Community College and University cooperation in engineering and engineering technology in the State of Washington

Abstract

The Washington Council for Engineering and Related Technical Education (WCERTE), USA, has as its focus communication, cooperation and coordination. These eliminate confusion and the need for control. It serves higher education throughout the state and it serves the students in various programs. This is extremely important in a state in which over 50% of the students in upper division engineering and related programs are transfer students. Upper division programs can be built upon the foundation of the lower division, expecting students who transfer to be prepared. Lower division programs can be provided to meet the needs of the students and to provide them with foundation courses to prepare them for upper division work. WCERTE has served engineering education in the State of Washington very well over the past 25 years. Here, the authors take a look at tasks and issues considered over its history which indicate that it will continue to foster communication, cooperation and coordination in dealing with the issues of the future.