Retention And Recruiting Activities In A Mechanical Engineering Program
- Conference
- Location
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Chicago, Illinois
- Publication Date
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June 18, 2006
- Start Date
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June 18, 2006
- End Date
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June 21, 2006
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Mechanical Engineering
- Page Count
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12
- Page Numbers
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11.1089.1 - 11.1089.12
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--1382
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/1382
- Download Count
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407
Paper Authors
Amir Mobasher Alabama A&M University
Amir Mobasher is assistant professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Alabama A&M University. He has been involved in the recruiting and retention activities of the department for the past 8 years. He has organized and participated in the student competitions for the department, is the advisor for the ASME and has participated in the summer outreach program within the school of engineering and technology.
Ruben Rojas-Oviedo Alabama A&M University
Ruben Rojas-Oviedo, is associate professor and the chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Alabama A&M university. He has lead the development of a new mechanical engineering program for the school of engineering and technology. Among his academic, research and industrial research interests are developing engineering higher education towards world class quality and prominence, facilitate collaboration among university’s faculty for project development and research, research and project development in a diverse range of engineering discipline.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
Retention and Recruiting Activities in a Mechanical Engineering Program
ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the relevance of a strategy of retention and recruitment within an engineering program in particular the Mechanical Engineering at Alabama A&M University and shows some results from the proposed solution for increasing the retention as well as enhancing recruitment activities within the department. The department of Mechanical Engineering is a relatively new program that started in fall of 1998 with two students. That number increased to 5 in the second year, 10 in the third year, 50 in the fourth year, 100 in the sixth year and 150 in the seventh year. Historical data within the department of Mechanical Engineering indicates that out of the total number enrolled, 30 percent of the students lost to other programs are within the freshmen level standing. That number showed a reduction to 10 percent in the sophomore year, 5 percent in junior standing and nearly zero percent in the senior level. Two dominating factors that affect the student population within the department are the issues of recruitment and retention. This paper addresses some analysis done on the factors affecting the enrollment and recruitment. Retention factors such as class attendance, supplemental teaching tools, early exposure of the potential students to Mechanical engineering topics, advising, and student participation in student competitions and summer internship programs are examined. For the recruitment, factors such as assessment tools for the state of the program, preparation of standard recruiting packages, increasing the incentives such as scholarships, and potential internship with highly recognized companies as well as engaging local high school students are considered.
BACKGROUND
Alabama A&M University (AAMU) is a land-grant historically black university. The University is located at the northeast outreach of Huntsville, Alabama, an important world center of expertise for advanced missile, space, electronic, research and development. AAMU provides a scholarly environment for teaching and research. As a historically black institution, the University seeks to address the special needs of capable students disadvantaged by systems and circumstances which have thwarted their efforts and chances for normal educational opportunities. A continued responsibility for this element of our society is strongly embedded in the mission of the University. The department of Mechanical Engineering is a relatively new program that started in fall of 1998 with two students. That number increased to 5 in the second year, 10 in the third year, 50 in the fourth year, 100 in the sixth year and 150 in the seventh year. Historical data within the department of Mechanical Engineering indicates that out of the total number enrolled, 30 percent of the students lost to other programs are within the freshmen level standing. That number showed a reduction to 10 percent in the sophomore year, 5 percent in junior standing and nearly zeros in the senior level. Two dominating factors that affect the student population within the department are the issues of recruitment and retention. This paper addresses some analysis done on the factors affecting the enrollment and recruitment. Retention factors such as class attendance, supplemental teaching tools, early exposure of the potential students to Mechanical engineering topics, advising, and student participation in student competitions and summer internship programs are examined. For the recruitment, factors such as assessment tools for the state of the program, preparation of standard recruiting packages,
Mobasher, A., & Rojas-Oviedo, R. (2006, June), Retention And Recruiting Activities In A Mechanical Engineering Program Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--1382
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