Innovations in articulation partnerships: The Gulf Coast Technology Articulation Partnership

TECH 5

John K. Galiotos, john.galiotos@hccs.edu, Science Technology Division, Houston Community College-NE, 555 Community College Drive, Houston, TX 77013 and Nikos Kiristis, nikosk@mail.mcneese.edu, Department of Engineering, McNeese State University, P.O. Box 91735, Lake Charles, LA 70609.
Houston Community College-Northeast (HCC-Northeast) and McNeese State University (MSU) have formed the Gulf Coast – Technology Articulation Partnership (GC-TAP). This partnership serves as an articulation facilitator and model between the two institutions and targets Process Technology students and graduates at HCC, who want to continue their education towards the baccalaureate degree at MSU. The broader impact of the project aims to increase the awareness of science and engineering technology programs among secondary education students. GC-TAP develops and implements a seamless pathway from a two- year community college to a four-year upper level program in the same or similar field of study. This effort is achieved thru the collaboration of experienced and dedicated faculties and academic advisors between participating institutions and participating Gulf Coast chemical process industries. This unique Gulf Coast initiative provides assistance for the seamless transition of diverse student populations from the secondary schools to the AAS degree in Process Technology at Houston Community College and, finally, to the BS in Engineering Technology degree at McNeese State University. Activities planned by the GC-TAP include workshops, seminars, counselor education, faculty professional development, and industry interaction. In addition, well-organized and conceived student and parent participation activities are designed to enhance their understanding of and need for advanced studies in engineering technology education. GC-TAP serves as an articulation model for all institutions that offer science and engineering technology programs in Texas and Louisiana. The GC-TAP model generates increased opportunities for all underrepresented groups of Gulf Coast students who want to continue their studies to advanced degrees in related fields. This, in turn, fosters better-compensated careers and improved communities.
 

General Papers
1:30 PM-5:55 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 S.F. Downtown Courtyard by Marriott -- Soma 3, Oral

Sci Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Technicians

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006