Passion, Purpose, Persistence, and Professionalism
The Office of Student Development and Success (OSDS) helps students develop passion and pride for their Lee College of Engineering education and chosen profession by becoming self-motivated and independent learners, problem solvers and professionals. All OSDS faculty have worked as practicing engineers and engineering leaders. Many are registered Professional Engineers in one or more states. They bring real-world experience and perspective to the classroom and to all of their student interactions. They are also academic advisors, Senior Design project mentors, and directors of student support programs.
College of Engineering students are engaged in a variety of hands-on learning in and out of class throughout their four-year experience.
- Peer-coaching and Supplemental Instruction offered through the MAPS Program help students develop and apply academic success strategies.
- Design courses allow students to build and test their designs to see if they meet specifications and to learn from failure analysis.
- Networking opportunities with employers and alumni help students develop and apply professional and leadership skills.
The Industrial Solutions Laboratory (ISL) partners with local companies to bring industry projects to the two-semester Senior Design program. The projects simulate real-world practice as students manage budgets, deadlines, and conflicting constraints to provide a solution that meets the needs of the company. Students learn design skills beginning in Introduction to Engineering (ENGR 1201) or Introduction to Engineering Technology (ETGR 1201). These skills are honed in sophomore and junior design courses in preparation for Senior Design.
We Help Freshmen Succeed
Freshmen can expect an exciting and challenging first year, one that is much different from high school. Depending on major, students take either Introduction to Engineering (ENGR 1201) or Introduction to Engineering Technology (ETGR 1101). The introductory engineering course is an intense and hands-on; where students learn the engineering design process and various tools and techniques used in the profession. They also learn the art of being proactive and other paradigm-shifting concepts of highly effective people that prepare them for success in their major.
All new College of Engineering freshmen receive academic advising through the Office of Student Development and Success (OSDS). The freshman advisor is assigned during SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration). Most advisors have worked as practicing engineers and engineering leaders. Because of this, they offer special insight into what it takes to be a professional and they also know what it will take to succeed in the demanding professional programs the College of Engineering offers.
We Develop Leaders
The College of Engineering offers curricular and extra-curricular, formal and informal opportunities for students to develop leadership and other professional skills. The Leadership Academy was developed in partnership with local companies and is fully supported by corporate gifts. Engineering professionals from local companies help facilitate weekend retreats and mentor Leadership Academy capstone projects. Other professional development programs give students many opportunities throughout their four years to hone skills prior to graduation. The quality of our education is evidenced by high demand for our graduates and the value they add to their employers. They are highly recruited and work for companies like AREVA, BMW, Duke Energy, Freightliner, Hendrick Motorsports, Ingersoll-Rand, Jacobs Engineering, Siemens, CB&I and AECOM. Our college is producing leaders in their fields of expertise. That speaks volumes for the quality of our graduates.
Academic and Professional Development Programs
| SUPPORT NAME | TYPE OF SUPPORT | SUPPORT OFFERED TO |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Learning Community (FLC) | Residential learning community, on-site classes and tutoring, out-of-class learning | Freshmen |
| Engage ME! | College of Engineering multicultural engineering program | All students, but particularly Native American, Black, and Hispanic students |
| Leadership Academy | Leadership training based on corporate modules | Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors |
| Maximizing Academic and Professional Success (MAPS) Program | Peer transition coaching, Supplemental Instruction, tutoring | All students but particularly new freshmen and transfer students |
| Information on internships, Cooperative Education (co-ops), professional licensure, employer recruiting, job search, networking events and the annual fall picnic |
All years but especially Juniors, Seniors and Alumni |
|
| Industrial Solutions Laboratory (ISL) and Senior Design | Senior Design Expo, industry networking | Seniors |