LU College of Engineering to Host Freshmen Engineering Bootcamp
August 02, 2021 | by Haley Strahan
The College of Engineering will welcome freshmen onto campus one week before the fall semester for Freshmen Engineering Bootcamp. Formerly known as Math SMART Camp, the camp is open to all first-year engineering students.
The primary goal of FEBC is to build a community between students, faculty and staff to help increase retention of engineering students.
“Engineering Bootcamp provides many critical and fun activities for our incoming freshmen. As in previous years, Bootcamp attendees will get a better picture of where they are with regards to their math knowledge and skills at the beginning of the week, be taught by Lamar University math faculty during the week and then be reassessed at the end of the week to measure their improvement, which will be used to fine tune their placement into their first engineering math course,” explained Dr. Brian Craig, Dean of the College of Engineering. ”Coming out of a year and a half long pandemic which disrupted learning, this accurate math course placement is more critical than ever.”
Students who attend FEBC will spend each morning in math refresher courses provided by LU Math faculty, which has proven to improve math scores and overall retention rates in the math-heavy engineering majors.
In addition to math prep, freshmen will have the opportunity to attend current student panels and presentations from various campus resource-providers to learn about all the opportunities and supports that exist for engineering students during their time at LU. Current students will be on-hand to staff the event and give their perspectives and mentorship on how to be successful in college.
Contrary to its name, FEBC isn't all business. Students will enjoy evening activities like a Student Org BBQ, a Movie on the Lawn, Design Competition and Relay Games. During their down time, students can play video games in the Student Setzer Center or even visit the Escape Room at Spindletop.
“I attended Engineering Bootcamp as a freshman and I met some of the people who are now my best friends,” said Britney Sumayah, Mechanical Engineering ’22 and group leader for the 2021 Bootcamp. “I also learned a lot of things that helped me transition easily into college life and make sure that I was able to be successful.”
Students who attend FEBC can move into their dorms early and all meals are provided for the week. Freshmen Engineering Bootcamp was sponsored by Chevron Phillips Chemical, Motiva and Cardinal Communities with generous donations from Jason’s Deli and Zummo Meat Company.
“Lamar University staff and faculty have really stepped up the opportunities for students to connect with current students, faculty and industry representatives through many additional fun games and activities,” added Dr. Craig. “We recommend all incoming freshmen to take advantage of this exciting opportunity that is made possible by our wonderful sponsors.”
Freshmen are still invited to register prior to the week of camp.
The primary goal of FEBC is to build a community between students, faculty and staff to help increase retention of engineering students.
“Engineering Bootcamp provides many critical and fun activities for our incoming freshmen. As in previous years, Bootcamp attendees will get a better picture of where they are with regards to their math knowledge and skills at the beginning of the week, be taught by Lamar University math faculty during the week and then be reassessed at the end of the week to measure their improvement, which will be used to fine tune their placement into their first engineering math course,” explained Dr. Brian Craig, Dean of the College of Engineering. ”Coming out of a year and a half long pandemic which disrupted learning, this accurate math course placement is more critical than ever.”
Students who attend FEBC will spend each morning in math refresher courses provided by LU Math faculty, which has proven to improve math scores and overall retention rates in the math-heavy engineering majors.
In addition to math prep, freshmen will have the opportunity to attend current student panels and presentations from various campus resource-providers to learn about all the opportunities and supports that exist for engineering students during their time at LU. Current students will be on-hand to staff the event and give their perspectives and mentorship on how to be successful in college.
Contrary to its name, FEBC isn't all business. Students will enjoy evening activities like a Student Org BBQ, a Movie on the Lawn, Design Competition and Relay Games. During their down time, students can play video games in the Student Setzer Center or even visit the Escape Room at Spindletop.
“I attended Engineering Bootcamp as a freshman and I met some of the people who are now my best friends,” said Britney Sumayah, Mechanical Engineering ’22 and group leader for the 2021 Bootcamp. “I also learned a lot of things that helped me transition easily into college life and make sure that I was able to be successful.”
Students who attend FEBC can move into their dorms early and all meals are provided for the week. Freshmen Engineering Bootcamp was sponsored by Chevron Phillips Chemical, Motiva and Cardinal Communities with generous donations from Jason’s Deli and Zummo Meat Company.
“Lamar University staff and faculty have really stepped up the opportunities for students to connect with current students, faculty and industry representatives through many additional fun games and activities,” added Dr. Craig. “We recommend all incoming freshmen to take advantage of this exciting opportunity that is made possible by our wonderful sponsors.”
Freshmen are still invited to register prior to the week of camp.