I. Program Objectives
The Textile Engineering Program is designed to provide students with a broad-based, multidisciplinary education that combines the principles of science, engineering, and technology as they apply to textile materials, processes, and systems. The program aims to produce graduates who are technically competent, innovative, and adaptable, capable of addressing the evolving challenges of the global textile industry.
In response to rapid technological advancements and dynamic market conditions, the program emphasizes the development of creative problem-solvers who can apply existing knowledge in new ways, adapt technologies to local contexts, and contribute to the transformation and competitiveness of the Ethiopian textile sector. Additionally, it fosters a culture of research and innovation, aiming to support the sustainable growth and modernization of Ethiopia’s textile industry.
The Head of the Department of Textile Engineering is tasked with achieving the following key Core objectives:
- Technical Knowledge and Expertise: Provide students with a solid foundation in textile science, engineering principles, and modern textile technologies to understand fiber properties, fabric structures, manufacturing techniques, and textile applications.
- Product and Process Design: Enable students to design and develop textile products, production processes, and systems with a focus on quality, functionality, efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Develop students’ abilities to apply engineering principles and critical thinking to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems across various stages of textile production and product development.
- Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: Promote an understanding of the environmental impacts of textile manufacturing and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and practices that reduce energy use, waste, and pollution.
- Practical Skills and Industry Exposure: Provide hands-on experience through laboratory work, industrial internships, and collaborative projects with textile companies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional practice.
- Communication and Leadership: Foster strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills to enable effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and clear communication with diverse stakeholders.
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Instill a strong sense of professional ethics, accountability, and social responsibility, ensuring graduates consider the societal, economic, and legal implications of their work.
- Research and Innovation: Encourage engagement in research and innovation in areas such as textile materials, functional fabrics, and advanced manufacturing, contributing to the scientific and technological advancement of the industry.
- Global Competence and Cultural Awareness: Prepare students for the global textile market by developing an understanding of international standards, cultural diversity, global trade dynamics, and technological variations in textile production.
These objectives collectively aim to produce well-rounded, forward-thinking textile engineers who can contribute meaningfully to national development goals, industrial innovation, and sustainable textile production both in Ethiopia and globally.
II. Duties and Responsibilities
A. Academic and Curriculum Leadership
v Lead the development, review, and delivery of curriculum in core areas including textile fiber science, spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, finishing, and quality control.
v Ensure integration of emerging topics such as technical textiles, smart fabrics, and sustainable processing.
B. Administrative Management
v Prepare and manage departmental budgets, procurement plans, annual work plans, and strategic reports.
v Assign and monitor teaching loads, research responsibilities, and administrative duties of staff members.
v Maintain organized records of academic programs, student performance, and departmental assets.
C. Staff Development and Supervision
v Supervise academic, technical, and support staff to ensure effective teaching and laboratory management.
v Encourage staff participation in training, postgraduate education, research projects, and conferences.
v Conduct performance evaluations and promote a culture of professionalism and teamwork.
D. Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer
v Support staff and students in conducting applied research in areas like eco-friendly dyeing, functional textiles, fiber composites, and digital textile printing.
v Facilitate publication, exhibitions, and patenting of innovations developed within the department.
E. Student Mentorship and Practical Training
v Oversee student advising, capstone project supervision, and industrial attachments.
v Organize skills-based training, factory visits, workshops, and textile exhibitions to enhance student learning and creativity.
F. Industry and Community Linkages
v Build collaborative networks with textile and garment industries for internships, consultancy, research, and knowledge exchange.
v Engage in community-based projects that empower local weavers, cooperatives, and micro-enterprises using indigenous textile knowledge.
G. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
v Ensure continuous improvement in academic delivery, laboratory safety, and assessment standards.
v Prepare the department for internal audits, HERQA accreditation processes, and institutional quality reviews.
H. Institutional Participation and Strategic Leadership
v Represent the department in university councils, faculty boards, and academic committees.
v Align departmental plans and activities with Wolkite University's mission in science, innovation, and societal transformation.
v Lead the department with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to academic excellence.