Step Handbook 2009-2010

Student Handbook

2009-2010

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences College of Arts and Sciences www.wmich.edu/step

Welcome Letter from the CEAS Dean Dear Fellow Bronco, Welcome to Western Michigan University and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and congratulations on your new job (your WMU application was a job application). You’ve embarked on a great career that will be exciting and challenging. You are among individuals who will expect the very best from you and encourage you to strive for excellence. Learn your way around and get involved. Ask questions of your peers, the staff, and faculty. When you see an opened door, walk through it. When you see a closed door, knock on it and it will open. Remember that the faculty and staff are here for your success. The best advice I can give you is summed up by the following two statements: 1. Go to class, every class. There is something to be gained from going to class. If you are unsure of something, ask a question. If it all seems like a waste of time, ask a question to expand your knowledge. 2. Turn in your work, all of it. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish by doing. It may look easy when shown, but the proof is in the doing. Your chosen career requires you to learn by doing. Work hard and you will be rewarded with 40+ years of career satisfaction and advancement. If you follow these two rules, you will do well. It’s hard not to when you are committed to stay current in your field and do your job! If you do find yourself not doing well in a class, remember this advice: like the class. Students rarely do poorly in a class that they like. They give it top priority when studying. They listen intently to instruction, read carefully and work diligently. They interact with their peers in the class helping others and themselves in the process. Being part of WMU and the college is a great opportunity to grow intellectually. You will be able to grasp new ideas and concepts, be able to learn new procedures and methodologies, be able to synthesize and create. Later in your career you will reflect upon your performance here at Western and be amazed by all that you accomplished in a relatively short time. Improve yourself, improve the world. Have fun, take risks.

Anthony J. Vizzini, PhD, PE Dean, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Letter from the STEP Principal Investigator Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are the driving forces for innovation that have improved the social and economic well-being of society. STEM careers are challenging, exciting, and interesting. By enrolling in Western Michigan University, you are beginning a journey to join a profession that is dedicated to improving the lives of people. Historically, the first year of college poses the most challenge to college students in STEM majors. That is why WMU has implemented STEP, to help foster the attitudes, discipline, and habits of learning so you can successfully make the transition to college. WMU is one of the few universities awarded grants from the National Science Foundation’s STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) to support this Learning Community project. Each STEP Learning Community consists of about 22 students with a faculty mentor who will organize a series of co-curricular activities to help you learn about the STEM professions. Most STEP Learning Communities will have students enrolled in the same 3-to-5 courses together—organized by either mathematics placement or by the program of study—to provide a natural built-in study group and study hours. Some Learning Communities will have students enrolled in the same 2-to-3 courses together because of advance placement and transfer credits. We believe being part of STEP will not only enhance your learning and study skills, but it will also provide a small community of new friends with similar goals and challenges. Take advantage of the resources provided by STEP to increase your chance of success at WMU. Edmund Tsang, Ph.D. Principal Investigator, WMU-STEP Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs & Assessment College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Contents About STEP.................................................. Academic Resources Advising.................................................... Academic Support....................................... Planning.................................................... Events Calendar............................................ Mentors....................................................... Parkview Floor Plans..................................... Parkview Campus Bus Route.......................... Student Organizations................................... How is College Different than High School?...... Frequently Asked Questions........................... Notes..........................................................

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About Us The first year of college in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs is often very difficult for students. STEP has been developed to provide you with as much help as you may need and choose to utilize to be successful. The main components of the STEP program are: ● Learning Communities - Led by a faculty member who has volunteered to serve throughout the year as a mentor. ● Cohort Groups - Placed into the same core classes with ~24 other students helps you meet your peers and form study groups. ● Co-curricular Activities – Learning communities participate together in professional and social events outside the classroom.

