Legislature(2013 - 2014)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/06/2013 08:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB40 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 40 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 40-APPROP: UNIV. ENGINEERING BUILDINGS
7:59:54 AM
CHAIR STEVENS announced the consideration of [SB 40].
SENATOR JOHNNY ELLIS, sponsor, introduced SB 40. He related that
Alaska faces a severe shortage of engineers. In recent years
this problem has been compounded by the graying of the work
force. The engineering industry and the resource development
industry have commented on the enormous expense and hassle of
recruiting and retaining engineers from outside of Alaska.
Alaska industry prefers Alaskan engineers.
He reported that over the years existing engineering facilities
at the University of Alaska-Anchorage (UAA) and the University
of Alaska-Fairbanks (UAF) have become woefully inadequate. They
are cramped and out of date and lack the special-purpose lab
space required for modern engineering. He voiced concern that
accreditation may be lost if these challenges are not addressed.
He stated that last year, due to the work of the legislature,
partial funding was secured for the construction of these much-
needed facilities. He said it was time to finish what was
started.
He said the effort to invest in Alaska-grown engineers enjoyed
enthusiastic support from a broad coalition of Alaska's
engineering professional organizations and businesses. Industry
advisory boards for both universities have urged the legislature
to address growing enrollment and inadequate facilities. It is
the regents' number one new construction priority for academic
programs. They maintain that there is adequate demand by
industry and by individuals for engineering programs at both
campuses.
He opined that Alaska is a decade behind providing Alaska-
trained engineers to Alaska resource industries.
8:04:09 AM
SENATOR GARDNER agreed that it is an important bill. She
addressed course availability for engineering students.
SENATOR ELLIS deferred to other testifiers to answer. He said
the biggest complaint heard from students and parents is about
inadequate facilities.
CHAIR STEVENS asked what an engineering student needs, other
than a drafting table. He requested more information regarding
labs.
SENATOR ELLIS understood that specialized facilities are now
required in engineering programs.
8:06:29 AM
THOMAS CASE, Chancellor, University of Alaska-Anchorage, agreed
with Senator Ellis's comments. He said there is no higher
priority for the university, aside from deferred maintenance, in
the Board of Regents' budget. He stressed how important the
engineering field is in Alaska.
He noted that one of the difficulties in the engineering program
is the problem of scheduling courses in sequence, due to lack of
lab space. Much of the engineering curriculum involves
technology and appropriate labs. He said that he and Chancellor
Rogers have advocated for two years for the completion of the
new engineering facilities.
8:09:12 AM
CHAIR STEVENS asked about the number of faculty and students
currently involved in engineering classes.
CHANCELLOR CASE responded that there were 806 engineering
students in 2007 and 1,137 students in 2012, a 41 percent
increase.
CHAIR STEVENS asked how many faculty are assigned to the
engineering departments.
CHANCELLOR CASE answered that there are 38.5 full-time
equivalent (FTE) teaching and instruction-based research faculty
at UAA, and 43.5 at UAF.
SENATOR GARDNER suggested the 41 percent increase in enrollment
over a five-year period was dramatic. She inquired as to the
cause of that jump in enrollment and wondered if efforts to
engage students in the science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) fields played a role.
CHANCELLOR CASE agreed with the need to expand STEM education
efforts K - 12 and beyond. The need for additional engineers is
also drive by occupational needs for engineers in the Arctic.
8:11:35 AM
BRIAN ROGERS, Chancellor, University of Alaska-Fairbanks,
testified in support of SB 40. He called it a positive,
cooperative effort between UAA and UAF. He voiced appreciation
for last year's support of the project. The money was used right
away to award phase one contracts to begin utilities and
groundbreaking. Appropriation this year would allow for
continuation of work. The work was allocated to an Anchorage-
based contractor to build the Fairbanks facility, but Fairbanks
subcontractors were also used.
