Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session 2653

The "Hybrid" Approach to Engineering & Computer Science Student Orientation

John M. Dorosz, Ester B. Johnson University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

INTRODUCTION

This freshman orientation course in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) utilizes a "hybrid" approach to new student orientation. In its current form we believe it is unique in the 26-campus University of Wisconsin System. The course effectively combines an expanded campus orientation with an introduction to the study of engineering and computer science. The full semester course is entitled, "CEAS Freshman Orientation", commonly referred to as "EAS (Engineering and Applied Science) 100". It acquaints freshmen, transfer, and prospective engineering and computer science students with programs in the college. The course also covers rules and regulations governing academic progress in the university and the college. Information is provided on the Co-operative work program, student organizations, recommended study habits and skills, and many other areas of benefit to students new to the campus and field. The mission of the course coordinators is to motivate students to create their own assignments for action; to take control of their educational futures.

The course, whether taken by a new freshman, new transfer, second degree student, or prospective student is, by its very nature, most helpful if taken during the student's first semester at UW-Milwaukee. The attached typical syllabus provides an outline of the topics and issues covered.

UNIQUENESS

What makes this course especially unique is the background of its coordinators. To our knowledge, only EAS 100 is facilitated by individuals who are directly and primarily involved with each stage of the students' progress. Although not engineers by training, they are professionals in new student recruitment, one-on-one academic advising, and administration of student services. This allows a strong fostering of early ties with the student that begins with pre-campus contact for high school and transfer students, continues through follow-up contact during campuswide new student orientations sponsored by the Admissions Office the summer before classes begin, and on through contact during regular advising sessions throughout the semester. This way, student progress can more easily be monitored and encouraged by people they already know who care about them, have a stake in their success, and with whom they are more likely to feel comfortable. In addition, the students can develop a rapport with university professionals from pre-UWM enrollment through the orientation and beyond to graduation and employment.

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Dorosz, J. M., & Johnson, E. B. (1997, June), The Hybrid Approach To Engineering & Computer Science Student Orientation Paper presented at 1997 Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10.18260/1-2--6598