WMU-STEP Directory Principal Investigator Edmund Tsang Office: CEAS C-250 Phone: (269) 276-3249 Email: [email protected] STEP Program Director Dana Butt Office: CEAS E-209 Phone: (269) 276-3316 Email: [email protected]

Visit the STEP web site for important information, updates and resources at

www.wmich.edu/step

Student Interviews and Project Evaluator

Cynthia Halderson Office: SAMPI, 3213 Wood Phone: (269) 387-3791 Email: [email protected]

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0336581. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Academic Resources Advising........................... 6 Academic Support.............. 7 Planning........................... 8

269.276.3270

Advising

www.wmich.edu/engineer/ undergraduate-advisors Office: E-102 Parkview Campus

CEAS Advising Office Directory Director Ms. Sandy Blanchard CEAS E-109 Phone: (269)276-3258 Email: [email protected]

Advisor Rebecca Scheffers CEAS E-103 Phone: (269) 276-3268 Email: [email protected]

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Pearl Devries CEAS E-102 Phone: (269) 276-3260 Email: [email protected]

Advisor Ms. Kimberly DeVries CEAS E-102 Phone: (269) 276-3267 Email: [email protected]

Career Advisor CEAS E-118 Phone: (269) 276-3263 College of Arts & Sciences Advising Directory Biological Sciences Ms. Tammi Roberts 3447 Wood Hall Phone: (269) 387-5617 Email: [email protected]

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Chemistry Dr. Donald Schreiber 3142 Wood Hall Phone: (269) 387-2856 Email: [email protected]

Academic Support STEP Student Success Center - Open most evenings from

6-11 p.m. Check www.wmich.edu/step/students for information.

Academic Skills Center - Located in Moore Hall. Provides

tutoring as well as an excellent Writing Center to help with your papers. See www.wmich.edu/asc/ for services and schedules.

Math Tutoring Lab - Located in Rood Hall. Check www.wmich.edu/math/TutorLabs for information.

Physics Tutoring Lab - Visit www.wmich.edu/step/students for information.

CEAS Computer Lab - Located in C block on Parkview campus. Visit www.wmich.edu/engineer/cae for information.

Use the resources available to make your first year easier.

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Planning Important Dates Oct. 1, 2009 - Make an appointment with your advisor to sign up for Spring ‘10 classes and discuss academic issues. Jan. 1, 2010 - Apply for financial aid. Feb. 1, 2010 - Make an appointment with your advisor to sign up for Summer/Fall ‘10 classes and discuss academic issues.

Plan ahead to stay ahead.

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One-Year Academic Plan Fall 2009 Course

CRN

Credits

Course Title

Total Spring 2010 Course

CRN

Credits

Course Title

Total Summer I - 2010 Course

CRN

Credits

Course Title

Total Summer II - 2010 Course

CRN

Credits

Course Title

Total

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Events/Important Dates First-Year CEAS Students Date/Time Sept 12 Saturday 5:30 pm

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Event

STEP Kick-off Cookout

Place

Goldsworth Valley Pond

Sept 25 Friday 2:30 pm

Engineers Week Fall Program

Parkview Campus

Oct 1 Thursday

See advisor for Spring 2010 scheduling

Parkview Campus

Oct 6 Tuesday 8:00 pm

Presentation by WMU Engineering alumus Bill Hynes

Parkview Campus

Oct 8 Thursday TBD

Internship and Co-op Panel

Parkview Campus

Oct 22 Thursday TBD

CEAS Career Fair

Parkview Campus

Dec 8 Tuesday All Day

Fall 2009 Senior Design Presentations

Parkview Campus

Feb 1 Monday

See advisor for Fall 2010 scheduling

Parkview Campus

Feb 16 Tuesday TBD

Engineers Week Dinner

Fetzer Center

April 20 Tuesday All Day

Spring 2010 Senior Design Presentations

Parkview Campus

Information

Fun, food, and friends to get the year started!

Program focusing on the future of wind energy.

Make an appointment with your advisor to plan out your Spring schedule. “What Engineers Do, Hybrid Vehicle Technology, and a Few Thoughts on Life” A networking and educational opportunity to learn what students are doing to obtain co-ops and internships and what they have learned from their experiences. The annual career fair hosts 70-100 employers from local, regional, national and international organizations to promote co-ops, internships and full-time positions. A conference that showcases the work of graduating seniors. Students are required to complete a capstone project that puts into practice what they have learned. Make an appointment with your advisor to plan out your Fall schedule. This dinner program is held each year to celebrate the profession of engineering and promote student interest in engineering careers. A conference that showcases the work of graduating seniors. Students are required to complete a capstone project that puts into practice what they have learned.

