Dr. James Groves Assistant Dean, Research and Outreach Community College, Engineering Transfer Liaison School of Enginee

1. Recruiting Students for STEM Engineering Dr. James Groves Assistant Dean, Research and Outreach Community College, Engineering Transfer Liaison School of Engineering and Applied Science University of Virginia Ph: 434-924-6261 Em: jgroves@virginia.edu

2. What does an engineer do “on the job?” • Engineers design solutions to open-ended problems • Engineers employ the engineering method of problem solving • Understand the problem • Develop multiple possible solutions • Evaluate those possible solutions • Methodically select “the best” solution • Design and prototype the solution • Iterate

3. Characteristics of a Prospective Engineer • General interest in math and science • On a path that will allow completion of precalculus before HS graduation • A solid math foundation through precalculus is more important than shaky coverage through calculus. • Math after algebra-trig… • Needs to be precalculus • Needs to be ongoing, don’t let them stop!

4. Characteristics of a Prospective Engineer • A detective • Excited by the challenge of piecing together clues to develop a problem solution • What is known, what is unknown, and where can I find additional, useful knowledge? • Does a student enjoy the challenge of articulating questions? • Knowledge and answers are nice. An ability to formulate good questions (and then answer them) can lead to distinction.

5. Characteristics of a Prospective Engineer • An explorer • Motivated by the challenge of ill-defined problems • Unafraid of “exploring in the dark” in search of a solution • Sufficiently confident to add definition to ill-defined problems.

6. What to know about engineering studies • They can lead students to great opportunities! • Intellectual reward (analytical problem solving) • “Working” engineer • Engineering manager • Other professional • Financial reward • Consistently, engineering is the best paying undergraduate occupation. • Typical starting salaries for new engineering bachelor degree holders, $50,000 - $70,000 with benefits

7. What to know about engineering studies • Studying engineering is hard work – really hard!!! • Long homework assignments • Rigorous tests, comprehensive exams • Time, time, time… • Students need to be prepared to reshape their life schedule to be successful.

8. What to know about engineering studies • Plan to become an active learner, engaging with fellow students and instructors. • Group study sessions • Faculty office hours • Tutoring extra help • Ideally students will have an existing math foundation, through precalculus. • Bridging math is possible.

9. Positioning for engineering studies • FIRST LEGO and First Robotics • usfirst.org • Project Lead the Way • www.pltw.org • JETS • www.jets.org • Continued and continuous engagement in math and science studies

10. The Community College to 4 Year Pathway • The community college will: • Deliver essentially the same curriculum as a 4 year school • Build a math, science, and engineering foundation • Allow completion of humanities and social science electives • Provide small class sizes • Cost less, on the order of 1/3 the cost! ~$7,000 vs. ~$21,000

11. The Community College to 4 Year Pathway • Students first earn an Associate of Science in Engineering degree at a Virginia Community College • English composition, humanities, and social sciences • Introduction to engineering and computer programming • Calculus (4 semesters) • Chemistry (with lab) • Calculus-based physics (2 semesters) • 3 - 4 technical engineering classes (usually mechanical or electrical in focus)

12. The Community College to 4 Year Pathway • The community college will: • Allow students to earn an Associate of Science in Engineering degree (a transfer degree) • Give an opportunity to earn Guaranteed Admission to a state four year program • Give an opportunity to tap into the state’s Transfer Grant program (a $4000 scholarship)

13. UVA Transfer Process • Successfully complete the Associate of Science in Engineering (or equivalent) • Demonstrate academic proficiency • 3.2 GPA or higher • Qualify via Guaranteed Admission or • Apply for regular transfer admission • March 1st application deadline! www.seas.virginia.edu

14. SEAS Undergraduate Degrees • Aerospace Engineering • Biomedical Engineering • Chemical Engineering • Civil Engineering • Computer Engineering • Computer Science • Electrical Engineering • Engineering Science • Mechanical Engineering • Systems Engineering

15. produced.seas.virginia.edu

16. Reasons to Consider this Pathway • Standard in-state tuition and fee structure • Position students early for local employment • Open up possibility of year-round internship • Develop advanced on-line professional skills • Tap into live classes, during the day (recorded)

17. Connecting students and engineering employers • The PRODUCED program believes that further development of ongoing, year-round work / study opportunities is a “win-win-win” • Students gain access to engineering work experience. • Companies can evaluate top talent early, generate productivity, and hold the line on recruiting costs. • The academic programs are populated with students motivated to continue and succeed.

18. Thank you!Questions? Dr. James Groves Assistant Dean, Research and Outreach Community College, Engineering Transfer Liaison Ph: 434-924-6261 Em: jgroves@virginia.edu www.seas.virginia.edu produced.seas.virginia.edu