Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are established (and sun-setted) by the four action councils to define and solve problems that cannot be immediately resolved. This frees up the action councils to continue their tasks without becoming bogged down with specific challenges. The process also provides the SIG teams with access to resources needed that empowers the SIG leaders to determine their needs and seek a resolution to achieve a successful outcome for the identified problem.
Each Strategic Corporate Partner (SCP), Professional Society, and Diversity Organization local professional chapter would have a designated lead point of contact with each Action Council to facilitate member participation on SIGs.
Suggested initial topics would include:
- Faculty Professional Practice Council (FPPC)
- How to engage The University alumni for coaching and mentoring, especially of best practice sponsored design projects, while relieving faculty of the increased responsibilities.
- Third-year design projects to be introduced spring 2025.
- Second year design projects to be introduced in the Spring of 2026 at The University and with 3 partner community colleges for two year-sponsored capstone projects.
- Developing Professors of Practice, especially recent retirees and soon to be retirees for the enhanced sponsored senior design projects to be introduced in 2025-2026, third year design projects in the Spring of 2025, and the second year projects in Spring of 2026.
- NSF and Government Grants in collaboration with The University Advancement – a NSF $5M multi-institution S-STEM grant with three community colleges would be submitted February 2025.
- Professional Practice Executive Council (PPEC)
- Fifth-year Masters program and Graduate-level sponsored design projects.
- Creating better sponsored basic and applied research process with Strategic Corporate Partners.
- Student Diversity Solutions Council (SDSC)
- Outreach to community college students to identify and support high potential students applying for the Transfer Scholars Program (TSP) with the first Scholars announced on Scholars’ day in February, 2025.
- In collaboration with The University Advancement professionals, establish grants with federal grants, organizations and foundations.