THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes the College of Technology of Montana Tech of The University of Montana to convert the Certificate of Combination Welding to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Metals Fabrication Technology.

EXPLANATION: The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Metals Fabrication Technology will meet a growing need regionally and nationally for fabricators that are skilled in the design and construction of a product. The conversion of the current Combination Welding program will offer a different type of metals technology option to the people of this region. The current metals technology programs in the state emphasize welding skills, with limited metals fabrication and design skills. The proposed Metals Fabrication Technology program includes the American Welding Society (AWS) Level I certification requirements. The main focus of this program will be applying the process of welding and machining to produce a product made of metal. Included in the program will be Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) classes.

The offering of such a degree falls within the mission, role, and scope of Montana Tech of The University of Montana.