Corporate Relations FAQ

FAQ

• How does partnering with Bucknell's College of Engineering work?

  A potential partner will propose a noncritical path project. The faculty project advisers will review the proposal and match you with a student team. That student team will develop a written report and in many cases an early stage prototype with mentorship from a member of your organization and one of our talented faculty members.

  At the end of the term, you will receive a written report and all intellectual property associated with the prototype and project.

   

• How do Bucknell students compare to students from other colleges and universities?

  Bucknell is one of the top 10 undergraduate engineering programs in the country (among institutions that do not grant doctoral degrees). Our students are known for being strong technically and combining those abilities with impressive communication skills. Bucknell engineers are quickly promoted at their companies due to this unique combination.

  Bucknell was a 2021 Top Maker School, a 2022 Top Fulbright Scholar school and ranks in the top 30 for number of Fortune 500 CEOs. 

   

• Is financial support requested?

  Yes. Your financial support is an investment that directly benefits the project outcomes, student educational experience and program.

  Sponsorship levels are based on the needs of the engagement and program. Sponsorship levels can be tailored and customized based on the scope and resources of the partner.

  • Interdisciplinary senior design course: $25,000
  • Two semester, single department course: $12,500
  • One semester, single department course: $6,250
  • Summer internship in residence: $10,000
  • Independent research project: $5,000+

   

• What is the timeline?

  Engineering Project Sponsor Timeline

   

• We're interested but we've never done anything like this. Can you guide us in setting up a program for sponsorship?

  We are happy to share some engagement options with Bucknell and the College of Engineering:

  • Recruitment
  • Cost-effective innovative ideas and solutions
  • Speaking opportunities
  • Engagement with Bucknell's Center for Career Advancement 

  Contact us to learn more.

   

• What types of programs/specialities are you looking for?

  We have eight majors — biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental engineering and mechanical engineering. Interdisciplinary opportunities that combine these areas of expertise are also available.

   

• What are the parameters of a good project?

  The parameters of a good project are as follows:

  • High impact for your company or organization
  • Not a critical path
  • Provides a strong learning experience for our students
  • You don't have the internal resources or time to devote to it yourself

   

• When is the earliest we can discuss a project?

  We are happy to discuss a project at any time, although we operate on an academic calendar. Most projects begin in August and end in May. Please see this timeline graphic for an overview.

  Engineering Project Sponsor Timeline

   

• When is the latest we can discuss a project?

  Our deadline for submitting projects for the next fall is typically early May.

   

• I have a project but it doesn't fit your timeline. Can we talk about it?

  Yes, we are happy to chat about a project and find a solution outside of our traditional timeline.

   

• What do we receive at the end of the project?

  You will receive a written report from the student team as well as all rights to the associated intellectual property. In many instances a prototype will be provided that demonstrates the potential fit, form and function of the solution. Please keep in mind that this is primarily an educational service. 

   

• How does Bucknell protect our IP?

  We offer non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) which are followed closely by our students, faculty and staff. 

   

• How much interaction is required?

  At least one member of your team is assigned as a mentor to our student team throughout the project timeline. This individual(s) should meet/communicate regularly with the team, up to one hour per week, to receive updates, provide guidance and answer questions. In-person interactions at your company or at Bucknell are encouraged, when possible. 

   

• Are these projects at our office location?

  These projects will take place on the Bucknell University campus in Lewisburg, Pa. In-person interactions at your company or at Bucknell are encouraged, when possible.

   

• Do we have the opportunity to interview candidates to work on our project?

  We have an internal process for matching teams with project partners. All of our students will provide innovative ideas and unique solutions to your project.

   

• Do we have the opportunity to interview students for positions at our company?

  Your assigned mentor will be working closely with the student team and will get to know them during the process. You will be able to formally interview the students for positions in your company if they are agreeable.  

   

• What are the benefits for us?

  Your benefits include:

  • Innovative ideas and solutions
  • A prototype and written report from a talented team of students
  • An outstanding solution at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-service engineering firm
  • An opportunity to connect with Bucknell engineers, who could be your next hires

   

• When is payment required?

  Payment is required at the time our contract is finalized. We'll send you an invoice and we request that you pay that within one month.

   

• Are there different levels of sponsorship?

  Yes, there are different levels of sponsorship. As a sponsor, your organization will have an opportunity to be recognized as a supporter and champion of engineering education on Bucknell's website, in our College of Engineering Industry Newsletter and via our social media. You also receive access to Bucknell campus resources and the latest high-tech laboratory equipment, along with customized student engagement and recruitment opportunities and targeted promotion.

   

• Are there advantages to multiyear sponsorships?

  There are advantages to multiyear sponsorships:

  • Enhances recruitment success
  • Reduced cost per project
  • Save time by not negotiating a contract each year
  • Guaranteed to have a student team work on your project

   

• What are the requirements for us to manage the project?

  As a project sponsor, you should plan to assign at least one mentor to the student team throughout the length of the project. This person will provide guidance, feedback and mentorship to the students for up to one hour per week.

   

• How will you promote my project to students?

  We will do our best to match every project with a student team. Partners who agree to sponsor a project earlier will receive preference if we have more projects than student teams. 

   

• What is an example of a recent project that most closely resembles my project?

  Our students have successfully completed a wide variety of projects. Here are some examples:

  • A safer sushi roll with robotics
  • Gamifying skin care
  • Delivering against all odds

   

• Who besides the students will we be interfacing with?

  While you will be primarily interacting with the student team and faculty member working on your project, you will have interaction with the director of engineering corporate relations and individuals from Bucknell's Finance and General Counsel's offices.

   

• What tools (software, hardware) do we need to provide?

  You may need to provide some materials for students to use. Bucknell has a wide array of tools, machines and equipment in our labs and makerspaces. You may be required to use software that we will provide to help manage the project.

   

• I have a project but finding sponsorship dollars is difficult. Can we talk about it?

  Yes, we may be able to refer you to appropriate resources.

   

• What are the payment terms and processes?

  Payment is due upon execution of the sponsorship agreement in most instances.  

   

• Can Bucknell accept and return hazardous chemicals?

  Bucknell is able to accept hazardous materials, but we are unable to ship those materials back.

   

• Will you use our company's logo to promote our brand?

  Yes, we would like approval up front along with a copy of your logo to place on our Partnership Luncheon and Design Expo materials.