6 <strong>Science</strong> and <strong>Engineering</strong> seattle university 7 College Launches New Program: Master of <strong>Science</strong> in Computer <strong>Science</strong> The Department of Computer <strong>Science</strong> and Software <strong>Engineering</strong> has a new graduate program designed for students seeking advanced study in computer science. The new Master of <strong>Science</strong> in Computer <strong>Science</strong> degree program, launched this fall, allows full-time students to complete a master’s degree in five academic quarters. The program also accommodates part-time students, who can complete the requirements in three years. All of the classes are offered late in the afternoon or in the evening to accommodate working professionals. “Most other major cities have at least one university with a very large MS program in computer science,” says department chair Rich LeBlanc. “Since there has been no such program in <strong>Seattle</strong>, we believe there is the potential for substantial growth in our MSCS program, perhaps exceeding the size of our Master of Ever since arriving on campus nearly five years ago, it has been Mechanical <strong>Engineering</strong> Shop Supervisor Jeff Wilhite’s dream to transform the machine shop into a state-of-the-art prototyping facility. Acquiring a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling center has been the most important step toward achieving that goal. Thanks to financial support from the Provost’s Office, the Facilities Department, and the College of <strong>Science</strong> and <strong>Engineering</strong>, the department was able to make that goal a reality in the creation of a HAAS VF2 CNC center. There are several reasons why establishing a CNC milling center will benefit mechanical engineering students. The machinery will give these students the ability to design machine parts using CAD/CAM software and then automatically machine these parts while experimenting with a wide selection of materials. The CNC center is much more efficient than conventional milling machines at accomplishing these tasks. It is the mechanical engineering equivalent of the difference between using a manual calculator and a modern computer. What better way for students to learn than to walk the process through from design to manufacture! The new equipment represents a commitment by <strong>Seattle</strong> <strong>University</strong> to the continued development of opportunities for students to gain knowledge and experience in the field of mechanical engineering. The CNC center provides engineering students new opportunities for invention and research as they concretize their theories, schematics and ideas by actually bringing them into a physical realization. The process of moving from an abstract idea to a finished product is a valuable journey that cannot be understated. The machine shop is an excellent way for students to gain insights as they learn new skills and refine existing ones. Software <strong>Engineering</strong> program, which currently produces about 20 graduates per year.” Despite having only a limited time to advertise the program after it was approved in May, the initial enrollment is 11 students, right in line with the department’s expectations. According to LeBlanc, “We are finding strong interest in the program among groups from which we expect to draw both full-time and part-time students.” Among all independent universities in the Pacific Northwest, <strong>Seattle</strong> <strong>University</strong> has the largest faculty and the most degree offerings in the areas of computer science and software engineering. The world’s first Master of Software <strong>Engineering</strong> degree was conferred by <strong>Seattle</strong> <strong>University</strong> in 1982. The graduate faculty members have strong academic credentials and are well connected to the computing industry in the <strong>Seattle</strong> area. ■ Mastering Knowledge: Milling Center Provides Students with New Opportunities Jeff Wilhite demonstrates the adaptability of the new HAAS VF2 CNC, which has increased the ability of mechanical engineering students to craft parts for their projects. In short, the acquisition of the CNC milling center is another way in which the College is empowering engineering students to master knowledge so they can make a positive impact on the world. ■ Hitting the Mark: A New Advising Center Students have long benefitted from the expertise of knowledgeable advisors in the College. Recognizing the importance of advising, the College has unveiled a new Advising Center for science and engineering majors and students interested in the health professions. Joining long-time professional advisor Mary Kelly are two new colleagues: pre-health advisor Becca Bregel and administrative assistant Lindsay Wilson. Over the summer they moved into a newly renovated space on the third floor of the <strong>Engineering</strong> Building. The Advising Center works closely with students to guide and support them as they develop a personalized educational plan and also serves as a resource for programs and development opportunities. The advisors in the Center work with students to discern talents and interests and help to monitor student academic advancement and performance. The Advising Center does not replace the faculty advisor in a student’s major, but complements those efforts and helps the student decipher the maze of requirements and applications in each personalized career path. Transfer students receive particular attention, particularly those who have not yet declared a major. “Surveys indicate that students rate academic advising as one of the most important parts of their educational experience, second only to instructional effectiveness,” says Dean Michael Quinn. “The Advising Center will help us to improve our overall level of advising by supporting the faculty advisors in the departments and being a place for students to turn when they need a service not provided by a faculty advisor.” The Advising Center has initiated a Health Professions Speaker Series to expose students to practitioners. Dr. Edward A. Walker of the UW Healthcare Leadership Development Alliance was the first speaker in this series. The Center has also created partnerships with colleagues and regional institutions to offer opportunities for students to meet directly with professionals. Practitioners are encouraged to engage directly with students who might be considering careers in the many aspects of the health care industry, including health care advocacy and administration. The Advising Center particularly encourages College alumni to meet with aspiring students to share personal insights and practical experience (email bregelr@seattleu.edu). In addition to serving current <strong>Seattle</strong> <strong>University</strong> students, the Advising Center staff is playing an important role in promoting the College of <strong>Science</strong> and <strong>Engineering</strong> to prospective students in the greater community. Mary Kelly and Becca Bregel participate in SU campus “Welcome” weekends for high school students and regularly visit community colleges. The new Advising Center will further the College’s mission by offering students the tools to succeed in assessing individual talents, achieving academic goals, and tapping into the accumulated knowledge of professionals. We are pleased to offer this enhanced service to our scholars. ■ Above: Pre-Health Advisor, Becca Bregel, welcomes students Emily Becker and Allison Sidor to the Advising Center Open House on October 20th. Top: Advisor Mary Kelly works with Paul Greenwalt, senior in the general science program.