Messages from the Deans

Looking Ahead to the 21st Century, continued

Michael R. Lightner Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

We expect to see the undergraduate enrollment remain roughly the same, but with a shifting across departments due to continued high interest in computer science and the blossoming of biotechnology. At the same time, the master's degree population will increase significantly, with many engineers completing degrees and certificate programs while they work. This may be driven by the development of the Colorado Institute of Technology.

Delivery of instruction will continue to be diverse. Traditional classes will be augmented with demonstrations, both computer-generated and live. The use of the Web for modules, experiments, remote control of equipment placed around the globe, homework assignments, labs and office hours will increase. Nonetheless, CU-Boulder will remain largely a face-to-face environment with simple problems solved electronically and the important interactions provided live. It is the nature of the interactions that will take a different form.

With the completion of the Discovery Learning Center in 2001, expansion will focus on ITLL-2 and additions to the chemical engineering and aerospace wings. These spaces will provide a vibrant environment where the practice of engineering research, industry/university cooperative R&D, and product incubation are all integrated with engineering education. If lifelong learning is the future, then the walls between education and industry will fall, and the Renaissance ideal of an atelier or studio in which apprentices and masters work together will re-emerge.

What is the true value of the college in the environment envisioned above? I believe it is that we are a part of a broad university, where almost 50 different undergraduate degrees are offered. Studying with faculty who are world-class experts in business, philosophy, history, languages, sociology, fine arts, literature, theatre, music, religious studies, etc., is a door to the richness of the universe. "There are more things in heaven and earth" than technology, and the ability of engineering students to be a part of this great and humbling panoply is as important as the details of any engineering project. Just as important is the ability of non-engineers to have basic knowledge in technology, science, and math. It is the integration of the exciting possibilities in engineering with the rest of the university that will provide both the greatest challenge and the greatest benefit over the next 10 years.