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Mentors Ikhlas Abdel-Qader Dept: Electrical and Computer Engineering Office: CEAS A-242 Phone: (269) 276-3146 Email: [email protected]

Osama Abudayyeh Dept: Civil and Construction Engineering Office: CEAS C-253 Phone: (269) 276-3252 Email: [email protected]

Betsy Aller Dept: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS F-227 Phone: (269) 276-3354 Email: [email protected]

Raja Aravamuthan Dept: Paper and Chemical Engineering, & Imaging Office: A-224 Phone: (269) 276-3507 Email: [email protected]

Steven Butt Dept: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS E-227 Phone: (269) 276-3356 Email: [email protected]

Jerrie Fiala Dept: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS F-225 Phone: (269) 276-3359 Email: [email protected] 12

Tycho Fredericks Dept: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS E-223 Phone: (269) 276-3360 Email: [email protected]

Tarun Gupta Dept: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS E-220 Phone: (269) 276-3361 Email: [email protected]

Karlis Kaugars Dept: CAE Director Office: C-222 Phone: (269) 276-3276 Email: [email protected]

Andrew Kline Dept: Paper and Chemical Engineering, & Imaging Office: CEAS A-220 Phone: (269) 276 3516 Email: [email protected]

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Mentors Tracey Moon Dept: Advocacy Office for Transfer Students and Military Affairs Office: CEAS E-102 Phone: (269) 387-2745 Email: [email protected]

Peter Parker Dept: Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Imaging Office: CEAS A-221 Phone: (269) 276-3519 Email: [email protected]

Troy Place Dept: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS F -220 Phone: (269) 276-3366 Email: [email protected]

Kapseong Ro Dept: Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering Office: CEAS G-242 Phone: (269) 276-3412 Email: [email protected]

Tammi Roberts Dept: Biological Sciences Office: 3447 Wood Hall Phone: (269) 387-5617 Email: [email protected]

Donald Schreiber Dept: Chemistry Office: 3142 Wood Hall Phone: (269) 387-2856 Email: [email protected]

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Tom Swartz Dept: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS F-224 Phone: (269) 276-3376 Email: [email protected]

Edmund Tsang Dept: Associate Dean Office: CEAS C-250 Phone: (269) 276-3249 Email: [email protected]

Slobodan Urdarevik Dept: Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Office: CEAS F-215, Phone: (269) 276-3364 Email: [email protected]

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Getting Around

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Parkview Campus

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Parkview Bus Route

www.wmich.edu/broncotransit/parkview/ for the CEAS bus schedule www.wmich.edu/broncotransit/ for full the full WMU bus schedule

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Student Organizations Civil & Construction Engineering American Society of Civil Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Osama Abudayyeh Phone: (269) 276-3252 Email: [email protected] Student President: Britney Richmond Email: [email protected] Associated General Contractors of America Faculty Advisor: Dr. Osama Abudayyeh Phone: (269) 276-3252 Email: [email protected] Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ahmad Jrade Phone: (269) 276-3203 Email: [email protected] Student President: John Hannich Email: [email protected] Computer Science

Institute of Transportation Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jun-Seok Oh Phone: (269) 276-3216 Email: [email protected] Student President: Allison Porrett Email: [email protected]

Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computer Science Honorary Society) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mark Kerstetter Phone: (269) 276-3110 Email: [email protected]

Red Button Games Faculty Advisor: Dr. Karlis Kaugars Phone: (269) 276-3276 Email: [email protected] Student President: Daniel Frandsen Email: [email protected]

Electrical/Computer Engineering Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Student Chapter) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Johnson Asumadu Phone: (269) 276-3147 Email: [email protected] Student President: James Truszkowski Email: [email protected]

Eta Kappa Nu (Honor Society for Electrical and Computer Engineers) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ralph Tanner Phone: (269) 276-3162 Email: [email protected] Student President: Kieth Kurdziel Email: [email protected]

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Alpha Pi Mu (Industrial Engineering Honorary Society) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bob White Phone: (269) 276-3379 Email: [email protected] Student President: Yenni Chen Email: [email protected]

American Society for Eng. Mgt. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Larry Mallak Phone: (269) 276-3369 Email: [email protected] Student President: Steven Srivastava Email: [email protected]

