All formal education is a partnership between teachers and students. This partnership works best when all involved share common values and goals. To achieve this, students must clearly understand what is expected of them (and what they should expect of themselves) and teachers must reciprocate by making their educational objectives and expectations clear. When these objectives and expectations are fulfilled, all involved can have a rewarding and empowering experience.

Engineering and Computer Science are professions. The possession of a degree in an engineering or computer science discipline asserts that not only has its possessor mastered core educational requirements but also has experience of working in teams and presenting the resulting data to varied audiences. It is important that the understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of an engineering or computer science degree be communicated by faculty and understood by the student.