ENG2 Builds Better Students

October 31, 2008

Engineering Engagement for Student Success (ENG2), one of the College of Engineering’s (CoE) most recent academic initiatives, is designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of engineering and construction management students during the pre-college, freshman, and sophomore years. This multi-faceted and inclusive project engages students, faculty, staff and industry participants to build a collaborative community that benefits all parties. Enhanced support and success of the CoE’s undergraduate programs are particularly important, given the impact of catastrophic events over last several years on the region’s academic institutions. 

ENG2 seeks to raise the CoE’s cumulative sixth-year graduation rate by 3-4 percent per year to a six-year goal of 50 percent. Achieving this goal will put the College closer in line with the current average graduation rate for all entering LSU freshmen, and based on the typical size of the freshman class over the past six years, increase the number of engineering graduates by almost 100 students per year by 2012.  

A team of faculty directs ENG2 and the Minority Engineering Program (MEP). Student professional organizations and the local professional community of practicing engineers also play important roles in the project. ENG2 is building upon the findings of numerous researchers in the various academic and professional fields involved as well as on input from constituents to all our programs. Active faculty involvement, earlier connection to the engineering community, improved self-management skills, and interaction with industry professionals are recognized as key factors leading to students’ success. Each of these is addressed by the following ENG2 actions and activities:·        

• Establishing ISEE-Incoming Students Engineering Experience, a summer “bridge type” program to jump start pre-freshmen in academic content and university-life experiences and expectancies;·        
• Expanding the successful Minority Engineering Program activities to integrate all incoming engineering students, while neither diluting nor spotlighting efforts on behalf of women and under-represented groups;·        
• Providing the environment and training necessary to develop mentoring relationships among students, faculty and practicing professional partners;·        
• Providing opportunities for faculty development and engagement to improve student learning and provide better faculty-student interaction; and
• Establishing mechanisms for effective monitoring and continual improvement.Through ENG2 programs, the College of Engineering intends to lay the proper foundation for students to successfully navigate the academic challenges they face as engineering undergraduates.  

ISEE participants were asked to evaluate camp activities for enjoyment and perceived value. Most of them perceived a value in every activity; their favorite activities were the Ropes course, the industry dinner and the design project.  The majority of the students responded that they would recommend the camp. The following quotes from evaluations support the intentions of the camp, stating:

"E2 really helped me pick up study tips and get a feel for what majoring in engineering is all about... "

"It was a great experience.  I found myself waking up early for the next day because of the excitement.  It really helped me assimilate into LSU life."

"E2 was an amazing experience! I had so much fun and met so many new friends.  It was worth every minute."

ENG2 is funded in part by the NSF and private pay and is supported by the Forever LSU Campaign.

Article excerpted from TAF TIGERLAND News. Information and quotes provided by Summer Dann Johnson, STEP Coordinator, 225-578-8195 

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