The Daily Bulletin Archive

Currently, the Technology Department offers two options in its electrical engineering technology program: electronics and power and machines. The department requests a name change of the power and machines option from power and machines to smart grid.

Within the past several years, a change in focus has developed for professionals working in the electrical power industry—those individuals involved in electrical generation, distribution, and consumption. The focus is no longer simply on electrical power and electrical machines but on the whole interrelated system commonly referred to as the smart grid; hence the name change to reflect this industry shift.

The Technology Department was recently selected as a consortium partner for a grant by the Department of Energy. One of the objectives of this $2.5 million project is the development of smart grid minors, tracks, and concentrations.

The program option name change will bolster interest and make the program more visible to the public, better reflect the current focus of the program, and deepen Buffalo State’s commitment to the multi-institution consortium.

This name change was also recommended by a technology accreditation evaluation team, TAC ABET, during its visit to Buffalo State in September 2010. The team’s report cited the benefits of the name change as attracting new students to the program and providing graduates “additional recognition.” It was also recently endorsed by the Electrical Engineering Technology Industrial Advisory Committee.

I approve the name change of the electrical engineering technology program option from electrical engineering technology: power and machines to electrical engineering technology: smart grid.