Academic Supports
Simmons Scholars have access to a number of resources to support their academic success, including:
- 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);
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Engineering Learning Initiatives (ELI) REU, the Engineering Summer Math Institute (ESMI), the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board, and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Advising
Throughout their undergraduate careers, Simmons Scholars meet regularly with their DPE Adviser for one-to-one advising sessions. In the first and second years, DPE advising sessions primarily focus on successfully affiliating with an engineering major, study skills, time management, wellness, developing productive relationships with faculty, and other topics that are especially relevant to the success of early career undergraduate students. Additionally, Bridges Scholars are assigned an Engineering Adviser, a Peer Mentor, and have access to various other faculty, student organization, and alumni advising and mentorship resources.
Early Intervention
Should a Simmons Scholar receive an early intervention notice, their DPE Adviser will work with the Scholar to develop and execute strategies that will facilitate improved academic performance, and engage early intervention measures in collaboration with the Engineering Advising Office.
Advising in Years Three and Four
In Scholars’ junior and senior years, support is framed around professional development, degree completion, and post-graduation planning. Additionally, advising sessions focus on helping Scholars to create action plans that will position them to be as competitive as possible in securing internships, summer research opportunities, graduate and professional school admission, and/or positions with full-time employers.
