In this Case Study, we'll explore how Colorado State University became a PTC University ATP and now offers extended training to not only students but local industry.

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Case Study
PTC Academic Program:
Delivering an Academic Advantage
Colorado State University
Expanding university curriculum into industry training
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University (CSU) is now among the nation’s leading
research universities, and is home to the College of Engineering, a designated
Carnegie Doctoral Research Extensive University. The CSU College of Engineering
graduates have gone on to distinguished careers as innovators in industry,
outstanding educators, and highly ranked government leaders; a true reflection of
their vision to create a better world for future generations.

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Case Study
Located in the foothills of Colorado, Fort Collins is a
mix of manufacturing and service-related businesses.
Many high-tech companies, such as Hewlett Packard
Company, Avago Technologies, Woodward Governor,
Intel and even PTC, have relocated to Fort Collins
because of the Colorado State University resources and
its research facilities.
Colorado State University has had a long-standing
relationship with PTC, and has taught industry-
recognized software to undergraduate mechanical
engineering students for years. CSU chose to teach
using PTC Creo®
and PTC Windchill
®
to show the power
of commercial software and provide a well-rounded
educational experience spanning outside of just
computer-aided design courses and into senior design
courses through collaboration. CSU has also started
standardizing their mechanical engineering curriculum
using PTC University eLearning Libraries as a textbook
in order to provide the same training used by local
employers.
CSU has successfully implemented every tier of the PTC
Academic Program into their engineering curriculum,
and has now decided to expand that curriculum and
technology outside of just the undergraduate program
and into the community where they have built great
relationships with the local industry.
Barry Brinks, CSU adjunct faculty member and founder
of Brinks Engineering Inc., along with CSU’s Dean of
Libraries, Dr. Patrick Burns, are heading up the new
venture on campus.
PTC University Authorized Training Partners provide
the ability for educational institutions to deliver training
outside of just their undergraduate students, and
expand out into commercial and community training.
“ With our state-of-the-art facility,
links to industry, and specially
equipped engineering computer
labs, becoming a PTC University
Authorized Training Partner in
order to expand the curriculum
and technology into the community
was a natural fit.“
Dr. Patrick Burns,
Dean of Libraries, CSU

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Case Study
On the main Fort Collins campus in the Morgan Library, CSU can host up to 100
trainees at one time in engineering computer labs as well as six other university
locations. By using PTC University eLearning Libraries, they can provide training
curriculum for introductory courses and upgrade courses (e.g., on PTC Creo)
like other PTC training facilities. Also, CSU brings custom multimedia content to
the course that Brinks hopes will provide an exciting new way to experience the
capability of the PTC software.
With access to the abundance of tools at CSU, they can utilize new technology to put
their curriculum in context, such as applying the Microsoft®
Xbox®
to scan objects for
reverse engineering, rapid prototyping for visualization, and virtual platforms for
collaboration.
“The training program CSU offers with PTC is unique,” said Brinks. “For the
first time, we are showing not just the basics of how PTC Creo CAD software can
be utilized, but also blending it with exciting new technologies such as additive
manufacturing and 3D scanning to create a unique learning experience for PTC
customers and students at the university.”
Becoming a PTC University Authorized Training Partner benefits not only just CSU
but the students and local industry:
• Students: Not only do students have the opportunity to receive instruction from
experienced educators, but upon successfully completing the coursework on PTC
Creo and PTC Windchill, students will receive a certification of completion from
Colorado State University and continuing education
• Local industry: These companies now have a local, dedicated facility to provide
professional development, new hire training, and more – keeping their companies
competitive in the industry
• University: By becoming a PTC University Authorized Training Partner, CSU has
the ability to provide world-class engineering training to their community and
global campuses, generating a meaningful business within the university

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Case Study
“In addition to the coursework offered by Colorado State University, the opportunity
for PTC to expand its current training portfolio will help our customers seeking
continuing education and professional development alternatives,” said John Stuart,
Senior Vice President of Global Education at PTC. “We are pleased to work with the
University to give students and others the opportunity to learn about product design
software and technology that’s being used by many global manufacturers.”
To find out more on Colorado State University’s training program, please visit the
CSU Training website .
To learn more about becoming a PTC University Authorized Training Partner, please
contact us.
© 2014, PTC Inc. (PTC). All rights reserved. Information described herein is furnished for informational use only, is subject
to change without notice, and should not be taken as a guarantee, commitment, condition or offer by PTC. PTC, the PTC logo,
Product Service Advantage, Creo, Elements/Direct, Windchill, Mathcad and all other PTC product names and logos are
trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other product
or company names are property of their respective owners.
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