Swanson School of Engineering Academic Guidelines

I’ve supported the academic and career success of engineering students for many years. I look forward to working with you to develop an academic success plan. Please check your Pitt e-mail account before the first week of classes for an e-mail from me. Semester weekly group meetings have been found to be the key in the academic success of our students. I encourage you to attend a group during the first week of classes and learn more about how they work and their effectiveness. I will answer any questions you have about my academic programs at that meeting. Please see the program outcomes statistics below and the student testimonials on the other side.

Programs provided for you during the fall and spring semesters: • Academic and Career Enhancement Group (ACE) – Small group meetings for an hour every other week to discuss current challenges and successes with courses, study skills, discipline, time management, learning styles, test preparation and career outlook • Outcome Statistics: In 2017-2018, baseline data demonstrated 20 to 25 percent of this population took advantage of this program. Of those active participants: • 75 to 77 percent performed better in term GPA in both fall and spring semesters • 88 to 94 percent were retained in SSoE while 94 to 95 percent were retained at the University

Academic performance after one semester, students who consistently worked with the Director of Retention: • Fall 2017 – 81 percent (13 students) achieved good academic standing • Spring 2018 – 94 percent (22 students) achieved good academic standing • Summer 2018 – 100 percent (11 students) achieved good academic standing

• Academic Study Skills Workshops – Engineering specific topics • Learning and Study Skills Inventory (LASSI) – Evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses with regard to study skills • Academic Coaching and Consultations – 1:1 meetings regarding academic areas of growth that you want to enhance • Tutoring – Access to school-wide tutoring program and updated semester listing of all free campus tutoring • Study Group Formation – How to form and manage a successful study group • Communication – How to communicate with peers, faculty and employers both verbally and via e-mail • Focus on Finals – Study day with access to free tutoring and food • Finals Care Packages – Study supplies and snacks to gear up for finals You are strongly encouraged to join a group for the semester. Please e-mail or call if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Anita Persaud, DEd, Director of Retention apersaud@pitt.edu 412-624-9161

engineering.pitt.edu University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering 152 Benedum Hall | 3700 O’Hara Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15261

ACE GROUP FEEDBACK

Year in School: Senior Major: Civil Engineering

Year in School: Junior Major: Computer Engineering

I would recommend students put their pride aside for their education. I completely understand how participating in this group can seem a little embarrassing, however it is important for students to understand that they were invited for a reason.

Just give it a chance, you never know what you can gain.

This group was incredibly helpful for me. Not only did it allow me to develop new study strategies, but I also developed a sense of community with other students in similar situations as myself. I would highly recommend it to students who feel like they are not performing to their full potential and feel like they are alone.

Year in School: Junior Major: Civil Engineering This group gave me something to push myself to do, even when I was stressed or overwhelmed or simply didn’t want to go. It pushed me to stay engaged with school and by attending, I gained resources to apply in my classes and free time.

Year in School: Junior Major: Electrical Engineering I originally thought this program would not be for me and that I already knew everything. I was quite wrong. I could not be more thankful for attending and I learned multiple things at each meeting. In fact, I would recommend this group to anyone regardless of how well they may already be doing in school.

You will learn study techniques that you didn’t know before.

Year in School: Senior Major: Mechanical Engineering This group is insanely helpful for staying grounded throughout the semester. Having other students to talk to who are also struggling helps give perspective on how you’re doing, as well as motivation to work through the hard weeks.

Year in School: Junior Major: Bioengineering This group has helped me identify and fix issues with my study habits and academic skills. I have learned new ways to approach studying and motivating myself. It was great to be a part of a relaxed, supportive group where I could reset and refocus myself to prepare for the next set of assignments I wanted to tackle.

Year in School: Senior Major: Chemical Engineering

Year in School: Junior Major: Industrial Engineering

It is helpful and helps me manage time better, organize time more efficiently and prepare for exams in better form. Two or three hours a month isn’t stressful.

This group was essential to my continued success this semester.

Anybody can start off strong but to finish strong you have to put in the continued effort and this group kept up my motivation all semester.

Year in School: Senior Major: Chemical Engineering This group gave me a renewed sense that there was someone at the University looking out for and advocating for me. It provided an environment where I felt comfortable talking about personal academic issues without judgment from peers.

engineering.pitt.edu University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering 152 Benedum Hall | 3700 O’Hara Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15261

12/2018