The relationship between an engineering student’s integration into the academic and social systems of their postsecondary institution and their undergraduate success, particularly for students from underrepresented minority backgrounds, is well documented. The Simmons Scholars advising framework explicitly contemplates this association, and intentionally connects first-year students with more experienced colleagues in Engineering Professional Organizations, Project Teams, and other community-based, student-led groups to support students’ belonging, academic performance, and goal attainment.
Simmons Scholars access the full suite of DPE resources, including, but not limited to
(i) a dedicated adviser/advocate with whom Scholars meet regularly during their first two years;
(ii) a peer mentor through CU EMPower;
(iii) priority consideration for various academic and professional support and development programs offered through DPE.
Additionally, Simmons Scholars are connected with strategic engagement opportunities that promote academic excellence professional development, and individual goal attainment. These include:
- Academic Coaching and Comprehensive Advising via DPE, Engineering Advising, Faculty Advisors, and Career Center Advisors;
- Peer Mentorship through CU EMPower;
- Enhanced Tutoring and Academic Support through Academic Excellence Workshops, Cornell University Engineering Success (CUES), Engineering Learning Initiatives (ELI), and the Learning Strategies Center (LSC;
- Engineering Affinity Professional Organizations;
- Leadership, teamwork, career and authentic applied skill development with Project Teams;
- Leadership development through Engineering Leadership Programs, coaching, the Engineering Leadership Certificate Program, Leadership Skills Clinics, Engineering Leadership Classes
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities through Engineering Learning Initiatives (ELI) REU, the Engineering Summer Math Institute (ESMI), the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board, and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
- Graduate School Exploration and Admissions Support;
- Student-Engaged Cohort and Inclusive Community Development.
- Public Engagement opportunities through the College of Engineering, DPE, and other Grant-Funded Community-Engaged Learning offerings
- Professional Development;
- Internship and Career Support;
- Annual Student Awards
