ITEM 106-2706-R0300 ATTACHMENT

AUTOMOBILE COLLISION REPAIR AND REFINISHING TECHNOLOGY

PROGRAM PROPOSAL

Goals and Objectives

The 0bjective of the Automobile Collision Repair and Refinishing course is to prepare the student to enter the Automotive Collision field with a proven degree of competency in each of the units covered in the course. An A.A.S. degree will also assist the graduate in upward migration should they desire to continue their academic pursuits.

Description of the Profession

Ever increasing numbers of vehicles on the highways, coupled with the high cost of original purchase and replacement, have created a demand for trained collision repair technicians. This demand is currently exceeding the supply, and future indications are that this trend will continue.

The entire automobile industry is changing faster than ever before. This is especially true of the auto body repair and refinishing trade. The role of the body technician and refinisher has changed greatly in the past few years. The major changes being the shift of vehicles to unibody construction and refinishing systems becoming more sophisticated.

The Automobile Collision Repair and Refinishing Program will continue to maintain its alliance with the collision repair industry locally, regionally, and at the national level. Working closely with local shop owners through the interaction of the program's advisory committee, curriculum will parallel the needs of employers while maintaining the current high level of demand for graduates. At the regional level, instruction will be based on changing state laws in accordance with hazardous waste control, safety, and environmental concerns. Nationally, the program will provide current teaching and collision repair techniques by interaction with world-renowned manufactures that provide training classes on technically advanced equipment and improved repair techniques. The growth of the total Collision Repair program will be met through changes that are dictated by industry standards demanding safe, efficient, and correct automotive collision repairs.

MSU-BILLINGS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

AUTOMOBILE COLLISION REPAIR AND REFINISHING TECHNOLOGY

CURRICULUM

The proposed A.A.S. program, including general education and technical courses, is comprised of 66 credits to be completed in four semesters. Students planning to earn a Certificate will replace required Math credits with CTMA 101 and English credits with CTCM 102. Some students may take longer depending upon their preparedness to enter the program and their success in completing program courses. Those completing the program satisfactorily with a grade of 2.00 or better in all courses will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automobile Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology. The course requirements are subject to change as industry and education needs demand.

*General Education ** Trade and Industry Related

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CTAB 111 Basic Automotive Sheet Metal Repair B 7 cr.

Covers the basic methods and techniques used in the repair of non-structural damaged automobile sheet metal panels, the use and care of basic hand tools, identifying metal composition, automobile body construction, set up and use of a metal inert gas (MIG) and resistance welding equipment.

CTAB 112 Minor Collision Repair B 6 cr.

Prerequisite:CTAB 111

Covers training in removal, replacement, and alignment of various panels and parts, including glass. Diagnosis and correcting body component malfunctions. Advanced training in panel repair, damage analysis and estimating using manuals and computer software programs.

CTTI 152 Vehicle Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning B 3 cr.

The auto air portion of this course is designed to help students gain an understanding and working knowledge of air conditioning systems and controls currently used in automobiles and trucks. Theory, diagnosis and service procedures, and environmental concerns are presented to give students the necessary skills to repair vehicle air conditioning systems.

CTTI 150 Environmental and Shop Practices B 2 cr.

Informs students on safety, hazardous materials and toxic waste. Students are given a working knowledge of tool use, measuring devices, fasteners, use of shop manuals, and hazardous waste precautions and handling procedures.

CTAB 131 Introduction to Refinishing Principles B 7 cr.

Provides the student with entry level training in job safety, refinishing basic application techniques, tools and equipment, and the skills necessary to prepare a vehicle for the refinishing process.

CTAB 132 Introduction to Automotive Undercoats & Plastics B 6cr.

Prerequisite: CTAB 131

Provides the student with entry level access to knowledge in automotive refinishing undercoats; types, specific usage, and application. The course also provides the student with automotive plastic identifications, alternate repair procedures, and refinishing.

CTMA 122 College Mathematics for Technology B 3 cr.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in CTMA 101 or qualifying score on the placement exam. This course is a presentation of concepts followed by applied examples and problems drawn from diverse occupational fields. Topics of measurement, algebra geometry, and trigonometry are developed and integrated for use in a practical field setting.

CTAB 141 Advanced Automotive Refinishing B 6 cr.

Prerequisite: CTAB 131 and CTAB 132

Provides the student with training in application and paint make-up of current automotive finishes. Causes and the possible cures of surface defects and the art of finesse polishing are also studied. The student is exposed to the latest techniques in duplicating original factory paint finishes.

CTAB 142 Introduction to Automotive Paint Blending B 7 cr.

Prerequisite: CTAB 131, CTAB 132, CTAB 141

Develops mental and optical skills in the art of color matching. Alternate processes in spot repairing solid, metallic, and Mica finishes are also covered. Skills in equipment adjustment and techniques provide for bendable repair procedures.

CTCM 202 Business Communication B 3 cr.