CHANCELLOR ROGERS referred to the 41 percent increase in
students and added that, in the fall of 2012, those 1,137
students were formally enrolled in the undergraduate
baccalaureate program. He noted there are currently over 1,600
students enrolled in spring semester taking at least one
engineering course at either the undergraduate or graduate
level. They are on track to reach a goal set in 2006 of doubling
the number of engineering graduates. He voiced appreciation for
legislative support for operating costs to increase faculty and
to unblock course sequences so students can graduate in a timely
fashion.
He emphasized the need for specialized laboratories for specific
engineering courses and efforts to avoid unnecessary duplication
between the two programs.
8:15:08 AM
CHAIR STEVENS asked Chancellor Rogers how many years he has been
with the university.
CHANCELLOR ROGERS said he enrolled as a student in 1970.
SENATOR STEDMAN spoke in support of the need for new engineering
buildings. He noted caution about the difficulty of future
funding and the possibility of the university being a reduction
target due to the fact that it is third in line for operating
funds behind health and human services and education. He hoped
the university would give serious thought as to how facilities
would be managed in the future.
8:17:59 AM
CHANCELLOR ROGERS agreed with Senator Stedman's view of long-
term challenges. He said one of the reasons the engineering
buildings are so important is that engineering talent will be a
part of the solution to Alaska's diversified economy. He noted
that the university has been working to reduce the energy
footprint of its facilities in order to cut costs. He said he
sees FY 14 and FY 15 as critical years with a declining state
budget accompanied by a federal decline. The university is
working very hard to hold the line on tuition and manage within
constraints. He said he understands what Senator Stedman is
saying.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY requested information on the number of freshmen
who choose engineering at each campus and what areas they are
focusing on. He also wanted to know the number of engineering
graduates.
8:20:09 AM
CHANCELLOR ROGERS said he could provide that information. He
noted that many students don't officially enter a degree program
until the second year of college. He offered to provide the
number of students in pre-engineering and engineering programs
and the number of graduates in each of the programs.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY requested information from previous years,
also.
8:21:06 AM
DOUG GOERING, Ph.D., Dean, College of Engineering and Mines,
University of Alaska-Fairbanks, related that enrollment in
engineering programs at UAF has accelerated over the past seven
years to the point of doubling to about 1,000 students. He
provided data about which areas student were going into. The
fastest growing area is petroleum engineering, which has more
than tripled since the early 2000's. The second most attractive
field is mechanical engineering, which has doubled. Electrical
and computer engineering have remained relatively flat. The
civil engineering program has grown modestly.
He addressed graduation rates which have increased substantially
over the past few years. Last spring 90 undergraduate engineers
graduated. Including graduate degrees and computer scientists,
roughly 150 graduated from the College of Engineering and Mines.
He recalled that the need for new engineering facilities was
vetted back in 2010 - 2011 with an educational consultant. The
analysis was based on enrollment data from the fall of 2010.
He summarized that the university is making great progress on
facilities planning on the UAF campus. He spoke highly of the
design team and the excellence of the potential labs.
8:26:34 AM
DR. GOERING addressed the need to integrate the facilities into
the campuses. He said there is also funding in the budget to
renovate existing structures.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if the college does any student career
tracking and if there is any data about how many stay and work
in Alaska.
DR. GOERING replied that the follow up is related to
accreditation activities. He did not have exact data, but
believed that around 75 percent of graduates end up in Alaska.
He added that placement rates are very high. Several students
have gone on to national organizations beyond Alaska.
8:29:43 AM
SENATOR GARDNER asked if UAF is drawing engineering students
from outside of Alaska. She wondered if new facilities might
have an impact on attracting those students.
DR. GOERING said it was an interesting question. He thought that
was already occurring in petroleum engineering. He also thought
new facilities would have a positive effect on attracting new
students.
8:31:46 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS asked about internal adjustments in order to
make room for a "rising tide of demand."
DR. GOERING responded that the university has made some facility
adjustments to make room for engineering classrooms and labs. He
noted that there has been a shift in enrollment from science to
engineering.
