Lessons learned in a successful underrepresented minority retention program

Mary R. Anderson-Rowland, Dana C. Newell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the fall of 2003, a National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Academic Scholarship Program was begun with 21 underrepresented students in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University. The students were supported by a scholarship for the academic year and attended a two credit hour Academic Success Workshop in the fall and met for one hour every other week in the spring semester. Due to scheduling problems, the students met in two groups during the spring. The Academic Success Workshop has been described in a previous paper. The primary goals of the NACME Program are to give assistance and support to retain the students in good stead. The program purposes are to help with the adjustment to being a university freshman and a minority student, to ensure that students know where to turn for assistance when needed, to assist in forming a student support network, to help the students work in a team, to sharpen presentation skills, and to make the program experience enjoyable. This paper will include a discussion of the spring semester program, an overall evaluation of the first year of the program, and the retention problems encountered with the first group of students. In addition, we will discuss the diversity issues overcome with the selection of the second NACME class for fall 2004, as well as the lessons learned in year one and the student feedback through ongoing evaluation that caused changes in the second year of the program.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
Pages9753-9762
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2005
Event2005 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: The Changing Landscape of Engineering and Technology Education in a Global World - Portland, OR, United States
Duration: Jun 12 2005Jun 15 2005

Other

Other2005 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: The Changing Landscape of Engineering and Technology Education in a Global World
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland, OR
Period6/12/056/15/05

Keywords

  • Academic Success Workshop
  • Freshmen Retention
  • NACME Program
  • Scholarship Program
  • Underrepresented Minorities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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