CSCY Industrial Advisory Board

Overview

Keeping abreast of industry developments is an essential aspect of preparing students for their future careers. The Department of Computer Science and Information Security Industrial Advisory Board (CSIS-IAB) is vital in creating a strong link between industry and the department and is expected to contribute in achieving the department's goals and objectives. Members of the department's Industrial Advisory Board are professionals in industry and government who collaborate and build cooperative efforts with the department, advise on academic programs, and help in building future departmental directions.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Industry Advisory Board is to create and foster a partnership between the CSIS Department and its constituents, that are the consumers of its graduates and its research. This collaboration will lead to each party having a better understanding of the objectives of the other as well as allowing each to better support the other in meeting those objectives.

Win-Win

Participation in the CSIS-IAB by regional companies and other employers results in positive outcomes for both the department and the members of the IAB. It is a partnership that pays dividends for all participants:

• Employers help to ensure availability of well prepared computer science and information security graduates and students.
• Employers gain the ability to evaluate potential employees through internships, collaborative projects, and classroom interactions.
• Employers gain access to faculty who can provide both technical expertise as well as assistance in recruiting students with appropriate skills and abilities.
• Students gain a broader perspective and benefit from internship opportunities and exposure to real-world project management, teamwork, and customer oriented development.
• Students get informed directly by industrial representatives to help develop their interest and the experience needed to start working in industry.
• The department gains by IAB contribution to the department's goals, ensuring the currency of the curriculum and degrees and thereby the positive enrollment and marketability of the department's programs.
• The department gains from the participation and contributions (both financial and otherwise) which support the departments long term strategic plans.
• Faculty gain industrial perspective on the fast past changes in the computing industry that affects the changes to the curriculum and instructional delivery.

Objectives

The CSIS-IAB has the following primary objectives:

• To ensure that the curriculum and instructional programs within the CSIS department at SUU is of the highest quality.
• To provide guidance in the transition of students to professionals.
• To advance involvement and collaboration between students, faculty, and IAB members.
• To support the strategic plan and mission statement of the department and university.

IAB Organizational Structure

The department issues invitations to selected companies with the intent to create a board that is representative of:

• The computer-related industries that are located within the University's region and/or nationwide interested in hiring the graduates from CSIS department.
• School District professionals that are providing our programs with talented students.
• Members typically serve a two year or longer term.
• Formal meetings are held annually or semi-annually although the department expects and encourages active participation by IAB members throughout the year especially with regards to advisement on prospective changes in curriculum, equipment, or department strategies and goals.

(The fast pace of change in information technology coupled with less than realistic budgets make it very difficult to provide hands-on experiences with emerging technologies. Curriculum, competencies, and technologies evolve quickly and the distinct lines that once existed between different disciplines are fading. An active, well focused Industrial Advisory Board, comprised of significant corporate leaders who demonstrate involvement, influence, insight, and program advocacy will lead to current and relevant curriculum. A dedicated board will also serve as an accelerated mechanism for obtaining program resources, and highly sought after graduates. Taking the time to focus and maximize your Industrial Advisory Board is an essential ingredient in program revitalization and advancement.) (Maximizing Your Industrial Advisory Board By Dr. John Allen Marshall, Journal of Industrial Technology)

Members