8:35:10 AM
ORSON SMITH, Interim Dean, School of Engineering, University of
Alaska-Anchorage, described how the enrollment in the School of
Engineering has increased by 450 percent to nearly 1,200
students since he began to teach in 1998. He said that 90
percent of those students are Alaskans.
He pointed out that engineering facilities at UAA are less than
one-third of the average specialized space other state
universities provide for engineering education. He said he is
looking forward to the new facilities. Computer programing is
the largest program, followed by civil engineering.
DR. SMITH said that engineering students have many intern
opportunities and almost all of them are employed upon
graduation. Most of them remain in the Anchorage area.
He stated that an investment now in engineering education will
benefit Alaska for many years to come.
8:39:01 AM
CHAIR STEVENS asked for more information about high school
engineering academies.
DR. SMITH replied that the Anchorage School District follows a
national curriculum called "Project Lead the Way," which
involves robotics and computer programming.
SENATOR GARDNER asked about enrollment statistics and trends.
DR. SMITH answered that there are currently 1,200 students
committed to engineering degree programs. He said that in 2000
there were 293 students in the program; in 2012 there were 1,190
students. He did not see that trend decreasing because of the
inspirational programs in secondary schools.
8:42:33 AM
PETER STOKES, Chair, College of Engineering and Mines Advocacy
and Development Council, University of Alaska-Fairbanks,
explained that he is a petroleum engineer with Petrotechnical
Resources Alaska (PRA). He related that he graduated from UAF
and has worked in oil and gas for 25 years in Alaska and
elsewhere. He noted he was speaking on behalf of the Development
Council, which provides guidance to UAF on strategic issues
related to engineering.
He thanked the committee for recognizing the need to expand
facilities at both campuses. He said new facilities are
necessary to meet the demands of the current and future
engineering needs in the state. He suggested that both
university campuses have complimentary facilities.
8:47:09 AM
He believed that state funding to increase the capacity of the
engineering programs is a great investment in the future of
engineering in Alaska. Alaska engineering firms would prefer to
hire Alaskans. He pointed out that he is speaking on behalf of
his two grandsons and the future of engineering.
CHAIR STEVENS said the Red Dog Mine used to employee 100 percent
from the local Native Corporation and today they are unable to
do so. He asked if Mr. Stokes saw a return to local hire as a
possibility in the future.
MR. STOKES said there are many initiatives that are directed
toward the education of Native students, such as ANSEP and
engineering academies. He reiterated the difficulty of the
academics in engineering programs.
8:50:05 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY requested a list of all projects the university
is requesting funding for from the legislature. He cautioned
that the university might not receive funding for everything on
the list.
CHAIR STEVENS requested his staff look up that information.
8:52:17 AM
SENATOR STEDMAN suggested the information is listed in the Red
Book.
SENATOR HUGGINS shared a personal story. He talked about
internships. He addressed the petroleum decline challenge and
the benefits of having more available engineers.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Stokes.
8:54:54 AM
STEVE MILLER, American Society of Civil Engineers-Matsu,
provided supportive testimony for SB 40. He noted he was a part-
time employee for BP. He shared his personal work history. He
said a good engineering program attracts talent to Alaska. There
are many projects that will require engineers to complete those
projects.
8:58:31 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS commented on Mr. Miller's background and thanked
him for his efforts.
9:00:06 AM
GRANT BAKER, retired UAA and UAF engineering professor,
testified in favor of SB 40. He said that 10 years ago there was
a shortage of engineers in Alaska and companies had to go
elsewhere for hire. About four years ago high schools in
Fairbanks and Anchorage started engineering academies. Each of
those programs has about 150 students now. Last fall, Eagle
River High School started an engineering program and has over
100 students. In a very short time there will be hundreds of
more university students enrolled in engineering programs. He
requested funding for the engineering facilities.
CHAIR STEVENS asked Mr. Baker where he lives.
MR. BAKER said he lives in Anchorage.
