Spring Entry Computer Support (Computer Technician)

We are currently accepting new students for the one-year Computer Technician Certificate of Applied Science Program. This program has a Spring entry and students have the benefit of completing a Montana University System credential and the CompTIA A+ Computer Suppport industry certification within one calendar year. All courses for the program count toward an A.A.S. degree in Computer Technology for those students interested in continuing. Job opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in computer support remain strong.

For further details contact Program Assistant Jenny Gorsegner at 243.7916 or Department Chair Tom Gallagher at 243.7814

Sequence of Courses
Spring 2010 (15 credits)
CRT 111 Fluency in Information Technology
CRT 112 Operating System Fundamentals
CRT 151 Networking Basics
M 095 (MAT 100D) Intermediate Algebra
WRIT 101 (WTS 101) College Writing I

Fall Term 2010 (12 credits)
BUS 103S Principles of Business
CRT 172 Introduction to Computer Modeling
CRT 210T Advanced Operating Systems
CRT 121 Introduction to Programming
CRT 285T PC Hardware Support
CRT 289T Professional Certification A+

Biodiesel Workshop Held at COT

The fundamentals of biodiesel will be presented in a workshop November 3 and 4 at the COT West Campus. The workshop, titled "The ABCs of Biodiesel," is presented by Montana State University - Northern's Bio Energy Center. Participants will learn the basics about biodiesel, including chemistry and lab-scale production. There will also be a biodiesel demonstration. To sign up, contact Jenny Gorsegner at (406) 243-7916.

The Two-Year Degree: A Happy Medium?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation with the highest projected growth between now and 2016 is data networking and communications. The November 2009 Academic Connection feature from CertMag.com describes two-year degrees as a happy medium between an industry certification and a four-year degree for individuals aspiring to enter the workforce as an I.T. professional. Two-year degrees at local community colleges provide a well-rounded education at a great value. Read the complete article at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mediatec/cm1109/index.php?startid=14#/9/OnePage

UM DAY OF DIALOGUE

The University of Montana’s fourth annual Day of Dialogue will be held Thursday, Oct. 29. The free daylong symposium brings campus and community members together for presentations, performances, workshops and exhibits that encourage dialogue about diversity.

The College of Technology will host the panel discussion Challenges for Individuals in Non-Traditional Career Fields from 12:15-1:00 on the East Campus at 909 South Avenue West in room HB01. This presentation examines the challenges of individuals engaged in non-traditional career fields (i.e. women and minorities in STEM-related and industrial technology-related careers, men in health professions). A panel of professionals will discuss their personal experiences and the obstacles and challenges in the workplace and educational setting for those entering these careers. The panel discussion is organized by the Department of Applied Computing & Electronics and will involve faculty and staff from the Department of Industrial Technology and the Department of Health Professions.

Other symposium begins at 9:10 a.m. in the University Center Atrium with remarks by Vice President for Student Affairs Teresa Branch and Associated Students of UM President Matt Fennell. Participants then can select from more than 20 free educational sessions that begin at 9:40 and 11:10 a.m. and 1:10 and 2:40 p.m. on the third floor of the University Center.New this year is a 5:30 p.m. reception sponsored by ASUM. Following the reception at 6:15 p.m., a UM faculty panel will debate and discuss civil discourse in America.

A complete schedule of events is on the Day of Dialogue Web site at http://www.umt.edu/dayofdialogue.

Spring Schedule Advising

The Applied Computing and Electronics Department will be advising students in the coming weeks. Advising schedules have been posted in front of HB04 and HB05/HB06 or can be seen here. For advising, please see advisors during their open office hours or schedule an appointment through Jenny (243-7916). It is recommended that you bring a copy of your unofficial transcripts as well as advising material for your major. Go to Cyberbear for your transcripts. Advising checklists are available at the ACE Department Advising Center.

