The Drafting and CAD Technology program provides training in architectural drafting, building information modeling, and 3D solids modeling that prepares students for careers in a variety of industries that employ computer-aided drafters. The department also serves the needs of students who are pursuing transfer to four-year universities in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Interior Design by offering core curriculum in these majors.
The Drafting and CAD (Computer Aided Drafting/Design) Technology program is designed to prepare students to fulfill technical documentation requirements of today’s technically demanding disciplines from architecture to engineering. Students will apply a variety of concepts from trigonometry, physical science, and computer science in class to help prepare for real-world applications. The two major focus areas: Architecture and Construction along with Manufacturing and Engineering help to prepare students for careers such as interior design, building construction, engineering, manufacturing or architecture. Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to: describe the role of technical graphics in the engineering design process; produce dimensioned technical drawings using both manual sketching techniques and computer-aided drafting and design software; read and interpret the technical information provided by construction drawings, plot plans, floor plans, system blueprints, and elevations.
The following SLO was addressed in the Drafting Technology Program: DFT2 Engineering Graphics I: Set up a solid modeling application to develop parts, assemblies and output drawing and create parts with extrudes, sweeps and loft attributes using a solid modeling application. In addition, DFT12 Beginning AutoCAD learning outcome Produce, edit and dimension orthographic projection drawings, pictorial drawings in mechanical and architectural applications using AutoCAD.
Two sections of DFT2 Engineering Graphics I and one section of DFT12 were evaluated from FA17. Specific assignments were assessed. Each file was assessed to an informal rubric with qualitative characteristics including: Completion (Y/N), Sketch at full definition (PRT), All views shown on drawing (DRW) and assembly packed properly with all links and annotations as assigned (ASM). The following results were recorded and are aggregated for the two sections.
Distribution of evaluative data shows consistency between sections and identified opportunities for improvement as follows: First pass evaluation not measured for a subsequent set of evaluations when initial assignment completion is submitted. Improvements in rubric weights for correctness and exactness not measured to a weighted level all measurements are equal in weight. Evaluate data to aggregate noncompliant students into a source of information and analysis including a qualitative set of explanations as to why students are falling short of completion (i.e. lack of time, lack of effort and/or discrimination by student about assignment value against available time to complete.
| 2012FA | 74.47% | |
| 2013FA | 80.0% | |
| 2014FA | 77.54% | |
| 2015FA | 83.84% | |
| 2016FA | 70.94% | |
Success rates for DFT are adequate over the past four years. From program review, industry input and work the with the CSU and UC, success rates are in line with the rigor and depth mandated by good practice. Limitations of resources including shared spaced with CSCI and ENGR are significant impacts to success rates. Rates are also diluted because of persistent numbers of ENGR students who take DFT2 and DFT8 and nothing else although if they were to complete DFT2, DFT8 and DFT16 they would achieve the CC in 3D Mechanical Applications. Completion rates to a an A.S. degree is lower than that of comparable CTE programs DFT remains a dependent part of the ENGR lower division education process. Degree and certificate completions can be and will be increased as we are able to grow resources proportionally with demand. Focused Persistence and fill rates for DFT are high but continue to be a challenge with the nature of everchanging landscapes in the technical industries served. We see many whom we consider “surgical” completers – that is that they take a necessary class to fulfill an immediate need or employment improvement then leave. We are now paying attention to data supplied by the Completers/Leavers Survey. The rates for completions and employment rates remain at a sustained high level.
The college supports students in their progress toward their educational goals by collaborating with industry, external agencies, and other institutions of higher education to ensure that programs are relevant and meeting current needs. The Drafting Technology program is working directly with the UC and CSU Schools of Engineering, Construction Management, Interior Architecture and Sustainable Manufacturing to provide a shared guidance and oversight of curriculum that is relevant and meeting the needs of higher education rigor. Drafting Technology is working with local and regional industries to develop technical graphics programming that is relevant and needed to assure that local candidates for employment as prepared, ready and able to succeed in an employment outcome. Enhancing a Culture of Inclusiveness: Improving access, success, and completion of targeted student populations through the implementation of the Student Equity Plan. The Drafting Technology program is working closely with MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) and the STEM pathways at Butte College and local high schools to develop connections and achievements of target populations identified in the current District Student Equity Plan including outreach, intern opportunities and transfer successes into computer science pathways.
Previous results for Drafting Technology program were aggregated with Computer Science and Drafting technology and are difficult to disaggregate and stand out except the following items from previous program review:
- Sustain program growth with qualified and effective Associate Faculty -- Current status of DFT includes 1 full time faculty and 4 associate faculty.
- Continued work to develop pathways with local high schools and programs such as Guided Pathways and Dual Enrollment and recruit and retain under-represented students in our programs.
- Maintain our laboratory software and hardware so that students can be trained to industry standards, to maximize their employment potential.
- Constantly maintain and update our curriculum to ensure we are aligned with industry standards and adequately prepare our students for professional certification.
