Strengthening Undergraduate Preparation in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology

Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley GA

Investigators

Abstract

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has sustained the commitment to its mission and strategic plan of providing quality educational experiences for under represented minority group individuals (who constitute 93% of enrolled students), equipping them for productive and effective citizenry in an increasingly competitive society. A recent benchmarking, study conducted by the University System of Georgia, hailed FVSU as one of the top four institutions in the State with a competitive retention rate of 70% or better. Additionally, 88% or more of FVSU's biological sciencesgraduates are placed in medical or graduate school. We proposes to build upon this successful tradition of minority group retention and graduation from general baccalaureate degree programsby increasing more broadly the number of minority group graduates who pursue advanced studies in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (SMET). Funding is requested to achieve the primary goals of increasing the number of minority students graduating with a major in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (SMET) by 30%, and achieving a 10% increase over a five- year period in the number of SMET graduates pursuing master and doctoral degrees. There are three strategic initiatives being proposed to achieve these goals namely: i) enhancing the recruitment, and retention, of SMET major, ii) enhancing the infrastructure for providing technology if used and research-based SMET courses of instruction, and iii) providing career awareness opportunities in SMET field of study. These goals will be achieved via achievement of five interrelated objectives: 1) Enriching the academic preparation of students in SMET disciplines by focusing on developing course reform and enhancement, 2) Broadening and strengthening the research program for faculty development, 3) Strengthening the partnerships with academic institutions and industrial labs to enhance quality research experiences for students, 4 ) Infusing technology into teaching, research, and professional development, and 5) Enhancing critical transition activities to improve access and retention of undergraduate students. These objectives will be accomplished in different phases: revising gateway courses and improving the performance of students in SMET gate-keeping bottleneck courses via including research/lab exercises and providing students tutorial assistance. Faculty enrichment activities will improve their research skills, collaborative research will provide wide exposure to students to opportunities to become familiar with SMET programs. Providing `hands-on experience'' to students using the state-of-the art facilities and other enrichment activities will improve their skills, and motivate them to pursue graduate studies. Student participation will be promoted by financial assistance as work study/stipend, and by summer internships at major research institutions. Bridging initiative to address high school/ undergraduate-graduate- job market transitions in SMET fields will also be established. It is expected that this project will: 1) substantially increase the number of minority graduates in SMET disciplines and increase the proportion of those graduates who pursue advanced degrees in these disciplines through bridging and career awareness programs; 2) strengthen faculty expertise and capability to mentor students as researchers, and overall commitment to continued professional development as SMET scholars - a 10% increase in faculty research projects, publications, linkages, and grantsmanship will be attained; 3) promote gains in learning through the provision of a revised SMET curriculum which builds on increased faculty interactions with the incorporation of inquiry-based pedagogy; and 4) promote the greatest potential for student enrollment and success in SMET disciplines by enhancing the physical infrastructure (e.g., teaching/ research facilities) of the university. Dr. Sarwan Dhir, Assistant Professor, having strong project management experience will direct the program under the supervision of Dr. Josephine Davis, Vice President Academic Affairs. A Leadership Team of the Chairs of the SMET departments and an Advisory Committee of internal and external distinguished scientists will conduct an annual review of the program outcomes as well as formative evaluation as the program is developed. The results of this project will be disseminated widely in the professional community through presentations at regional and national/scientific meetings and publications in scientific journals. The general public will have access to the successful efforts of this project through FVSU web site. The commitment of Fort Valley State University is evidenced from the supporting letter from Dr. Oscar L. Prater, President, FVSU, and overall supervision of Vice President for Academic Affairs and participation of Dean's, on the Advisory Committee, release time for faculty, matching cost of the equipment, and allocation of physical facilities for the teaching and research laboratories and use of other facilities and resources. This project will advance the mission of the University through its provision of high quality degree programs that increase the participation of minority group graduates in higher education.