First Year Success Programs
The First Year Success Programs at the College of Engineering and Polymer Science aim to foster a sense of connection among freshman students. They incorporate specific curriculum elements designed to regularly connect students with faculty, staff, upper-level classmates and alumni during both the fall and spring semesters.
First Year Experience in Engineering
Your first-year journey in engineering sets the foundation for your success in college and beyond. Our first-year instructors work with our academic advising team to make sure you get off to a great start. You’ll develop an understanding of your major, your path to graduation and career opportunities. You’ll develop essential skills like critical thinking, effective communication, innovative problem-solving and efficient time management. You’ll also get connected to opportunities to collaborate on real-world projects and forge lasting relations with your peers.
Faculty Spotlight
"As a first-year instructor for Tools for Mechanical Engineering (Fall) and ME Freshman Design Class (Spring), I am very proud of the success of the ME freshman students. They have achieved far more than they have ever imagined (I think they will appreciate it more when they look back a few years later). During each semester, they translate basic engineering knowledge to actual building and prototyping. They learn important technical skillsets (computer-aided design (CAD) modeling, Engineering Design Process, 3D printing and MATLAB software calculation), as well as critical soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem solving, project management). They don’t just learn the hardware, but also the “heartware”. Students convert the designs in their minds to the products in their hands, through dedication and professionalism in their hearts. All this foundational training will prepare them for upper-level courses and build their future career as professional engineers."
— Dr. KT Tan
associate professor of mechanical engineering
Learning Communities
Learning Communities (LCs), one of the most impactful activities to enhance student success of first-year students, help you build connections to peers, mentors and faculty members, and gain access to resources for your development. You will be invited to attend one of the six LCs, including Computer Information Systems (CIS) LC, Cybersecurity LC, Engineering Algebra for Calculus LC, Engineering Pre-Calculus LC, Pre-Computing LC and Sherwin-Williams LC.
Zips: Engineered for Success, Department of Mechanical Engineering
ZIPS: Engineered for Success (ZEFS) is an active discussion of Tools for Mechanical Engineering and Tools for Aerospace Engineering. The goal is to prepare first-year students for the rigors of the engineering curriculum by providing meaningful connections to the UA community. Through weekly activities, students learn lessons not typically covered in a first-year curriculum. Groups of approximately ten first year students are paired with a fourth- or fifth-year engineering student who serves as their mentor throughout the semester. Mentors lead the activities and serve as a resource for incoming students throughout the semester. The goal of ZEFS is not to be another course in the first year but a way to connect students with each other and resources across campus to make them more successful throughout their careers.
Opportunity Fair
The annual Opportunity Fair is to engage freshman students in high-impact practices that help enhance a sense of belonging. Tables are hosted by:
- Student design teams and student organizations to learn student life at the College,
- Faculty and student researchers to learn undergraduate research opportunities,
- Representatives from CEPS Graduate Program, Law School, and MBA Program to learn graduate studies,
- CEPS Advising Center to learn about minors and certificates,
- Co-op and Placement Program to learn how to explore career opportunities,
- UARF to learn entrepreneurship, and
- CEPS Office of Diversity and Inclusion to learn opportunities for personal and professional development.
First-Year Festivities
First-Year Festivities is a series of events over a week in September to welcome and support our first-year students at the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. The purpose of this initiative is to build a support system for our first-year students by sharing important resources, connecting them with peers, faculty, and staff, and making them feel welcome at the university. Student success workshops and programming not only enhance student engagement and retention but also support their success and sense of belonging. Registration is available through the College Calendar.