The efforts of faculty, staff and industry supporting DFT are to be appreciated for aligning the curriculum, developing certificates, certificates of achievement and AS degree and for maintaining a place of relevance and effectiveness. It is the intention of DFT, Sustainable Technologies and Design department to build on the good work previously accomplished to ensure that DFT remains in a position of prominence and importance to Butte College and the surrounding technical communities of architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing and within higher education.
Drafting Technology as an instructional program has the overarching goals that include:
- Consolidate and align lecture and laboratory spaces to every extent possible to synergize all instructional delivery with ENGR and CSCI programs.
- Replace all equipment and instrumentation to current technology standards of practice for transfer and technology based completion strands.
- Attend professional development events, education opportunities, externships and trade shows.
Strategy 1 - Drafting Technology Facilities
Augment and configure additional laboratory space necessary to resolve impacted program and lack of resource space in which to teach sections that would make with added lab space. The addition of one lab space environment would also centralize the locations of programs such as ENGR and CSCI to maximize effectiveness and would synergize all instructional delivery.
DFT program growth is limited by facility circumstances and require one additional dedicated laboratory area be added to meet growth. In addtion, centralize location of Engineering program lecture and laboratory spaces to every extent possible to synergize all instructional delivery with ENGR and CSCI programs. Currently, ENGR has NO dedicated facility and shares space with Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Drafting Technology. One more properly equipped laboratory space is necessary.
Strategy 2 - Update Instructional Equipment and Computing Resources
Replace all equipment and instrumentation to current technology standards of practice of a contemporary computer science, drafting technology, sustainable technologies, engineering for transfer and engineering technology based completion strands.
Contemporary computer science and engineering programs demand the very most in equipment and computing performance including desktops, networking, interconnects and distribution and storage in server-based environments. Current equipment and computing resources DO NOT meet minimum requirements for effective programming. Replace all equipment and instrumentation to current technology standards of practice of a contemporary computer science, drafting technology, sustainable technologies, engineering for transfer and engineering technology based completion strands.
Strategy 3 - Professional Development
Faculty and staff professional development including events, workshops, training, externships and trade shows.
STEM programs mandate a continued pursuit of professional development that extends beyond local resources. Professional development keeps faculty and staff at the leading edge of development of relevant instructional programming, courses, certificates and degrees.
Facilities are the limiting factor for the DFT program. The schedule of DFT classes is primary to the Main campus and the Chico Center campus however the use of facilities by the CSCI and ENGR programs makes scheduling a fundamentally difficult issue term over term. In addition, the limitation of scheduling to avoid current Mathematics Department and the collective Physical Sciences Department makes the limitation of computer-based laboratory space the most critical issue to solve for the Department of Computer Sciece, Sustainable Technologies and Design to solve in 2018-19.
With the continued development of technology-based programming to DFT, TOPS codes matched to offerings allowing the potential funding sources including: Perkins funding for CTE program improvement and development, SB1070 mini-grant funding for regional program development, Proposition 39 funding to introduce energy-based programming including solar energy and wind energy course development and CCPT funding for CTE STEM-based pathway development with regional K-12 districts and high schools. In addition, DFT will self-support through contract 3D printing services average monthly revenue and drafting services.
| Original Priority | Program, Unit, Area | Resource Type | Account Number | Object Code | One Time Augment | Ongoing Augment |
| Description | Supporting Rationale | Potential Alternative Funding Sources | Prioritization Criteria | |||
| 1 | Drafting Technology Program | Facilities | $25,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Drafting Technology Program Facilities | Facility limitations require DFT and ENGR to share facilities and to be spread over multiple classrooms in multiple buildings. Such circumstances require one additional dedicated laboratory area be added to meet growth. In addition, centralize location of Engineering program lecture and laboratory spaces to every extent possible to synergize all instructional delivery with ENGR and CSCI programs. Monies requested will support the remodel of space to accommodate need. |
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| 2 | Drafting Technology Program | Equipment | $20,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Application Licensing | Continue access to state-of-the-industry CAD and 3D modeling applications through licensing including the support of multiple research and industry-professional versions of CAD and 3D modeling applications to support internships and professional transition to industry. |
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| 3 | Drafting Technology Program | Equipment | $7,500.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Add dual monitor mounts for CHC232 Lab | Mount existing monitors to swing arms to reclaim lost desk space and improve ergonomics of monitor adjusting in CHC232 |
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| 4 | Drafting Technology Program | Operating Expenses | $8,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Professional Development for DFT Faculty and Staff | STEM programs mandate a continued pursuit of professional development that extends beyond local resources. Professional development keeps faculty and staff at the leading edge of development of relevant instructional programming, courses, certificates and degrees. |
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| 5 | Drafting Technology Program | Equipment | $4,500.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Service Contract Stratasys Elite 3D Printer | Renew service contract for Stratasys Elite 3D printer. |
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| 6 | Drafting Technology Program | Equipment | $6,850.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Repairs to Stratasys 768 3D PRinter | Stratasys 768 3D printer has need for repairs. Unit is worth repairing rather than replacing. |
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| 7 | Drafting Technology Program | Equipment | $5,240.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Replenish 3D Printer Material | Replenish 3D printing material for 768 and Elte 3D printers. |
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