1. Mercer University Department of Technical Communication by Dr. Helen Grady School of Engineering 9 October 2008 Presentation prepared for University of Karlsruhe C

2. What will be discussed Mercer’s School of Engineering Overview of Dept. of Technical Communication (TCO) Our curriculum Our faculty Our facilities Opportunities to work with you

3. Mercer’s School of Engineering Established in 1986 Nationally accredited in 1989 500 students BS Engineering degrees in: Electrical Computer Mechanical Biomedical Environmental Industrial

4. Mercer’s School of Engineering BS degrees in Technical Communication Industrial Management MSE degree MSTCO degree

5. Why our program is in engineering Historical demand from engineers for “engineering English” Current engineering accreditation requirements for excellent communication skills Focus on real-world projects – a good fit with engineers

6. What we mean by technical communication…. The process of designing and creating information that transfers specialized knowledge from subject matter experts to those who need to use it.

7. What our students think…. “I’m a graphic designing, website creating, quality controlling, product supporting, project managing, engineer translating, software developing, technical editing, corporate branding, usability testing, document designing, manual writing major at Mercer University. So…what does your major do?

8. TCO Curriculum TCO core competencies TCO electives Engineering core

9. TCO Core Competencies Document and web design Technical communication Usability Instructional design Technical editing Industry internship

10. TCO Electives Multimedia/advanced multimedia Communication in management Visual communication Reports and proposals Communication in high tech environments

11. Other Electives Visual programming Video production Digital storytelling Digital photography Internet programming Plus, many other options available from our College of Liberal Arts and School of Business

12. Strengths of our BS program Emphasis on technology and communication Engineering focus Teamwork Real-world projects

13. Our MS in Technical Communication Management Prepares working professionals to assume leadership roles in their organizations Emphasizes collaborative problems that address industry perspectives Delivered via distance education Consists of four modules Foundations, Media, Management, Design

14. Our Faculty Dr. Susan Codone Dr. Marjorie Davis Dr. Helen Grady Dr. George Hayhoe

15. Dr. Susan Codone Former multimedia manager for Raytheon Teaching focus: multimedia Research focus: clinical and professional communication; technology in teaching

16. Dr. Marjorie Davis Founding Chair, TCO STC Fellow Teaching focus: usability, writing, distance learning Research focus: defining the body of knowledge in field of tech comm

17. Dr. Helen Grady Department Chair Founding Director, Center for Excellence in Engineering Education Teaching focus: tech editing, instructional and information design Research focus: instructional strategies for distance ed delivery

18. Dr. George Hayhoe MSTCO Director Editor, Technical Communication (1996- 2008); STC Fellow Teaching focus: usability, technology, distance learning Research focus: ISO standards, research methods

19. A tour of our facilities Usability lab Hi-tech classrooms Curriculum development lab New office and student work rooms New University Center Historic campus

20. New Science/Engineering Home

21. State-of-the-art usability lab

22. Hi-tech classrooms

23. Well equipped curriculum development lab

24. Spacious office areas

25. Individual student work areas

26. So why study abroad at Mercer? Small school, extra attention from Professors Small class sizes A vibrant student community with many activities throughout the year

27. Opportunities to work with you? Student exchange (short/long term) Faculty exchange (short/long term) Project collaboration (virtual teams) Internships Potential certificate in TCO