Technical standards outline the skills and expectations required for students to successfully enter, progress through, and complete the program. They ensure clarity and consistency for students, faculty, staff, administration, and disability services. These standards apply equally to all students.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss your needs. Technical standards can be met with or without accommodations, and the examples provided are not all encompassing.
Technical Standard, Definition and Examples
Ability is sufficient to complete classroom and lab work with industrial equipment. Objectively analyze information, directions, and instructions, make correct decisions, and draw reasonable conclusions that produce acceptable outcomes.
Examples:
- Utilize engineering theory and practices to logically work through technical problems.
- Utilize industrial equipment in a safe manner.
- Utilize computers, with minimal assistance, to obtain technical information.
Physical abilities are sufficient to move in one's environment with ease and without restriction. Must possess the ability to lift, stand, stretch, and maneuver to any position as required by an industrial situation.
Examples:
- Move safely near other students, instructors, and equipment.
- Lift items up to 30 pounds individually or in coordination with others.
- Properly wear appropriate personal protective equipment (ex. safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, fall protection, face shield, etc.) without assistance.
Tactile skills are adequate for work in a class, lab, or industrial environment
Examples:
- Operate equipment safely by turning on and off proper switches, buttons, and/or valves.
Must be able to function under varying environmental factors and detect and respond safely to changes in the current environment or the presence of a hazardous situation
Examples:
- Complete cleaning responsibilities requiring stooping or bending.
- Detect and identify visible signs and audible signals related to industrial equipment.
Sufficient auditory ability to quickly send and receive information and interpret verbal orders and instructions from other people in industrial environments safely and efficiently
Example:
- Receive and respond to verbal commands in a noisy environment.
- Respond to alarms, bells, and other safety alert systems.
Visual ability is sufficient for observation, assessment, and safe performance in the classroom, lab, and industrial environments
Examples:
- Recognize hazards and interpret indicators and measurements from industrial equipment.
- Read safety labels and warnings such as specific Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Work with small electronic components used in labs.
Sufficient ability to interact effectively and professionally with others via the English language using nonverbal, verbal, and written forms of communication. Follow instructions effectively when interacting with faculty, staff, and peers using written, verbal, and digital means
Examples:
- Speak and write accurately, clearly, and distinctly.
- Communicate effectively with others in verbal and written forms.
- Give verbal directions or follow verbal directions from other members of the class or instructors.
- Read and understand technical writing, policies, and standard operating procedures.
Abilities are sufficient to interact with individuals and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
Examples:
- Be able to work effectively independently or in a group.
- Stay focused on the current task.
- Demonstrate time management skills.
- Communicate information with accuracy and professionalism.
Olfaction sufficient to detect odors and tolerate various odors. Must be able to function safely under varying environmental factors
Examples:
- Be able to work in hot or cold conditions.
- Maintain focus and productivity in a noisy shop or workplace.
- Work inside and outside under variable conditions.
Abilities are sufficient to effectively manage stress produced by work, environmental, and social situations and to react productively in a classroom or lab with industrial equipment. Possess emotional stability sufficient to maintain composure, in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions
Examples:
- Receive and respond professionally to verbal and written communication.
- Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
We are committed to ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed in this program. If you have a documented disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they fundamentally alter essential training requirements, create undue hardship, or pose a safety risk to you or others.
Disability Services Statement
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Ward Hall Building; 252-638-1454) as soon as possible—ideally before classes or field experiences begin. You are also encouraged to inform your instructor as needed so we can best support your learning.