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Session 2560

The JSS-Wilkes Scholars: A Unique Engineering Program in International Cooperation

Umid R. Nejib Wilkes University

Abstract

We are entering the new century in the midst of a technological revolution potentially more profound in its impact socially, politically, economically, and educationally than the industrial revolution of the last century. We have scarcely begun to identify its implications and adapt our institutions to change, although the first massive repercussions already have been felt with diminishing geographical boundaries, a highly diverse work force, an elevated educational profile, and rapid communication and dissemination media. J.S.S. Mahavidyapeetha Educational System of India and Wilkes University of the USA intend to meet the challenge of the new century by developing and implementing a joint educational venture favoring an integrated approach to engineering curriculum. An approach that will provide a learning environment and instructional strategy between two organizations halfway across the globe separated by cultural differences, educational traditions, and management styles. The project is self-supporting and funded entirely by the two institutions, which is a critical ingredient for the success of this cooperative venture. The obvious reason was to avoid unnecessary constraints that may be imposed implicitly or explicitly by a third party. The underlining reason, however, is to ensure the total commitment and support to this demanding project by the constituencies of both institutions. This paper reports on the current status of the program -- its development and implementation, and its approaches to assure success and circumvent administrative obstacles and cultural barriers.

I. Introduction

Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeswara Mahavidyapeetha (J.S.S.) was established by Jagadguru Dr. Sri Rajendra Mahaswamiji in 1954. J.S.S. is an educational system composed of many institutions and colleges located throughout the provinces of Karnataka and Tamilnadu and New Delhi. J.S.S. offers a variety of graduate and undergraduate degrees in fields and professions including pharmacy, medicine, engineering, the arts and the sciences. Wilkes University is a private, co-educational, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, on the western edge of the Pocono Mountains Region with an on-campus enrollment of 2000 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. It offers degree programs ranging from engineering and pharmacy to history and music.

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Nejib, U. (2001, June), The Jss Wilkes Scholars Program: A Unique Engineering Program In International Cooperation Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9487