Work in progress - an Engineering Bridge Program - the foundation for success for academically at-risk students

Abstract

As an urban institution, Wayne State University is charged with providing educational opportunities to students from varied backgrounds. Historically, many students entering the College of Engineering have not been calculus-ready. The 4-year retention rate of students who place into advanced algebra or below has been about 25%. In order to provide students who are interested in engineering with the best chance of academic success while maintaining the quality of the engineering degree programs, an Engineering Bridge Program was developed. Students are placed in the Bridge Program based on one or more of the following criteria: 1) science/math gpa from high school below 3.0; 2) Math ACT score below 22; or 3) placement into advanced algebra or below on the University's math placement exam. Students must complete a one-year program of math (through pre-calculus), chemistry, physics, English, and an Introduction to the Engineering Profession with a gpa of 3.0 or higher to progress into the pre-professional program. In addition to the coursework, designed to provide a strong foundation for engineering, students are placed in peer cohort groups that meet weekly with an engineering mentor - an upper division or graduate student in engineering. These peer groups provide Bridge students with a connection to their fellow students and a support group that introduces them to the University environment. The College advising staff also closely monitors Bridge students to provide early intervention if students have academic difficulties. Students who do not succeed in the Bridge Program receive advising to allow them to select a new major that fits their academic goals and talents. This prevents students from floundering in the College of Engineering for several years before being forced to change to another program. The program is evaluated based on both student retention rate and student academic success, as quantified by College gpa