INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARDS' ROLE IN THE ACCREDITATION OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY SCHOOLS

The industry advisory board is a partnership between industry and academia.The board is composed of members of various industries which have a vital interest and purpose in the school and/or department.The purpose of an industry advisory board is to help the school/department with the strategic planning and mission while providing advice on various important issues.The industry advisory board can serve as a powerful tool to help the school or department in the accreditation process.The board can also serve as a fund raising mechanism by having its industrial partner give grants for scholarships for incoming freshman, or monies to help purchase equipment and supplies to maintain a laboratory of the department.The industry advisory board members can also serve as mentors on an industry sponsored project.Another important purpose is to advise the department in the area of curriculum development.Industry participation in curriculum development will ensure that ET students are taking the necessary classes to give them the industry skills to compete globally with other engineering technology graduates.The Industry advisory board played a vital role in the first time accreditation process of the Electronics Engineering Technology department at Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.This paper will outline the specific functions of the industry advisory board and how the industry