• Upperclassmen Launch New Student Advising Program
• Bay Networks Becomes Newest Member of Industrial Affiliates Program
• Northrop Grumman
• Tatung Co. Former Maryland Students Visit Department
• Hewlett Packard Gift Increases Department's Facilities
• Department Launches Student Recruitment Days for Industrial Partners
• Fall Distinguished Lecturer Series
• Department Hosts 2nd Annual Research Review Day
• Student Recipients of George Corcoran Award
• Tatung Co., Former Maryland Students Visit Department

Upperclassmen Launch New Student Advising Program

A group of 50 upperclassmen pioneered the Harmonic Coalition last semester, a student advising group aimed at easing the transition for students entering the University of Maryland from either high school or another university. The program pairs first or second year electrical and computer engineering students with upperclassmen, to act as both advisors and friends.

The idea for the Coalition was born when students Wen-Szu Lin and Omar Sharief decided that the best way to help students acclimate to a large university was to offer them personal guidance, attention, and a sense of community.

"I wondered what would happen if someone could guide you (a student) all the way through?" said Lin. Knowing where to go, what to do, and who to see for help, Lin added, can be some of the biggest challenges for students coming into such a large setting. Lin and Sharief petitioned their classmates for help with the project, and 50 upperclassmen joined the Coalition.

Pictured: (from left to right) Some of the foounding members of the Harmonic Coalition: Omar Sharief, Kent Horng, Wen-Szu, Curtis Bly, Nauman Uppal, Johnny Pongsiri, and Ana Casas.

"The whole reason I got involved was because of my first semester here," said Mark Cursy, EE senior and mentor. "I thought this was desparately needed."

Mentors make contact with their mentees once weekly, either by phone, email, or in person. A banquet is hosted at the beginning of the academic year to introduce mentees to their respective mentors. Monthly meetings and social activities are also hosted for members.

Mentoring really helps students, Coalition members stressed, when it is time to drop or schedule classes. "You don't want to get stuck with all EE classes in one semester," said Ana Casas, EE junior and mentor. "So you don't want to take just core classes your first year." This is where mentors can help. "It's nice to have an advisor who knows the ropes around the school," Casas added.

According to Cursy, "My mentee asked me, 'What's the big plan here? Should I be thinking about two years from now?' I said yes!"

In addition to scheduling advice, mentors assist students in developing the study skills required to excel in a demanding major such as electrical engineering. "We've offered access to tutors from Eta Kappa Nu," said Lin. Eta Kappa Nu is the electrical engineering honors society.

The group's first semester was a big success, with 50 pairs of advisors/advisees participating. Both the department and the A. James Clark School of Engineering supported the effort.

Although the primary benefits of the Coaltion lie with the mentees, some of the mentors have gained a sense of purpose within the department as well. "Now I feel like I have a personal stake here," said Cursy. "Before I was just going to school."

The Coalition plans to offer more social activities and guest speakers for its members this semester.