Engineering opportunity fair creates connection for freshmen

On September 30, the Auburn Science and Engineering Center bridge was packed with freshmen for the first ever College of Engineering and Polymer Science’s Opportunity Fair. Over 240 students were in attendance. The fair was open to students from all majors.

“Now that students have started to settle into their semester, we wanted to show them ways to get involved on campus with our awesome student groups, researchers, and co-op program,” says Dr. Julie Zhao, a member of the College’s task force focused on first year retention. “Our student retention initiatives help students stay in school and ensure they have an incredible experience while they are here.”

Dr. Greg Morscher discussing research opportunities available in the Materials for Extreme Environments lab.

On-site were representatives from 21 student organizations and teams, eight research labs, and the co-op program.

“We recruited 30 new members in one afternoon,” said Ray Hilbert, team captain for UA’s Zips Racing combustion team.

The Opportunity Fair is one of the College’s student retention activities. Others, such as the Zips Engineered for Success program (ZEFS) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, create community and help students see their full potential.

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• Support resources available in our Resource and Success Center
• New program to support engineering freshmen

Story by Kelly Bray.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.