WILLIAM STATES LEE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
(www.coe.uncc.edu)

The William States Lee College of Engineering has adopted a vision that:

The College is the engineering college of first choice for students, faculty, staff, and industry partners, discovering, integrating, applying and disseminating knowledge.

The College nurtures collaborative and friendly learning communities in which students, faculty, staff and industry partners can succeed and are involved in the continuous assessment and improvement of our programs. Student development, faculty development, and resource and community development are guided by the principle that they should enhance our learning environment and promote our institution.

The Lee College offers baccalaureate degree programs in Engineering and Engineering Technology. On the graduate level, the College offers programs leading to master’s degrees in Engineering and Engineering Management; the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and in Mechanical Engineering; an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering; and, in cooperation with North Carolina State University, a program leading to the Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering (see the Graduate Catalog).

The College is comprised of the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, and Engineering Technology.

Engineering Programs. The baccalaureate programs in engineering offer a professional engineering education that can be used as the foundation for several different career objectives: careers as professional engineers in industry, business, or consulting; graduate study to prepare for careers in research, development, or teaching; and a more general and more liberal engineering education with the objective of keeping a variety of career avenues open.

Whatever the career objective of the student, a sound engineering educational program ensures their graduates have: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of math, science and engineering; (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments/analyze and interpret data; (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process; (d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams; (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; (g) an ability to communicate effectively; (h) an ability to evaluate the impact of technology in a global/societal context; (i) an appreciation for lifelong learning; (j) knowledge of contemporary issues; and (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern tools for engineering practice. The course of study will involve the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences. The student expecting to accept employment in industry may emphasize the engineering design and engineering science aspects of his or her program, while the student preparing for graduate study might emphasize the mathematics and science aspects. Some engineering graduates ultimately take on executive and management responsibilities in industries and firms that are based upon engineering products and engineering services. Such students may choose to construct an elective option in their program that includes business administration and economics offerings and other courses to strengthen their communication skills.

Engineering students are strongly encouraged to pursue the requirements for registration as a Professional Engineer. The first step in the registration process is the successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Students are encouraged to take this exam during their senior year. Additional requirements for professional licensure subsequent to graduation include the accumulation of at least four years of progressive engineering experience and successful completion of the Professional Engineer Examination (PE Exam). Students who complete the Cooperative Education Program or who complete their Master’s degree only need three years of progressive engineering experience to be eligible to take the PE Exam.

Engineering Technology Program. Engineering technology is the profession in which knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted primarily to the implementation and extension of existing technology for the benefit of humanity. Engineering technology education focuses primarily on the applied aspects of science and engineering aimed at preparing graduates for practice in that portion of the technological spectrum closest to the product improvement, manufacturing, and engineering operational functions.

Engineering technology programs are characterized by their focus on application and practice and by their approximately 50/50 mix of theory and laboratory experience.

Graduates of the engineering technology program are recruited by most major technological companies in the U.S. They are employed across the technological spectrum but are better suited to areas that deal with application, implementation, production, and construction. Technical sales and customer services fields also account for many placements.

Engineering technology students are strongly encouraged to pursue the requirements for registration as a Professional Engineer. The first step in the registration process is the successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Graduates are encouraged to take this exam after completing four years of work experience under a Professional Engineer (PE). Additional requirements for professional licensure following graduation include the accumulation of at least eight years of progressive experience and successful completion of the Professional Engineer Exam. Students who complete the Cooperative Education Program or who complete their Master’s degree only need seven years of progressive engineering experience to be eligible to take the PE Exam.

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS AND
DISCONTINUANCE CONDITIONS FOR:

I. Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Advising in the College of Engineering

Students may be admitted to one of the four College of Engineering departments: Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEGR), Electrical and Computer Engineering (EEGR and CPGR), Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science (MEGR), and Engineering Technology (ET). Students may also be admitted as ENGR (engineering undecided), or ETGR (engineering technology undecided) majors.

Engineering Undecided (ENGR) and Engineering Technology Undecided (ETGR) are individualized advising programs for students who qualify for admission to an engineering or engineering technology major but who have not decided which program they desire. Students may change their classification to a specific major once they make a decision. Both ENGR and ETGR students should make such a decision no later than the completion of their freshman year.

Students are expected to follow the advice and recommendations of their faculty advisors and are expected to know and follow all pre-requisite, co-requisite, and progression requirements of their program. Persistent attempts to circumvent that advice and guidance shall be grounds for discontinuance.

Students must demonstrate that they are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their major degree. They are in violation of this requirement and subject to discontinuance if they have two consecutive semesters of unsatisfactory progress.

II. Freshman Year Requirements

All new freshman students are initially advised by a central office within the College of Engineering. Students are eligible for transfer to their major department for further advising once they have achieved the following:

1. completion of all non-elective courses in their freshman year curriculum with grades of C or better

2. a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all courses taken

III. Sophomore Through Senior Year Requirements

In addition to the University requirements for continued enrollment, students must maintain a major cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all courses in the departmental curriculum taught by the College. Failure to meet this requirement for two consecutive semesters will result in suspension from the College of Engineering.