Tau Alpha Pi (Engineering Technology Honorary Society) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Alamgir Choudhury Phone: (269) 276-3357 Email: [email protected] Student President: Jordan Kimble Email: [email protected]

Society of Manufacturing Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Betsy Aller Phone: (269) 276-3354 Email: [email protected] Student President: Madeline McAuley Email: [email protected]

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IME Continued Epsilon Mu Eta (Eng. Management Honor Society) Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Lyth Email: [email protected] Phone: (269) 276-3368 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Larry Mallak Email: [email protected] Phone: (269) 276-3369 Student President: Josh Wiese Email: [email protected] American Foundry Society Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sam Ramrattan Phone: (269) 276-3373 Email: [email protected] Student President: Jason Klein Email: [email protected]

Society of Plastics Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Paul Engelmann Phone: (269) 276-3350 Email: [email protected] Student President: Joe Mydosh Email: [email protected] Institute of Industrial Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Butt Phone: (269) 276-3356 Email: [email protected] Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tycho Fredericks Phone: (269) 276-3360 Email: [email protected] Student President: Yenni Chen Email: [email protected]

Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Eng. Honorary Society) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Koorosh Naghshineh Phone: (269) 276-3431 Email: [email protected] Student President: Jay Pliskow Email: [email protected]

American Society of Heating, Refrig. and Air Conditioning Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ho Sung Lee Phone: (269) 276-3429 Email: [email protected] Student President: Shedrick Harrell Email: [email protected]

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kapseong Ro Phone: (269) 276-3412 Email: [email protected] Student President: Alexander Satonik Email: [email protected]

American Society of Mechanical Eng. Faculty: Dr. Muralidhar Ghantasala Phone: (269) 276-3388 Email: [email protected] Student President: Shedrick Harrell Email: [email protected]

Rocket Society Faculty Advisor: Dr. Frank Severance Phone: (269) 276-3161 Email: [email protected] Student President: Aaron Williams Email: [email protected]

Visit the STEP web site to get more information on CEAS student organizations. www.wmich.edu/step/rso

Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, & Imaging T’sai Lun (Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry) Faculty Advisor: Dr. John Cameron Phone: (269) 276-3508 Email: [email protected] Student President: Andrew Loveland Email: [email protected]

Graphic Arts Society Faculty Advisor: Mr. Larry Ahleman Phone: (269) 276-3506 Email: [email protected] Student President: Michael Doyle Email: [email protected]

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Student Organizations Paper Eng, Chemical Eng, & Imaging Continued American Institute of Chemical Eng. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peter Parker Phone: (269) 276-3519 Email: [email protected] Student President: Chase Bouman Email: [email protected]

Technical Assoc. of the Graphic Arts Faculty: Alexandra Pekarovicova Phone: (269) 276-3521 Email: [email protected] Student President: James Atkinson Email: [email protected]

Interdisciplinary Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Damon A. Miller Phone: (269) 276-3158 Email: [email protected] Student Pres: Krisana Gutierrez Email: [email protected]

Computer Club Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert Trenary Phone: (269) 276-3110 Email: [email protected] Student President: Greg Ferrell Email: [email protected]

National Society of Black Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Edmund Tsang Phone: (269) 276-3249 Email: [email protected] Student President: Torri Garland Email: [email protected]

Society of Automotive Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Claudia Fajardo Phone: (269) 276-3434 Email: [email protected] Student President: Sarah Gerbig Email: [email protected]

Society of Women Engineers Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ikhlas Abdel-Qader Phone: (269) 276-3146 Email: [email protected] Student President: Allison Porrett Email: [email protected]

Sunseeker (Solar Car Racing Team) Faculty Advisor: Mr. Abraham Poot Phone: (269) 276-3372 Email: [email protected] Student President: Nicholas Killoran Email: [email protected]

Theta Tau (Professional Eng. Fraternity) Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dennis VandenBrink Phone: (269) 276-3440 Email: [email protected] Student President: Tim Gaston Email: [email protected]

Engineers without Borders Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tom Joyce Email: [email protected] Phone: (269) 276-3515 Student President: William McCabe Email: [email protected]

