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Interdivisional Town Hall Meeting: Fostering Comprehensive and Holistic Development in Engineering Students

The annual Interdivisional Town Hall provides a forum for members from various divisions and attendees to discuss topics relevant to the entire ASEE membership. With multiple divisions, our organization values diverse perspectives, fostering cross-divisional partnerships, and creating resources to address challenges at national and international levels. This year’s discussion will center on enhancing the student experience. As faculty, instructors, and staff, we aim to make a difference by exploring and creating meaningful next steps for key aspects of students' journeys in engineering education and professional development.

The first half will allow for intimate, roundtable conversations based on provided discussion prompts, listed below.

The second half of the Town Hall will introduce KEEN, the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network, and a framework for faculty to engage students via curiosity, connections, and creating value in the classroom. Participants will collaboratively engage with EngineeringUnleashed.com resources to realize activities for their engineering courses.

Both parts of the Town Hall will lead directly to roundtable discussions to share recommendations and generate ideas. Individuals will be asked to share and apply their skills, knowledge, and expertise to these conversations in crafting shareable deliverables for guiding future effort.

Topic 1 – Equity Issues in STEM Preparation
Engineering students often encounter equity challenges in math and STEM preparation, especially when navigating the demanding engineering curriculum towards graduation. Some students may feel discouraged or be discouraged from continuing in the field. It is essential for all students to have access to quality education and resources, regardless of their backgrounds. Our goal is to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse engineering field that generates innovative solutions benefiting society. Additionally, we seek to create a talent pool that might not currently be adequately represented.

Topic 2 – Working Together Effectively
Teamwork and collaboration are essential skills in all career sectors. Engineering students often face challenges with team dynamics during collaborative activities, which can impact project outcomes and interpersonal relationships in and beyond school and the workplace. By addressing these challenges early, students can develop a positive team environment, improve communication, and enhance collaboration skills crucial for their future engineering careers. What are some best practices for equitable team formation, team mentorship, and teaching collaboration? How can collaboration and teamwork be effectively assessed? What innovative ideas do you have to promote collaboration as a vital skill, including methods for discussion, debriefing, and practice?

Topic 3 – Using Artificial Intelligence Appropriately
The responsible use of AI can greatly benefit engineering faculty, staff, and students by enhancing their learning, deepening their understanding of studied concepts, and preparing them for future careers. It is necessary for students to understand the limitations and ethical considerations of AI, as well as how it can complement their skills. As educators, it is essential for us to understand and help develop guidelines and recommendations at our universities regarding the responsible use of AI in teaching and learning.

Topic 4 – Global Citizenship in Engineering Education
Global education and citizenship for engineering students involve understanding diverse perspectives and addressing social justice issues in engineering practice. Students should have opportunities to develop global competencies such as communication, cooperation, social responsibility, identity, and knowledge by practicing both professional skills and applying technical solutions with a global perspective, sustainability, and consideration for cultural and social expectations.