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Today's engineers must be more than just technically competent. To be successful in our increasingly global economy in which teamwork and interdisciplinary interaction are the norm, engineers must have excellent communication skills. In recognition of industry needs, the San José State University College of Engineering redesigned its technical communication course to ensure that students graduate with writing and speaking skills that will transfer readily to their career needs and the global arena. The course aims to motivate students through exploring topics that are meaningful to them and using communication formats that they will see in the workplace. Combining technical communication with study of the environment broadens the course to meet multiple Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology outcomes. This paper describes the course goals, organization, management, selected assignments, and assessment. Assessment data indicate that at the end of the semester students, on average, have gained between 0.8 and 1.1 points on a 12-point evaluation rubric and have gained an appreciation of the unique characteristics of and need for technical writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on structural engineering courses offered by San Jose State University and San Francisco State University in California through distance-learning technology. Details of course conduct and technology; Assessment of course; Advantages of distance learning; Challenges of distance learning; Conclusion.

Relates Jessica Mitford's lawsuit against San Jose State University in California for being dismissed allegedly without real reason. Mitford's faculty position; Author's conversation with Mitford about various topics; Support from students; Party thrown at the San Jose State Newman Center in California.