Biological Sciences Health Professional Society Faculty Advisor: Tammi Roberts Phone: (269) 387-4366 Email: [email protected] Chemistry American Chemical Society Faculty Advisor: Donald Schrieber Phone: (269) 387-2856 Email: [email protected]

The Bio Club Faculty Advisor: Dr. Todd Barkman Phone: (269) 387-5610 Email: [email protected] Student President: Katie Lynn Walkowiak Email: [email protected]

Visit the STEP-RSO web site to get the full list of WMU student organizations. www.wmich.edu/step/rso

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How is college different than high school? College is voluntary and expensive. View college as YOUR JOB. You manage your own time. You must decide which activities fit into your schedule. Your goal is to graduate from college. You balance your responsibilities. Take control of your education and your life. You must choose your classes and know the requirements for your major/college. See an advisor every semester. Classes run for 15 weeks. Always attend classes. A lot of material is covered in one day. You need to study 2-3 hours for every hour in class. Plan study time into your daily schedule. Join study groups. It is up to you to understand the material. Use all resources available - such as tutors, study groups, office hours. Grades on tests and major papers often provide most of your grade. Keep up with readings and assignments to prepare for tests. Passing is typically C or 2.0. Make every assignment a priority. Professors expect you to utilize the syllabus for assignments and due dates. Keep all course syllabi, and refer to them regularly. A course may have only 2 or 3 tests in a semester. You’re responsible for organizing the materials to prepare for a test. Exam questions may not look like homework assignments. Learn and study the concepts so that you can apply them on the tests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Why should I see an advisor? The advisor is here to help you get the right courses at the right time so you can make quick progress through your chosen field. This includes not only the courses specific to your field, but also those necessary to meet other WMU requirements, such as general education. In addition, the advisor also helps with career advice and can provide recommendations and pointers for other services that WMU provides, such as the study skills and counselling. When should I see an advisor? At least once a semester, usually just prior to registration for the next term. You will need to meet with an advisor in the Spring to help plan your schedule for Fall ’10. You should also see your advisor whenever you have academic questions or concerns. How do I make an appointment to see my advisor? Call the Engineering Advising Office at (269) 276-3270 or stop by E-120 at the Parkview Campus to set up an appointment. Check with the Advising Office to see if your advisor has “walk in” hours. If your advisor’s hours conflict with your schedule you can contact (e-mail, phone) him or her to set up a special appointment. What happens if my Grade Point Average (GPA) for Fall Semester is below 2.0? You will be placed on Probation whenever your overall GPA falls below 2.0. If you work hard and your combined Fall and Spring GPA (the overall GPA) is 2.0 or higher, you will be back on good academic standing. You will be placed on Extended Probation if your GPA for Spring Semester is 2.0 or above but the overall GPA is still below 2.0. You will be dismissed if your Spring Semester GPA is also below 2.0. In any of these cases you should see your advisor immediately! WMU has a policy that existing grades are replaced by the most recent course grade so it is possible to replace poor performance in a course by retaking it and doing well. Work with your advisor to adjust your schedule to help improve your GPA as quickly as possible. Can I retake a course I didn’t pass at a community college? Yes, but be aware that grades from other institutions don’t affect your GPA at WMU. If you failed a prerequisite course you can take the equivalent course at a community college (be sure to ask your advisor for the correct course you should take at the community college and get the grade transferred) and proceed to the succeeding course. Your original grade remains on your transcript and is included in your GPA computation. What if I am struggling with a course and don’t think I can pass it? September 14 is the last day you can drop classes without financial or academic penalty. November 9 is the last day you can withdraw from a course using GoWMU. After the withdrawal deadline, special rules apply. In any case, you should consult your academic advisor before dropping a class! Important things to note about dropping a course: * If the class you intend to drop is a co-recquisite for another class, you may be required to drop the co-recquisite too. * If you drop a class that is required in your curriculum, you may not be able to take succeeding courses, thus delaying your progress.

What if I am enrolled in less than 12 credit hours at WMU? To have full-time student status at WMU, you must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours (or 6 hours in Summer I or II). In addition to affecting tuition, student status can also impact financial aid, medical insurance, car insurance and other items. Some financial aid and insurance programs require you to be a full time student at to receive their services. It is your responsibility to check these items.

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Notes

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