Prerequisite: CTCM 102 or qualifying scores on the placement exam.

Provides instruction in the preparation of business memos, letters, reports, oral presentations, and computer assisted writing in business contexts.

CTAB 121 Automobile Body Structural Repair B 6 cr.

Prerequisite: CTAB 111, CTAB 112

Covers the inspection, measurements, and repair of automobile bodies. Methods and techniques recommended by the manufacturers are studied and utilized. Tasks and procedures, which are promoted by ASE and I-CAR programs, are incorporated into the training. Repair of plastic body parts as recommended by manufacturers is practiced.

CTAB 122 Automobile Collision Mechanics B 4 cr.

Prerequisite: CTAB 111, CTAB 112, CTAB 121

Includes the removal, replacement, and service of mechanical and electrical components in repairing collision-damaged automobiles. Components include suspension, steering brakes, drive train, fuel systems and restraint system.

CTDP 105 Introduction to Computers B 3 cr.

Introduces terminology, nomenclature, and general operation and use of computers. Fundamental concepts of operating systems, word processing, electronic spreadsheets, email and the Internet are taught with hands-on experience provided through the use of introductory software applications.

CTCM 109 Human Relations B 3 cr.

Offers a theoretical and practical understanding of communication processes in the working environment, self-awareness in that environment, and the individual's participation in these relationships. The course aims to develop the student's perception and expression skill to communicate successfully in a variety of work contexts.

FACULTY

The current faculty at MSU-Billings College of Technology will be available in their regular teaching capacities for the course instruction and related education classes.

STUDENTS

It is anticipated that students for this program will continue to come from all over Montana, and neighboring states.

FACILITIES/SUPPORT

Libraries:The City of Billings has three college-based libraries, MSU-Billings, MSU-Billings COT, and Rocky Mountain College and a public library, Parmly Billings Library. The College of Technology will add appropriate books, materials, and software to support this program on a continuous basis. Extensive information is available for the related and general education components of the program.

Computer Services: MSU-Billings COT has four general computer labs and a Student Support Center with ten computers available to students during all school hours. The COT also offers a variety of other application programs such as Lotus and WordPerfect. Internet access is available in all classrooms, the library, and all offices.

Support Services/Administration: No additional expenditures will be necessary since both the College of Technology and the Senior campus have all student support services available including tutoring, assistance for students with disabilities, testing, computer labs, etc.

Equipment: Equipment and supplies for the program are already in place.

Space/Capital Structures:Present classroom and lab facilities on the MSU-Billings COT campus are sufficient for the continuance of this program.

Collaboration with Existing Facilities and Services: The program will require no changes.

PROGRAM QUALITY

Accreditation:The program is required to maintain the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges' standards and will be continually reviewed by program faculty, students, and administration to ensure that these standards are met.

The program was evaluated as part of the MSU-Billings accreditation by Northwest Associate of Schools and Colleges September 30-October 3, 1998 and no deficiencies were identified for the Automobile Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program.

Program Certification:The program is ASE certified, evaluated by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc.) a national automotive program evaluation and certification organization.

Assessment: The MSU-Billings College of Technology has traditionally used industry advisory committees in all educational departments. The advisory committees are composed of industry members, faculty and administration that review the program twice a year to determine necessary curriculum additions, deletions, and changes. The advisory board will continue to meet twice a year.

APPENDIX A

PROGRAM AND INDUSTRY INFORMATION

Educational program information:

A. Montana State University-Billings College of Technology seeks approval from the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education to add an Associate of Applied Science Degree to the current Certificate Program in Automobile Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology. The Associate of Applied Science Degree would require CTMA 122 College Mathematics for Technology and CTCM 202 Business Communication classes replace CTMA 101 Math Fundamentals and CTCM 102 Principals of Communication. Also adding CTTI Environmental and Shop Practices B 2 credits (Trade and Industry related) is proposed. The Environmental and Shop Practices class is already in place as an automotive T&I related. These additions will not require any other modifications in curriculum, additional faculty, or the allocation of additional funding.

B. Program Title:The Automobile Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Program would retain the same title, offering an Associate of Applied Science Degree with Certificate Option.

C. Length of Program: Four semesters.

D. Total Credit Hours: 66

E. Proposed Implementation Date:Fall 2000

Industry information:

A. The auto body collision industry is experiencing a nation-wide shortage of trained technicians. Graduates of the program have a 100% placement rate because of this shortage of automobile collision & refinishing technicians. Because of the increasing cost and complexities of automobiles, the well-trained technician will continue to be in demand.

B. Graduates find employment in major dealerships, independent and specialty shops. Other graduates find positions in management as body shop managers, shop foremen, factory representatives or instructors and in the related sales of auto body & refinishing equipment. In Montana the average wage for apprentice auto collision technicians is $7.50 - $10.00/hour. The well-trained journeyman can earn a yearly salary of $25,000 to $45,000.