70931, page 1-35 @ Normalize - WVU College of Engineering and ...

In Focus
Building West Virginia’s Future
Innovative Freshman Program
Spurs Student Success
By Shainna Sticklen
Tim Bielawa, a native of Troy, New York, is now a
successful sophomore computer and electrical engineering
major, but he admits that he wasn’t the best student when
he came to WVU as a freshman in 2004. He struggled in the
challenging math and science required of all engineering majors,
and admits that his study habits weren’t the best.
Historically, a certain number of freshman engineering students –
either not quite ready for the challenges of the curriculum and/or
the responsibilities of being in college – have struggled through
their freshman years, and a significant minority did not make it
through.
In order to help more freshmen succeed, the College of Engineering
and Mineral Resources instituted an impressive array of programs
in 2002 to help students get off on the right foot. Dr. Robin Hensel,
the College’s coordinator of freshman engineering, leads the
program with a dedicated group of faculty and staff.
Wils Cooley (left), professor of computer science and
electrical engineering, led his freshman Engineering Problem
Solving class in a design competition involving the design and
construction of trebuchets (an ancient technology similar to a
catapult), and tested them during a class egg-throwing
competition last fall.
“Our goal is to provide students with the attention and support that
they need,” said Hensel, “and to help them build a foundation that
will assist them throughout their academic and professional
careers.”
The common freshman engineering curriculum is one of the
hallmarks of the program, said Hensel. All freshmen take advanced
math and science courses, in addition to introductory courses that
introduce them to fundamental engineering concepts and
techniques. Hands-on activities are an integral part of the freshman
courses, which are taught by experienced faculty members.
“We want to get them engaged and excited about engineering,” said
Hensel, “and to build their confidence and skills.”
Another innovation has been to require freshmen to attend
mandatory study labs at least one night a week, unless they test out
of the requirement by earning A’s on their first set of tests. The labs
offer students the opportunity to get assistance from upperclassmen
and graduate students, who act as student mentors.
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Spring 2007
Another feature of the freshman program is the Engineer Fest held
at the beginning of each school year. This event familiarizes
students with the many student organizations in the college, from
the Society of Women Engineers to the American Society of
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