IV. Requirements for Readmission to the College after Discontinuation

An undergraduate student who has been discontinued for failure to satisfy the College requirement for continuation stated above, but who nonetheless meets the conditions for continued enrollment in the University, will be ineligible for readmission to the College until one of the following occurs:

1. An appeal is accepted through the College of Engineering

2. The student completes an Associate of Science (AS) degree for engineering or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree for engineering technology

3. The student elects to use the Two-Year-Rule

A student who has been suspended by the University must follow University guidelines for appeal. Readmission to the College after discontinuation or suspension is not automatic. An application for readmission must be made by the student and approved by the College/department. Students who are readmitted after discontinuation by the College, suspension by the University, or under the Two-Year Rule must meet requirements for continued enrollment appropriate to their individual situation. These requirements are specified in a “Continuation Agreement” that is mutually agreed upon and signed by the student and his/her appropriate advisor. The consequences of failure to meet the requirements of the agreement may be articulated in the agreement itself. However, if these consequences are not included in the agreement, failure to meet the requirements will automatically result in the student’s discontinuation from the College.

SPECIAL COLLEGE PROGRAMS

MAPS – Maximizing Academic and Professional Success. The College’s nationally recognized MAPS program assists students in developing the personal, academic, and professional skills needed for success. The program includes peer mentoring in individual or small group sessions, Supplemental Instruction (SI), tutoring, workshops and study groups. SI and/or tutoring is available for courses such as calculus, chemistry, and physics, and for sophomore and junior engineering and engineering technology courses. Assessment results indicate that students who regularly participate in MAPS perform well academically and are much more likely to graduate from the College.

Freshman Learning Community (FLC). The FLC is home to approximately 200 College of Engineering freshmen who live and interact in a single residence hall. During the fall semester, FLC students take classes together. Students are assigned a peer mentor, and SI is provided by the MAPS Program for a variety of freshman courses. Other special events such as special study nights, community service projects, and social activities are also available to participants.

Student Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is an optional extracurricular program designed to develop the leadership potential of College of Engineering students through a series of weekend retreats with other students, faculty and industry partners. Top industry executives help facilitate specific activities providing some real-world perspective on being a successful leader in business and in the community.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program. Students may obtain practical work experience while pursuing their degree by participating in cooperative education whereby a student alternates semesters of full-time academic study with semesters of full-time work experience in industry. Students may also do back-to-back Co-op experiences if their fall or spring Co-op session is combined with a summer session. The work experience is under the direction of the student's major department and is closely related to his or her field of study. Students who fulfill all requirements of the Co-op program receive transcript notation, can earn up to three credit hours for a technical elective, and will receive partial credit toward the professional practice requirement for registration as a Professional Engineer.

To be eligible for the Co op program, a student must have completed at least 24 credit hours at UNC Charlotte including a number of specified courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5. A transfer student is expected to have completed at least 12 hours at UNC Charlotte.

For an undergraduate to be officially designated as a Co op student, he or she must participate in at least three full-time semesters of work experience (three work sessions and three seminar courses). Consequently, participation in Co op Education usually means that graduation can be delayed up to one year. However, students who participate in Co-op traditionally are more highly recruited at higher starting salaries than other students.

Students interested in learning more about the advantages and opportunities of participating in this program should contact the College’s Faculty Associate for Student Professional Development or the University Career Center.

Domestic Internships. A number of opportunities for non-credit internships, called 49erships, exist for students at local and regional employers. Internships for College of Engineering students are almost always paid positions. A minimum of 80 work hours need to be completed in no less than five weeks for one semester to successfully complete the program. Fall and Spring 49erships are part-time. Summer 49erships may be full- or part-time. Full-time students who are in good University standing, have completed 24 credit hours, and have a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA are eligible.

Internships do not offer academic credit, but students do receive transcript notation. Approval for enrollment must be arranged before the student begins the work experience, and students pay a course registration fee. Students may begin this program during their sophomore year. Transfer students must complete 12 credit hours at UNC Charlotte before making application for the program.

Students interested in learning more about the advantages and opportunities of participating in this program should contact the College’s Faculty Associate for Student Professional Development or the University Career Center.

International Internships. The College’s International Exchange program provides opportunities for overseas study, research, and/or an industrial experience. In many cases, students who meet eligibility requirements receive special scholarships and/or grants to help defray the cost of these programs.

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam Review. The first step in professional licensure is the FE exam, which engineering students take their senior year. To encourage and prepare students to take and successfully pass this national exam, the College offers free review opportunities each fall and spring semester. The materials focus on technical subjects and test-taking strategies.

CONTINUING ENGINEERING STUDIES

The College of Engineering sponsors various special educational programs for practicing engineers, technologists, technicians, and others, in addition to its regular academic degree programs and courses. These include conferences, short courses, seminars, and other continuing education programs designed to aid those practicing in the technical professions and occupations to keep abreast of the latest developments in the rapidly expanding technology. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education, Extension, and Summer Programs.