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Session 2793

Developing a learner centered environment to meet the needs of a growing urban commuter student population

Lourdes Sánchez-Contreras, Rosa M. Gómez, Joseph Ramos, Benjamin C. Flores, and Helmut Knaust

Model Institutions for Excellence Program The University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

The Colleges of Engineering and Science at the University of Texas at El Paso have developed a multi-faceted system based on peer support to address the particular needs of science and engineering majors. At the core of this strategy is a strong commitment to develop the critical thinking and leadership skills of a selected cohort of undergraduate students. These students act as peer mentors, tutors, team leaders, and role models for the undergraduate science and engineering student population. A synergistic effort is achieved by bringing together the resources of the Academic Center for Engineers and Scientists (ACES), the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, and the Circles of Learning for Entering Students (CircLES). Through the use of existing facilities and services available at ACES, a wide network of mentoring, coaching, and tutoring has become the principal support system for a large student commuter population. In this article we will discuss the development of this successful peer support system, the synergy generated by the ACES, REU, and CircLES staff, and the outcome of the effort.

1. Introduction

The student population at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has gradually changed over the past twenty-five years [1]. Current student demographics make UTEP the largest Mexican-American serving institution in the nation (See Table 1). Its mission is to serve the economically underdeveloped region from which it draws most of its students. In 1995, the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration recognized this effort and designated UTEP as one of six minority- serving Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) nationwide. UTEP was charged with the development of pathways for the success of under-represented minorities pursuing baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference &Exposition Copyright © 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Flores, B., & Gomez-Martinez, R., & Ramos, J., & Sanchez-Contreras, L. (2003, June), Developing A Learner Centered Environment To Meet The Needs Of A Growing Urban Commuter Student Population Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--11553