CHAIR STEVENS inquired if he is involved in the engineering
academy in Anchorage.
MR. BAKER said he is involved in Project Lead the Way.
SENATOR GARDNER asked what percentage of students in high school
engineering classes, choose engineering as a career.
MR. BAKER replied that there is no data regarding that because
the program is so new. He noted that two years ago when students
graduated from the Dimond High School program, there was an
large increase in the engineering program at UAA.
9:03:55 AM
DALE NELSON, Chair, Legislative Liaison Committee, Alaska
Professional Design Council (APDC), provided supportive
testimony from the viewpoint of a practicing civil engineer. He
thanked Senator Ellis for his work for the engineering
profession. He stressed the importance of hiring locally trained
engineers and of promoting research. He testified in support of
SB 40.
9:07:02 AM
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Nelson for his continued involvement
with engineering in Alaska.
KIT DUKE, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Land
Management, University of Alaska, offered to answer questions.
9:08:54 AM
ROBERT BALDWIN, Managing Principal, Alaska Science and
Technology Consultants, said he was representing the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He stressed the
importance of having direct access for new students considering
engineering degrees. Lack of adequate classrooms and lab space
robs that opportunity and threatens accreditation and capped
enrollments. He related the economic benefits of SB 40.
9:11:34 AM
BOB PAWLOWSKI, Member, College of Engineering and Mines Advisory
Development Council, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, provided
supportive testimony for SB 40. He provided a personal example
how engineering programs are key in growing Alaska businesses.
9:14:17 AM
BRUCE DAVIDSON, representing himself, testified in support of SB
40. He spoke in support of having excellent facilities for
engineering programs.
9:17:00 AM
SHAWN FLORIO, Member, Alaska Professional Design Council,
provided supportive testimony for SB 40. He related that HDR,
the firm he works for, could have hired 30 more engineers last
year and prefers to hire Alaska graduates. He stressed the need
for more Alaska engineers.
9:18:47 AM
BRIAN CLEMENTS, Electrical Engineer, CH2M Hill Professional
Engineering, provided supportive testimony for SB 40. He said it
is difficult to find enough engineers to get the work done in
his company. He emphasized that state-of-the-art facilities are
important in attracting engineers to Alaska.
9:20:49 AM
TOM GILL, Engineering Student, University of Alaska-Anchorage,
provided supportive testimony for SB 40. He said as a senior
civil engineering student, he can attest that the School of
Engineering has outgrown the current space and the labs need to
be modernized. He stated that SB 40 is an investment in the
future.
9:23:22 AM
VIRGINIA GROESCHEL, graduate, School of Engineering, University
of Alaska-Anchorage, said she is also the section president for
the American Society of Civil Engineers in Alaska and works for
DOWL HKM. She provided supportive testimony for SB 40. She said
over 60 percent of engineer graduates remain in Anchorage. She
recalled the inadequacy of the labs in the engineering program.
She wished to see better opportunities for future students.
9:25:57 AM
FRANK RAST, AGC Liaison, American Council of Engineering
Companies - Alaska, provided supportive testimony for SB 40. He
said nine of the last ten hires have been UAA or UAF graduates.
He maintained that the demand for engineers has exceeded the
supply, and it is expensive to recruit in the Lower 48. He
stressed the importance of research in the engineering field and
the need for new facilities.
9:28:05 AM
SENATOR GARDNER asked about out-of-state female engineering
students.
MR. RAST answered that the last two hires were female.
9:29:07 AM
CHAIR STEVENS stated he would hold SB 40 in committee.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 02062013_SB40_DOL_Trends_Feb2011.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_Engineering_WhitePaper.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SponsorStatement.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SupportLetter_Baker.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SupportLetter_Call.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SupportLetter_IEEE_Seitz.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SupportLetter_Reich.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SupportLetter_Robbins.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SupportLetter_Call.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |
| 02062013_SB40_SupportLetter_Hughes.pdf |
SEDC 2/6/2013 8:00:00 AM |
SB 40 |