Contact: Bob Ratliff
When the College of Engineering Class of 2003 graduates from Mississippi State University, its members will take with them a constant companion from campus days--their personal computer.
"Computers are a necessary part of the job for practicing engineers," said Dean A. Wayne Bennett. "We decided about three years ago that our students had to have full-time access to a computer throughout their college careers in order to perfect the skills employers require."
That goal was realized this semester when the college began requiring entering fall freshman engineering majors to have a personal computer.
Also this semester, all mechanical engineering students--freshmen through seniors-must have their own PCs.
"This computer should be available to them 24 hours a day, customized to reflect their preferences and integrated into their everyday lives," Bennett said. "Computer labs cannot provide this type of access."
While course work is the primary use for the computers, engineering majors also are being encouraged to use the machines for word processing, e-mail and other tasks.
"Studies by the National Science Foundation and National Academy of Engineering have found that engineering graduates need to be comfortable with using the technology, in addition to having excellent computer skills," said Bennett. "Using the computer for e-mail and other tasks will help students with both their technical and communication skills."
Most students see the computer requirement as a positive step toward giving MSU graduates an edge in the workplace.
"Computers are now a way of life and, in most cases, you need extensive knowledge of computers to succeed," said Lauren K. Carnathan, a freshman chemical engineering major from Mobile, Ala. "This is an extra step toward guaranteeing success in the future and it's this attitude that the College of Engineering has that made me want to come to MSU."
Each of MSU's nine engineering departments has its own specifications for a type of laptop or desktop. Most, however, require or encourage the use of laptops that can be brought to the classroom.
Students who don't already own computers meeting departmental standards may choose to purchase a machine from any supplier. Two companies--Dell Computers and Laurel-based Howard Computers--already offer their products to MSU engineering students at special prices.
Personnel with Jackson-based New Horizons Mississippi are providing training sessions in Microsoft Word and Excel, Power Point and e-mail for the freshman engineers. The computer program classes continue through mid-September.