollment **

Credit hour

load per

student (@ 12

per semester)

Total # of

credit hours

generated

Total tuition

dollars

generated @

12 Cr. Hr.

Rate ****

Approximate

State

appropriation

per FTE

*****

Total $

generated

by

program

(not

including

student

fees)

YEAR 1 3 0 0 3 24 72 9,120

15,000

24,120

YEAR 2 5 0 3 8 48 384 24,320

40,000

64,320

YEAR 3 7 0 5 12 48 576 36,480

60,000

96,480

YEAR 4 4 0 7 11 48 528 33,440

55,000

88,440

YEAR 5 *** 12 0 4 16 48 768 48,640

80,000

128,640

*Actual number of new students entering the two-year program TOTAL 2328 152,000

250,000

402,000

**Number of students taking full course load, returning each year, to complete two-year program

*** Projected numbers for year 5

**** Pierpont discretionary portion of FTE tuition and fees is currently $1520 per semester, $3040 per year.

***** Pierpont total appropriation / total number of Pierpont students * MECT program enrollment.

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#2 FUNDING FROM GRANTS, COLLEGE E&G ALLOCATION AND PROGRAM FEES

YEAR

Cumulative

program

FTE

enrollment

Yearly

Special

Program

Fees

Generated

Total Annual

E&G Labor

Appropriation

for Program*

Total Annual

E&G

Operating

Budget

Appropriation

for Program

Total

Budgeted

Revenue

Grants

Received

Total

Funding

Received

YEAR 1 3

-

-

-

-

220,000

220,000

YEAR 2 8

-

-

-

-

393,776

393,776

YEAR 3 12

-

-

-

-

300,000

300,000

YEAR 4 11

1,150

-

-

1,150

460,000

461,150

YEAR 5** 16

11,200

-

-

11,200

-

11,200

Totals

12,350

1,373,776

1,386,126

* To date, all labor costs paid through WV Advance Grant.

** Year 5 - program rolls into APT program

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#3 EXPENSES

YEAR

E&G

Operating

Budget

Total

Operating

Expenses for

Labor and

Equipment

TOTAL

PROGRAM

COST

Total Revenue

(from above) Profit or Loss

YEAR 1*

-

447,092

447,092

220,000

(227,092)

YEAR 2

-

300,486

300,486

393,776

93,290

YEAR 3

-

190,891

190,891

300,000

109,109

YEAR 4

-

404,590

404,590

461,150

56,560

YEAR 5 **

-

9,645

9,645

11,200

1,555

Totals

1,386,126

33,422

* Aggregates expenses and revenue from initial year of planning (Year 0) and Year 1 of program implementation

** Projected expenses for Year 5 = 1/3 of APT budget (50% of labor + 100% of operating)

Does not include support of general education courses