Demand for Electronic Engineering Technicians Remains Strong

The September 2009 Yahoo HotJobs feature Surprising Jobs that Pay $25 an Hour describes Electronic Engineering Technician as a frequently overlooked career field for individuals pursuing an associate degree. The article details job opportunities for individuals with two-year degrees in Electronic Engineering Technology. The article states "Companies that design, test, and sell electrical and electronics devices need professionals to staff their labs". According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2008 study, the mean hourly wage for electronics engineering technicians in the U.S. was $25.96. The complete article can be found online at
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-surprising_jobs_that_pay_25_an_hour-983

Autodesk features ACE Faculty Member

UM faculty member Creg Dieziger is this week's featured expert for the AutoCAD Exchange series "Ask the Expert". In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Applied Computing & Electronics, Creg is Senior Engineering Technician for Morrison-Maierle, Inc. Creg's feature can be found at http://autocad.autodesk.com/?nd=ask_the_expert&topic_id=28&moderator_id=480

Additional section of CRT 111 added to Autumn Schedule

A fifth section of CRT 111 Fluency in I.T. has been added to the Autumn 2009 Schedule. Section 5 (CRN 74917) will meet Tuesday and Thursday from 12:40 - 2:00 pm. This new section will be available to students by Monday 8/24.

Classes Begin August 31

Classes are filling up for Autumn Term, but there are still seats available. The new Computer Aided Design program is actively recruiting new students and there is still limited space available in the Energy Technology, Computer Technology, and Electronics Technology programs. New students can register by contacting New Student Services at 406.243.7882 or COTAdmissions@umontana.edu

NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) approved the Department of Applied Computing and Electronics at The University of Montana College of Technology as a provider of the Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam. According to their website, NABCEP is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. They aim to develop voluntary national certification programs that will promote renewable energy, provide value to practitioners, promote worker safety and skill, and promote consumer confidence.

The University of Montana College of Technology will begin offering the course leading to this exam Spring Semester 2010.

Computer Aided Design Program Approved

The UM College of Technology has a new program beginning Fall 2009. A one-year certificate program in Computer Aided Design (CAD) was approved by the Board of Regents late last week. Students enrolling in this program will earn a Certificate of Applied Science in one year! This certificate program is housed in the Applied Computing and Electronics Department. New CAD classes offered this fall include: Graphic Communications, Computer Aided Design and Drafting, and CAD II. See the Program Requirements here. If you are interested in registering for these courses, visit http://www.cte.umt.edu/ and apply today. Students already enrolled at the COT are welcome to take these courses as well.

Students Earn A+ Certified Computer Support Credential

Ten Computer Technology students completed CompTIA A+ certification in the month of May. "We had eleven students attempt the certification process and ten passed." states Associate Professor Tom Gallagher, “ We’re really happy with the great success our students have had in earning this credential.” CompTIA (Computer Technology Industry Association) A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ certification confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

Cisco Educational Event - May 21

Cisco and Pyron Technologies are sponsoring a fun and educational event with the Cisco NOW Van visiting Missoula on May 21, 2009. Register to experience the latest in Unified Communications, Wireless/Mobility, Digital Media, and Security Demos. Six sessions are taking place between 9:00am - 3:00pm at Pyron Technologies located at 228 W. Main Street, Suite C in Missoula. A brunch or lunch will be provided, as well as a raffle and putting and basketball contests. Sign up now! Click here to register.

Computer Technology Graduate Highlighted by Cisco

Sarah Gundlach, a graduate of the Computer Technology program at The University of Montana College of Technology, was recently profiled by the Cisco Networking Academy. Sarah shared experiences about studying for and eventually passing her CCNA Certification exam. She also praised COT faculty members Rhonda Tabish and Penny Jakes for their instrumental roles in her education. Read the entire article on page 8 here.

Computer Technology Students Receive Prestigious Award


Bill Klapwyk and Kara Shapiro were recently awarded the Mortar Board of The University of Montana. Mortar Board is a national honor society founded in 1918. Awards are given based on academic achievement and commitment to academic discipline. Mortar Board recognizes college seniors for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Award recipients represent the top scholars and leaders on their campuses. Pictured from left to right are Bill, Professor Penny Jakes, Professor Dianne Burke, and Kara. Congratulations, Bill and Kara, for such high accomplishments and good luck with your future plans!

Electronics Program Director Honored for 25 Years of Service

Steve Rice, Electronics Technology Program Director, was honored this week for 25 years of service at The University of Montana. Students in the Electronics Technology program continually applaud his teaching style and knowledge, as well as the powerful impact he makes in their lives. Congratulations, Steve, for this remarkable accomplishment!

Energy Technology Director Presents at Energy Workshop

The first in a four-part energy workshop series entitled Energizing our Workforce was held April 17 at Stone Child College in Box Elder. UM-COT Adjunct Professor, Dr. Ashley Preston, was a featured presenter for the initial session entitled "Renewable and Alternative Energy Careers in Montana." Dr. Preston discussed renewable energy education in Montana, job opportunities, available training resources, and the need for education in emerging industries. Dr. Preston serves as Director for the Energy Technology Program at The University of Montana.

