Technology students enrolling this spring semester at Cleveland State Community College will be the first to use the newly-renovated Technology Building on CSCC’s campus, not to mention all types of new equipment, according to Technology Department Chairman Allan Gentry. 

The actual building design incorporates many energy efficient features including sensors that adjust interior lighting to compensate for natural light coming through large windows or turn off the light when no one is around.  

Some of the new purchases include enough precision measurement tools which eliminate the need for students to share tools or wait on one to be available, updated robotic trainers that instruct on fundamentals of hardware and software that supports the robotic applications, a computer numerically controlled (CNC) plasma cutting system, which is a tool to illustrate the production process that integrates mechanical drawings and automated processes.  

“These are all state of the art tools connected to our electrical and mechanical technology programs,” said Mr. Gentry. “Students don’t want to miss the opportunity to come and break them in! And of course, we will also continue to have courses in green building and energy efficiency construction.” 

Sherra Witt, dean of Business and Technology, said, “We want people to know that they can come to Cleveland State to get their training, certificates, and/or degrees that will assist them in getting hired on at some of the new expanding companies in the area.” 

According to Mr. Gentry, CSCC has been selected by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to participate in the EnergyRight Solutions for Higher Education Program and is seeking enthusiastic energy efficiency advocates to serve as interns starting this month through the end of this semester with the possibility of reappointment for the Fall of 2013 and Spring of 2014.  Interns will work as a team to:  

? Plan, lead, and mobilize students to execute energy efficiency projects campus-wide;

?Assist with the coordination of an annual faculty forum on sustainability, known as the Appalachia Project, to initiate a formal discussion and ongoing workgroup on infusing sustainability, stewardship and energy efficiency concepts into existing course curricula;

?Work with facilities managers to track campus energy use online and make recommendations for energy efficiency improvements.

In order for participants to be a part of this, experience in on-campus energy efficiency, sustainability and/or environmental activism, and skills such as engineering or technical knowledge, data analysis, experience with education and outreach, strong communication skills, writing, and public speaking preferred. For more information about enrolling in one of CSCC’s Technology Programs or the TVA EnergyRight Solutions for Higher Education Program, contact Gentry at 472-7141, ext. 447.

Technology Department Chairman Allan Gentry and Dean of Business and Technology Sherra Witt look over one of the new robotic trainers students will be able to use this semester.