The CSULB College of Engineering already offers many programs to support students’ success. Beginning this Fall, entering freshmen and transfer students will also be able to join a learning community where they’ll be supported with mentoring, tutoring and networking to aid their transition into college.
The Excellence through a Community of Engaged Learners (EXCEL) program, funded by an HSI-STEM Sí Puedo grant, will be available to students in the colleges of Engineering and Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Information sessions will be held from 12-2 p.m. on both Thursday, April 6, USU-205, and Friday, April 7, MCC. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. ]
“We are excited that the Sí Puedo grant will be an integrated part of both colleges,” said Tracy Maples, Acting Associate Dean of Academic Programs for the College of Engineering. “Through our cooperative programs, this grant provides us with the opportunity to positively impact the academic success of both scientists and engineers.”
The mentoring program matches upper-division students with entering freshmen and transfer students through academic learning communities within their introductory courses. Mentors and mentees meet on a regular basis for personalized mentoring and tutoring support in order to provide mentees with strategies to navigate their college experience.
To be eligible for the paid mentoring positions, undergraduate students must be declared STEM majors with a preferred minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and completion of at least 60 units by the end of the Spring 2017 semester.
Potential EXCEL mentors must also have an interest in mentoring freshmen and transfer students and a desire to serve as an ambassador for the College of Engineering. The deadline to apply is April 20.
The engineering EXCEL peer mentors will meet with their assigned mentee monthly and devote time to tutoring in the College of Engineering Tutoring Center. In addition, they will assist with ENGR 101 and ENGR 102 courses along with other events geared towards the academic development of their mentees.
Although the program will benefit the incoming freshmen and transfer students, mentors will receive hourly pay of $14, training in growth mindset, communication skills, group dynamics, leadership, mentoring, and have the chance to make connections with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and industry members.
Potential EXCEL peer mentors must be available for paid training June 5-9. Additional summer employment opportunities are also available.