become a primary focus at the University of economic backgrounds, and prior knowledge among studentsTexas at Arlington (UTA). UTA conducted a study that at UTA, ENGR 1300 utilizes the Student-Centered Activefound students were ill-equipped in the areas of problem Learning Environment with Upside-down Pedagogiessolving, professional writing, and computer (SCALE-UP) method. This method, developed at NC Stateprogramming. Therefore, UTA has recently created a University [1] and now utilized in many universities [2],new first year engineering course focused on improving focuses on creating a highly active and collaborativethese specific skill areas using the Student-Centered
first graduates in 2018, with class reflective writings serve to instill and reinforce theABET accreditation to follow. Civil Engineering is attributes of a master learner into the engineeringtentatively planned for startup in the 2018-19 school year. students.Incoming freshman class size has grown steadily, reaching a • Addition of the ‘Design Your Own Plan’ project:peak enrollment of 249 declared engineering majors in the Development of an individual success plan serves as the2015-2016 school year. culminating student development activity in Introduction From its inception, the entry point for the engineering to Engineering course
participation consistent, reliable sources of support, information andincreased each year; from 20% to 30% to 50%, but we inspiration. The mentors are trained in a 2-hour session instill expect more. which their roles and responsibilities, including ethics, are stressed. They are also provided a 7-page manual that drawsIndex Terms – Mentorship program, senior-first-year, from the College of Engineering Peer Advocates manual.student-student The mentors are enthusiastic students and for the most part Introduction