College of
Engineering and Computer Science
Assessment of First-year Student Experiences
Report to Sam Clemence
and Kate Drake
May 29,1996
Peter Gray, Bobbi Yonai, and Ruth Stein
Center for Instructional Development
The following are the key points that emerged from reviewing
the College of Engineering and Computer Science First-Year Student
Survey (attachment A) and Focus Group
(attachment B) responses:
- Many of the programs and activities offered to first-years
students were very helpful to them in making the transition to
college, for example, summer orientation, the presentations made
at off-campus locations, opening weekend orientation, and summer
start.
- Students who got involved in campus groups and activities
seemed to make a smooth transition, for example, marching band,
residence hall activities, intra-mural athletics, and
student groups (campus-wide and within ECS).
- ECS 101 should be redesigned to provide a more in-depth picture
of each academic area in the large lectures (maybe two sessions
on each area) and then the small sections should be more general,
but practical, such as the steps from (a) to (z) involved in
designing and building a bridge (rather than a sophisticated
computer program to calculate stresses). That is, students want
a better introduction to their academic area so they can decide
if that is the best area for them.
- The peer advisor relationship didn't seem to last beyond
the beginning of the semester. Therefore, the role of peer advisors
should be reconsidered. Faculty advising also was cited as a
problem. Perhaps a lower division advising "center"
should be established with staff who really understand the ECS
curriculum and the Arts and Sciences offerings.
- Students were concerned about the math placement exam during
opening weekend, that is, it was really rushed and they felt
unprepared.
- AEW was very helpful in forming a common bond among first-year
students and should be expanded to more sessions and other courses.
Please let us know is you have any questions about the above
summary or the enclosed data. In addition, we would be glad to
provide assistance in the redesign of your first-year program.