CASECS: Center for Academic Support in Engineering and Computer Science
CASECS Mission Statement
The Center for Academic Support in Engineering and Computer Science (CASECS) is an academic support program designed to recruit, retain and graduate students. CASECS serves educationally disadvantage students, to the extent possible by law and emphasizes participation by students from groups with low eligibility rates for four-year colleges.
Objectives:
- Increase Enrollment & Retention
- Increase Industry Tours
- Increase Scholarships
What CASECS Does
Some of the features of the program include:- Building a support community among students with similar career goals.
- Constructing the bridges necessary to establish a mentor-protégé relationship between faculty and students
- Expecting excellent performance by students
- Effectively communicating support for the students' success at the University and in the selected profession.
The program has ten specific service components designed to support students' successful pursuit of an academic program and their achievement of a timely graduation, as well as to assist them with their personal concerns. These service components include:
1. Admission and Matriculation
Upon application for admission to the campus, the program begins supporting the prospective student often by building on the California Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program at the student's high school. At Fall orientation, just prior to the beginning of classes, the student is given details about the program and its elements, has the opportunity to learn from continuing students the particular logistics necessary for success on campus, experiences the community of support, sees industry's interest in his/her success, and talks with committed faculty and staff.
2. Orientation Course
The CASECS orientation course enables the new student to quickly become a part of the CASECS community. The student learns study techniques for technical courses, receives guidance in dealing with the campus administrative procedures, clarifies career goals, engages in engineering problem-solving guided by engineering faculty, ascertains from industry representatives how to seek the best career opportunities, and obtains summer and/or part-time employment information.
3. Study Center
Students meet in the CASECS Study Center where they work with fellow students, network, tutor and are tutored, use the computer, learn about scholarships and job opportunities, exchange information about professional clubs, and/or relax between classes.
4. Tutoring
Tutoring in lower-division technical courses helps students before potential academic difficulties arise. Tutoring by advanced students is provided in the CASECS Study Center on a walk-in basis.
5. Academic Counseling
Appropriate advising is critical to student success. CASECS students have designated faculty in the computer science and engineering departments to advise them, as well as an CASECS counselor.
6. Student Organizations
CASECS students are involved in student chapters of many college organizations, such as the Society of Mexican American Engineers & Scientists (MAES), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).
7. Scholarships and Incentive Grants
Even with state support for each student's program of study, educational costs can be significant. As much as $30,000 of industry-supplied grants has been awarded to CASECS students in past years.
8. Summer Jobs and Part-time Work
Industry representatives and the CASECS Industry Advisory Board work closely with CASECS staff to maximize opportunities for employment both during and upon completion of each student's academic career.
9. 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 continuous series of opportunities to learn directly from industry's 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.
10. ECS Support
The program is supported by the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the University of California, the California State University Chancellor's Office, the MESA statewide office, and by industry through the MESA Engineering Program Industry Advisory Board, a group representing over 30 major corporations.
Contact
|
Miguel Martinez |
|
Alessandra Vides |