ITEM 106-2704-R0300 ATTACHMENT

The current faculty at MSU-Billings, College of Technology will be available in their regular teaching capacities for the general education and related education classes. It is not necessary to hire faculty to start the program since two qualified, ASE Certified Diesel Technology instructors are currently in place for the Certificate Program. This faculty is currently assigned to the Technology Department.

It is anticipated that students for this program will come from the following sources:

Libraries: The City of Billings has three college-based libraries, MSU-Billings, MSU-Billings COT, and Rocky Mountain College and a public library, Parmly Billings Library. The College COT will add appropriate books, materials, and software to support this program on a continuous basis. Technicians and other local industries can provide guidance regarding additional appropriate reference material needed for the program. Extensive information is available for the related and general education components of the program.

Computer Services: MSU-Billings COT has general computer labs and a Student Support Center with over 100 computers available to students during class, and after school hours. The College of Technology is a designated Microsoft Training Center and has access to the latest versions of all Microsoft software, which are taught by highly qualified instructors. The COT also offers a variety of other application programs such as Lotus and WordPerfect. Internet access is available in all classrooms, the library, and all offices.

Equipment: Equipment and supplies for the program are currently in place. (See Appendix C for budget information.)

Space/Capital Structures: Present classroom and lab facilities on the MSU-Billings COT campus are adequate to serve the needs of the proposed program.

Support Services/Administration: No additional expenditures will be necessary since both the College of Technology and the Senior campus have student support services available including tutoring, assistance for students with disabilities, testing, computer labs, etc.

Administration of the program will be assigned to an existing department and a mentor will be chosen for the new instructor(s) to assist in further program development, teaching methods, grading, and whatever will ensure exceptional instruction and program quality.

The Diesel Technology program must satisfy Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Colleges' institutional accreditation requirements.

Currently the Diesel Department is certified and registered with ASE/NATEF in all areas of Diesel Technology

The MSU-Billings College of Technology has traditionally used industry advisory committees in all educational departments. The advisory committees are composed of industry members, faculty and administration that review the program every semester to determine necessary curriculum additions, deletions, and changes. During this submittal process the committee for this program has meet to discuss proposed curriculum changes. As the program proceeds advisory committee members will be invited to visit classes in progress and submit suggestions for improvement.

All courses and faculty are evaluated by the College of Technology Administration through an evaluation system put in place under the "Quality, Access and Productivity" document. Non-tenured faculty are evaluated every year and tenured faculty are evaluated every two years under the current contract. Every five years the program must re-certify equipment, facilities and facility support to meet ASE/NATEF standards.

The program must also meet the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges' standards, and will be continually reviewed by program faculty, students and administration to ensure that these standards are met. The program must also be compared with other programs nationally to remain competitive in attracting students and to ensure that its students will be recognized and employable nationally.

Outcomes assessment is verified by the pre-test and follow-up post-test as previously required by Carl Perkins funding. Currently the pre/post test is given as a requirement of ASE/NATEF for national certification. Job placement has consistently been 100%, with local, state and national employers requesting technicians beyond the numbers currently graduating.

1) While diesel curriculum has been a common component of vocational-technical programs since their inception, few programs have evolved beyond the process of the traditional, vocational diesel curriculum, that being teaching the mechanical systems as the major component of the course. The switch from the mechanical system orientation to the electronic and computerized systems has been implemented at MSU-Billings, College of Technology.

2) The average FTE numbers are up over the last five years by more than 20% and holding steady. This can be attributed to the previous changes in curriculum as well as the need of technicians nation wide.

3) The introduction of new curriculum is expected to broaden the potential employment base for graduates beyond traditional entry-level technician opportunities.

4) Currently the graduates of the MSU-Billings, College of Technology diesel program are hired at the second highest rate of starting pay of all the College of Technology graduates, and placement for the last 5 years has been 100 percent.

5) Articulation with Montana State University Northern has taken place over the past three years through an articulation agreement. In addition, MSU-Billings accepts successful College of Technology graduates for study toward a bachelor degree.

1) Outlook B Employment is projected to increase more quickly than the statewide average for all occupations in Montana. Nationally, employment in this occupation is expected to increase through the year 2020. The outlook depends on the activity level in the agriculture, machinery, transportation equipment, metal products, construction, and wood products industries, as well as the heavy and mid-transportation industries. Most openings will result from the increase in demand of the growing transportation industry, as well as the need to replace those workers who leave the occupation. Prospects are best for experienced technicians who are familiar with the current trend toward electronics and computerized fuel and monitoring systems. More jobs will be available in the business services industry for repair and maintenance. B Montana Career Information System (MCIS)

2) In Montana, the average wage for diesel technicians is $18.50/hour, with top yearly salaries over $50,000.00. The wage varies depending on the type of company, as well as the level of repair, and maintenance required. Nationally, the average wage is $20.95/hour B Montana Career Information System (MCIS)

3) Currently more than 2,000 diesel technicians are employed in the occupation in Montana. B Montana Career Information System (MCIS)