EOE FIRST YEAR INTEREST GROUPS: SUCCESS IN ENGINEERING STARTS HERE A PROGRESS REPORT ON SUCCESSES ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS

摘要

The Equal Opportunity in Engineering (EOE) Program invites students to become part of an exciting community that focuses on academic success and personal growth. EOE initiatives such as the Fall Kick-Off, First Year Interest Groups (FIGs), and Engineering Peer Leaders help students establish a strong academic foundation and promote the formation of a peer support network. In addition, EOE provides students with access to tutoring, undergraduate research opportunities, and professional development workshops. In partnership with Pi Sigma Pi Minority Academic Engineering Society, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the EOE Program builds a network that makes it easy to form study groups and meet other engineering students. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine ranked The University of Texas at Austin fourth in the nation in producing undergraduate engineering degrees for underrepresented minority groups. This success is due in large part to FIGs offered by the EOE Program. EOE FIGs serve as our most effective retention program for underrepresented minority engineering students. Since Fall 2003, 652 first year students enrolled in FIGs hosted by the EOE Program. Thus far, 75 percent of EOE FIG participants have either graduated from or are still enrolled in the Cockrell School of Engineering. The average one year retention rate in engineering for EOE FIG participants is 92 percent, 11 points above the college average. The average two year retention rate in engineering for EOE FIG participants is 78 percent, 12 points above the college average. This paper provides an overview of EOE FIGs and curriculum content for weekly seminars as well as a summary of results and ongoing improvements.