Support for Success

Objective 2

The University of Idaho will develop, implement and adopt best practices for undergraduate and graduate education that increase student achievement in, involvement in, and successful completion of STEM programs, degrees, and courses. Support programs will assist students from all backgrounds in their pursuit of STEM education. Particular focus will be placed on key attrition points in the first 2 years of the undergraduate experience.

Students get involved early: Innovative teaching practices and early undergraduate research experiences will be fundamental in our approach. U of I faculty are already implementing new approaches in the classrooms and evaluation of those approaches will lead to continued improvement. Curricula maps will be used to guide students and help them link their program of study to their desired career. Research experiences for freshman and sophomore students will be a priority.

Support systems target STEM: U of I has many support programs in place to assist diverse students in networking and succeeding on campus. Future programs will focus specifically on assisting student communities pursuing STEM degrees. Helping develop the student’s network of other STEM students, faculty and employers will help keep them engaged with their eye on the future.

Outcomes: By providing the necessary support and the highest quality education and research experiences to our students throughout their entire college trek, retention and graduation rates in STEM degrees and certificates and completion of STEM courses by non-STEM majors will increase.