Admission and Matriculation - Upon application for admission to the campus, the program begins to contact the prospective student about participating in MEP and completing all of the essential steps of the admissions and enrollment process. A fall scheduling workshop, just prior to Orientation, is held to provide students with information about the program and course enrollment, as well as an opportunity to learn from continuing students the strategies necessary for success on this campus. This interaction allows the new student to experience early the community of support within MEP and the campus at large.
Summer Program - MEP sponsors QUEST (Quality Unites Engineering and Science Teams), a 4-week commuter program for incoming freshman and transfer students, who are enrolling in engineering or computer science majors. QUEST offers students an opportunity to enhance their academic skills while assisting them in making the transition to Cal Poly Pomona. Features include, preparatory courses in mathematics, engineering, applied physics, or chemistry; as well as academic excellence workshops; college survival skills workshops; and field trips to industry. Collaborative group work and the use of the graphing calculator are integral parts of the program. All teams participate in a research project and make presentations to their families and the faculty. At the conclusion of the program, students are invited to a recognition luncheon to acknowledge their accomplishments.
Orientation Courses – The MEP orientation course enables the new student to quickly become a part of the MEP community and is required for all incoming MEP freshman and transfer students. With a focus on academic gamesmanship, this course shortens the time required to become familiar with campus resources and promotes success in courses like mathematics, chemistry and physics. The student learns study techniques for technical courses, receives guidance in dealing with the campus bureaucracy, learns to identify and clarify career goals, ascertains from industry representatives how to seek the best career opportunities, and how to find summer and/or part-time employment. All new MEP students are required to continue in the course through the sprinmg quarter where the design process, career exploration, and group projects are the focus.
Academic Excellence Workshops - MEP and the College of Science's Science Educational Enhancement Services (SEES) conduct a comprehensive workshop program. Workshops are offered in the foundation courses of Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Statics and Dynamics. Participants, after enrolling in the targeted sections and regularly attending the workshops, earn higher grades, have a higher retention rate, and graduate sooner than non-workshop participants. Many participants go on to become facilitators themselves, reinforcing their own knowledge while helping others and earning some money toward their education.
Study Centers - Students meet in the two MEP Study Centers where they work with fellow students, network, tutor, are tutored, learn of scholarships and job opportunities, exchange information about professional clubs, and relax between classes. One center is equipped with computers and printers for student use. The other center is available for student use 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Building Community - All of the MEP's programs and activity are geared to build its students into an active learning community which fosters interdependence, enhances group dynamics and teamsmanship skills, and works specifically toward building a sense of belonging in each student:
Academic Advising - Appropriate and effective advising is critical to student success. In addtition to having designated faculty in computer science and in each engineering department to advise them, MEP students have the ongoing assistance of the MEP staff who serve as informal advisors.
Peer Mentoring - The MEP staff relies on its community of peer support to further serve the advisement needs of its students. As a result, MEP implements a formal peer mentor/mentee program matching first-time freshmen throughout their first academic year with role model continuing students. Mentors meet weekly with mentees to: 1) monitor and document student progress in understanding, developing and applying effective study strategiesand skills; 2) assist students with adjustment to the university and making the transition from high school to college; 3) explore options and alternatives to help students define their own solutions in problem solving and effective decision making; 4) model and encourage good academic behavior and class attendance and participation in significant MEP activities; 5) help students cope with, or eliminate problems that may affect positive academic progress; 6) facilitate and develop positive relationships with peers, faculty and staff; 7) promote a supportive, friendly and safe environment for students. These relationships are designed to continue informally throughout the students' academic careers whereby mentees bcome mentors themselves.
Student Organizations - MEP students are involved in the student chapters of many college organizations as well as in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanics in Science and Engineering (SHSE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Scholarships and Incentive Grants - Even with state support for each student's program of study, educational costs can be significant. Over $20,000 of industry-supplied grants is awarded to MEP students each year.
Summer Jobs and Part-time Work - Industry representatives on the MEP Industry Advisory Board work closely with MEP staff and the Career Center to maximize opportunities for employment both during and upon completion of each student's academic career.
Professional Development - Opportunities to clarify goals and develop professionally are provided in a variety of ways. Literally from the first day on campus until graduation, the student has a continuing series of opportunities to learn directly from industry its expectations for entry-level positions. The student also learns about the benefits of advanced studies and may choose to pursue graduate work on a full or part-time basis.
Industry Advisory Board - MEP is supported by the College of Engineering, the California State University, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and by Industry through the MEP Industry Advisory Board, a group representing more than 15 major corporations.
