Description
The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) is an external consultative group supporting the Chair of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) department at the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego. The Board serves a critical role in linking the School’s strategic objectives and activities with the interests of external constituents and industry groups. It is composed of industry leaders, including UC San Diego alumni, who share the common goal of supporting and advancing the mission of the UC San Diego MAE Department.
Purpose
The Board assists the Chair, by all appropriate means, to guide the Department to more effectively carry out the following mission:
- To provide our students with a strong technical education that will enable them to have successful careers as engineers, technology leaders, and innovators.
- To prepare our students to pursue advanced education, and equip them with core knowledge across a range of disciplines, thereby enabling them to pursue careers that profoundly adapt and evolve over time.
- To prepare our students to communicate effectively and to deal knowledgeably and ethically with the impact of technology on global society.
- To transform regional, national and global society by engaging with partners outside the traditional borders of the university campus.
Process
The Board is led by a Chair and a Vice-Chair, both of whom serve two-year terms and work with the Chair to direct the Board’s Activities. The MAE IAB Board currently has 15 members and may be expanded in the future. Board Members serve three-year terms that can be renewed up to three (3) times at the discretion of the Chair. Additional Board Members are created periodically to support specific initiatives. The Board meets three (3) times annually – once in person (winter) and twice via teleconference (spring and fall). Meetings are used to brief members on issues within MAE and at UC San Diego at large, discuss strategic priorities and work on Board projects.
Responsibilities
Members are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Participate in at least two (2) meetings per year, virtually or in person.
- Provide counsel concerning the department’s priorities and goals, serve as a sounding board for the Chair and provide feedback on the contributions of the University in relation to the needs of the industry.
- Serve as an advocate within their company by championing new initiatives, making the school’s work more widely known, identifying and recruiting board members and providing opportunities for students and faculty such as internships, facility tours and research grants.