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Academic and Work Force Training Programs
Beyond the primary degree programs, the CME is providing a wide range of academic and work force training programs, including:
Community College Partnership Program
To expand opportunities for Mississippi students in the areas of manufacturing and engineering, the university is working with the state’s community college system to ensure a seamless transition for community college students interested in pursuing degree programs aligned with the CME. In addition, the CME is offering resources to support faculty development at the community college level, specifically in manufacturing and engineering as it relates to academic and work force training programs.
Lean Manufacturing Program
The CME is offering a hands-on, in-depth certification series for manufacturers who want to make their facilities run faster, smarter and leaner. The principles of lean thinking and creating value for the customer also will be emphasized in a series of courses or workshops. It is anticipated that at least six courses/workshops will be developed for the series, which will include Introduction to Lean Manufacturing, as well as courses on production processes, the elimination of waste and leadership in a lean system. The goal of the certificate program is to provide manufacturing management knowledge in a structured series of courses. Participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement to verify their expertise in lean systems. Examples of individual courses/workshops to be created include supply chain flow, lean accounting and other kaizen activities. Other noncredit programs for industry are expected to include programs such as an Executive Leadership Institute or related certification series. Additionally, the CME is exploring opportunities to offer environmental and sustainability curriculum as a continuing education program.
Executive-in-Residence Program
The Executive-in-Residence Program is an innovative program designed to enrich the academic learning environment at the CME by bringing the knowledge, experience and skills of top-level executives directly into the state and the university. CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, governmental leaders and other industry experts will join the CME faculty for either a semester or a full academic year to teach classes, to interact with students, to consult with faculty and administrators on manufacturing topics, and to visit with community professionals.
Manufacturing Mentorship Program
Freshman and sophomore level students interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing are encouraged to apply to join the CME’s Manufacturing Mentorship Program (MMP). The MMP program is offered to a select cohort of freshman and sophomore students during each winter intersession in early January. Students have opportunities to tour major manufacturing plants across the Southeast and to speak with a wide range of industry executive leaders and managers.
International Exchange Programs
The CME will work with the international studies department at the university to enhance the student-exchange opportunities in Japan and other countries.
Internships/Co-op Programs
One of the primary initiatives of the CME is to be a resource for student internships and co-op opportunities. The CME will work to match students and their skills with firms that wish to engage interns. The internships and co-op work opportunities are of varying time periods, meaning students may work over a summer, during a semester or for a year-long session, depending on the needs of the companies and the students. Students from the Schools of Engineering, Business Administration and Accountancy will participate, as well as qualified students from other academic disciplines.
CME Scholarship Program
To encourage the pursuit of careers within the manufacturing industry, the CME is working with the university to establish scholarships to be awarded annually to talented and dedicated students. The scholarship program is for students who are pursuing either a major or minor in manufacturing and will be open to all students, including community college transfers. The program will focus primarily on engaging students from under-served and under-represented groups.