Engineering & Technology Talent Expansion Program

Project Summary:

The College of Engineering at Southern Illinois University aims to increase its five-year graduation rate from 37% to 67% by focusing on first and second year retention rates. A holistic freshmen-sophomore program is being implemented to address common reasons for students leaving engineering programs, including lack of academic preparation; difficulty in adjusting to college life; lack of a community atmosphere; disappointment at not being able to experience engineering principles during the first two years; and financial difficulties. The program is comprised of (1) a new Engineering Residential College that forms the basis of a living-learning community; (2) a new approach to teaching mathematics that includes supplemental instruction and a new developmental math course designed to ready engineering students for Calculus; (3) an innovative, hands-on and project-based Introduction to Engineering course that is common to all first-year students in the College; (4) common sections of cohort groups for Mathematics, English, and Speech Communications courses, many of which will be offered inside the Engineering Residential College; (5) a four-week, summer math program for underprepared students; (6) a peer-mentoring program; and (7) mentoring by faculty and practicing engineers. Together, the programs create a supportive community of learners. All programs will be fully implemented by summer 2007. The overall project is extremely student centered; more than 60% of the project’s funding is allocated for support of students attending the summer math program and for compensation for student tutors, mentors, and supplemental instructors.