Other presenters for this session included: Pat Wise from the Governor's Office of Economic Development, Wendy Kleinsasser and Dave Ryan from WindPark Solutions America, Michael Radecki from Western Power Administration, Barbara Stiffarm from Opportunity link, and Bobbi Jo Favel from Chippewa Cree Energy Corporation.

“Energizing our Workforce” is organized by Stone Child College in partnership with Opportunity Link and The University of Montana. It is paid for in part by a USDOL WIRED grant from the Montana Department of Commerce in conjunction with the Montana Department of Labor. All workshops are FREE and OPEN to all.

WORKSHOPS SERIES

Opportunities in Oilseeds and Biodiesel Production
April 24 & 25
Site visit on April 25 to Earl-Fisher Biofuels (Chester, MT) and MSU Northern's BioEnergy Innovation and Testing Center

Wind Energy Careers and Wind Montana Project
May 1 & 2

The Future in Solar and Geothermal Energy
May 15 & 16

Educator Training on Energy Development in Montana
May 22 & 23

For more information, call 265-3699. Full agendas are available online: http://www.opportunitylinkmt.org/whatsnew.php
http://www.opportunitylinkmt.org/downloads.php

Energizing our Worforce Workshop Series

During April & May Stone Child College on the Rocky Boy's Reservation will be hosting a workshop series entitled “Energizing our Workforce”. This series of workshops and field visits will provide an overview of emerging energy-related careers in the State of Montana, particularly for the North central Montana region.

Presentations include job opportunities, training resources, preparing for and accessing the training needed for these emerging industries. The workshops focus on having a talented, trained workforce as a key strategy for growing the local economy.

“Energizing our Workforce” is organized by Stone Child College in partnership with Opportunity Link, University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula and paid for in part by a USDOL WIRED grant from the Montana Department of Commerce in conjunction with the Montana Department of Labor.

The meeting is FREE and OPEN to all. Lunch and transportation to and from site visits are also provided.

Renewable and Alternative Energy Careers in Montana
April 17 & 18
Site visit on April 18 to Judith Gap Wind Farm

Opportunities in Oilseeds and Biodiesel Production
April 24 & 25
Site visit on April 25 to Earl-Fisher Biofuels (Chester, MT) and MSU Northern's BioEnergy Innovation and Testing Center

Wind Energy Careers and Wind Montana Project
May 1 & 2

The Future in Solar and Geothermal Energy
May 15 & 16

Educator Training on Energy Development in Montana
May 22 & 23

For more information, call 265-3699. The flyer and full agenda for the first workshop is available at http://www.opportunitylinkmt.org/whatsnew.php

COT Partners with Blackfeet Community College

The Department of Applied Computing and Electronics and Blackfeet Community College partnered in presenting a three-part spring workshop series on sustainable energy practiced April 20th. UM faculty member Bill Gillespie reports that "we have a great deal to learn about our partner school as they provide a model based on a long tradition of environmental concern and a relationship with the environment focused on renewable and sustainable energy technologies". Bill serves as the Eastern Montana WIRED Grant coordinator.

Blackfeet Community College is engaged in renewable energy and sustainable energy practices. The April 20th presentation featured LEED building certification presented by Mark Headley (Studio-Forma Architects of Bozeman) and Gordon Whirry (Whirry Architects). It also marked the ground-breaking ceremony of a new LEED certified Math and Science Building on the BCC campus.

Energy Technology Students from UM will be traveling to BCC for a practicum experience in June.

The workshop series is a component of the Montana Workforce Innovation Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Program providing funding for training and curriculum development through partnerships between the UM-COT and Miles Community College, Montana Tech of The University of Montana College of Technology, Stone Child College and Blackfeet Community College

New Computer Aided Design Courses

Beginning Autumn Term 2009, The Department of Applied Computing and Electronics will offer a series of AutoCAD related courses. Three sections of CRT 182T Computer Aided Design are available. The new special topics courses CRT195T Computer Aided Design II will provide students with an intermediate-level AutoCAD experience. The special topics course Graphic Communications provides an introduction to basic principles of drafting. Additionally, the special topics course HEO 195T Surveying will provide an introduction to surveying equipment and data collection from a CAD perspective. With Board of Regents approval, a new Certificate of Applied Science program in Computer Aided Design will initiate August 2009.