The Center for the New Engineer was established in August 1993 as an ongoing, interdisciplinary investigation into the education of engineers and scientists for the knowledge society of the 21st century. Engineers have an opportunity and responsibility to lead society to an understanding that the Internet is not only a worldwide network of communicating computers but also is a place where communities form and where human concerns are dealt with. Our credo:

• Knowledge is the capacity for effective action in a domain. Engineers who can can act to solve problems and satisfy clients will be in highest demand. Engineers need practical knowledge as well as theoretical.
• Education is an unending process of increasing one's competence. Engineers must see every breakdown, and every project, as an opportunity for learning. A significant part of their education is the hands-on, practical, training sessions they encounter in professional practice.
• Innovation comes from new ideas, new competence, and new products. Engineering schools can strengthen their research programs by engaging with all three, not just the first. They can strengthen their curriculum by coupling research with it.
• The engineering school is part of a larger community of schools including K-12 and community colleges. It should be linked with these others to effect technology transfer and ensure proper preparation of students.

Every CNE project depends integrally on computing and telecommunications technology to support human practices and concerns. No CNE project is considered a success unless it results in new actions by our students, faculty, and others.