Strategic Goal 3
Advance knowledge of and competencies in agricultural technology and systems through implementation, maintenance, and management.
Gap Analysis: Current Versus Desired Situation
Current:
- Aging laboratory facilities
- Need for equipment repair and replacement
- Untapped use of industry and business partnerships
- Expanded AGTM course offering
- AGTM course enrollment remains high in majority of courses each semester
- One faculty instructs AGTM lecture/laboratory courses
Desired:
- Expanded contemporary and multi-functional laboratory facilities
- State of the art equipment and tools to deliver experiential experience
- Engage industry and business partnerships
- Expand facilities to address dynamic curriculum content
- Increase number of teaching faculty in AGTM courses
- Further expand the AGTM curriculum into emerging technologies including Precision Agriculture
Strategies to achieve goal:
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Partner with business and industry to leverage resources to maintain curriculum relevance.
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Create a safe laboratory environment equipped with essential machinery, tools, and supplies.
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Identify potential industry partners and establish relationships for internships, post graduate placement, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities.
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Secure funding to replace, repair, and purchase laboratory equipment and supplies.
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Investigate opportunities to advance undergraduate and graduate instruction in high needs areas.
Actions to Achieve Goal:
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Explore strategic alliances with business and industry to showcase equipment, tools, and supplies to students enrolled in AGTM courses. (FY25)
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Apply for UA GreenFunds that align with current curriculum competencies. (FY25)
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Develop and maintain a record of potential industry partners who can provide internship, prospective placement occupations, and funding opportunities. (Ongoing)
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Maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment, tools, and supplies. (FY25)
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Work closely with CALES Development office to secure funding to expand and maintain safe laboratory facility. (Ongoing)
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Establish a partnership with the WakWay Foundation to support efforts to integrate the teaching of Precision Ag/agriculture drone operations in ATGM courses. (FY25)
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Increase marketing and awareness of curriculum and/or career pathways. (Ongoing)
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Identify and articulate the essential competencies associated and desired for this curriculum path. (FY22)
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Work with the departments of Plant Science, Entomology, Food Safety, and AETI to develop a distance master’s program. (FY23)
Inputs needed to achieve the goal:
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Faculty and staff
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Operational and consumable resources
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Collaboration with other CALES units, business and industry partners
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Stakeholder group support
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Marketing and promotion materials
Objective Metrics that will be used to track progress towards attaining goal:
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To increase the number of industry partners by 10% each year.
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To maintain 90% functionality of essential machinery, tools, and supplies.
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To expand and or modify curriculum offerings to be consistent with the market demand.