8.9.1 Motivation

As a primary mission, the SLC should provide the student perspective and facilitate communication between staff, students, industry partners, and the NSF. Thus, student contributions and input regarding industry meetings is needed. Another function of the SLC is to plan social and professional events that provide students with opportunities to network with center alumni and visitors from industry and academia. Meetings with industrial partners are an ideal opportunity to fulfill these objectives while simultaneously benefiting the student body. Students can find potential future employers and also broaden their educational experience with practical applications of their research.

8.9.2 Summary of Survey Results

Center-wide industry meetings are typically held between one and four times per year. Other industry meetings at a project level can occur much more frequently at some centers. As with site visits, students are generally expected to participate in a poster session and other presentations and demonstrations during industry meetings. However, more of the preparation work is conducted through center administrators and faculty advisors on a more individual basis. Industry meetings seem to be an area where SLC and center students are less involved and/or less successful, despite the fact that they relate directly to several of the stated SLC missions and functions.
One center has an Industry Committee that focuses on activities and events related to industry. For instance, they organize seminars where industry members teach current industry practice to the students on a regular basis and compile lists of current journal publications from the center to distribute to industry.

8.9.3 Multi-University Centers

SLCs that report better performance with regard to industry meetings for multi-university centers are those where the SLC takes a more active role in helping students to prepare. This is also generally the case for single-location centers.

8.9.4 Best Practices and Conclusions

Again, one main function of an SLC is to represent the student body to center administrators and guests, especially industry sponsors. Industry meetings provide an excellent opportunity for students to network and socialize with industry executives. The SLC can facilitate this process by:

• Helping to organize events such as luncheons or private sessions with industry
• Having student or staff liaisons for each partner company
• Contributing to resume books and student/company matching programs for internships and full-time positions after graduation.

In general, the SLC can act as a liaison to center administrators when students desire more interaction with industry or a change in format and procedures for industry meetings. For example, a proper balance of project-based meetings and center-wide meetings should be attained, which will most likely vary over time as the center grows and matures.

Preparations for industry meetings are somewhat similar to those for site visits and SLCs assist in a comparable manner: communicating expectations, organizing poster sessions, and encouraging participation. In some centers, however, industry meeting preparations are handled more by center staff, administrators, and faculty.

If you have specific comments and questions on the contents of this site and/or its use, please contact webmaster@erc-assoc.org. To report technical problems, contact techhelp@erc-assoc.org.